Welcome to the valley of the sheep – schep dene – the home of the Lister family for over 300 years. Shibden Hall was the home of the noted 19th century diarist Anne Lister. The Hall, dating originally from circa 1420, is a distinctive half-timbered building furnished in the styles of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, adapted and extended throughout the centuries by the families who lived here.
An important 17th century aisled barn houses a folk museum, with a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, while in the outhouses is a collection of 19th century craft tools relating to rural industries and examples of traditional trades and crafts.
Shibden Hall is set in a 32 hectares of informal park and woodland. Explore the beautifully restored historic grounds which offer cascades, pools, tunnels, terraced and fruit gardens and “Paisley Shawl” inspired Victorian bedding designs by Joshua Major. Enjoy the boating lake, ride on the miniature railway, play on the pitch and putt course or the new children’s play area -suitable for all abilities. The grounds also offer footpaths, an orienteering course and a permanent dry stone walling exhibition – a fine example of this fascinating craft.
The Shibden Mereside cafe and visitor centre is the perfect place to relax on your visit, with displays and information about the history of Shibden Estate, its habitat, landscape and environment. Function rooms are also available for you to hold your conferences, meetings and events in style.
Shibden Estate also hosts live entertainment, music, walks, guided tours, storytelling and craft events in the park. Craft fairs, exhibitions, workshops and working demonstrations take place regularly throughout the year.