Oakwell Hall and Country Park

Description

Oakwell Hall was built by John Batt in 1583 and is now furnished as the Batt family home in the 1690s. Thanks to only minor alterations over the years and a fine collection of period furniture, the Hall offers visitors a real insight into a post English Civil War household. Pass by the magnificent fire-place, and visit the Great Parlour Chamber with its scumbled walls. Upstairs you can see the family Bible Box, and the beautiful quilt and bed hangings stitched by the Oakwell Broiderers. Imagine John Batt working on the estate's accounts in the small study, or imagine the hustle and bustle of the kitchen with its wonderful charcoal stove. Charlotte Brontë was so inspired by the house during her visits in the 19th century that she featured it as "Fieldhead" in her classic novel Shirley. The restored gardens are well worth a visit, and over 100 acres of Green Flag award winning country park include a visitor centre, gift shop, café, nature trail, picnic sites and a playground designed for children of all abilities. The park is open 24 hours a day and it is free to park and visit. Access to the Hall is also free of charge.