Downton of the North

 I appreciate we're all staying at home just now, but if you're looking for a day out when this is all over, I've got a suggestion for a little gem of a National Trust property that may have escaped your attention. Gawthorpe Hall is in the Borough of Burnley, in Lancashire, but its estate extends into Padiham. It has been named Downton of the North, as it looks a little bit like a mini version of the real building used in Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle. 

Before lockdown, I had to book a slot to visit and I will point out that the hall is only open for a few months of the year, so please check before making plans! It's worth arriving a little while before your slot time to explore the grounds. They're not huge, but it's lovely to have a little wander round the woods, which include a little lake. 

When I visited, Covid restrictions meant that visitors were limited, and it was almost like getting ap private tour of the house. The guides were very informative, and were full of interesting stories about the       

Kay-Shuttleworth family that own the house. 

The house is filled with interesting furniture, fireplaces and some paintings loaned from the National Portrait Gallery. Watch out for the grumpy mermaids...the guides will tell you about them if you don't find them yourself! 

There is also a beautiful collection of embroidery and textiles accumulated by Miss Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth. This isn't a huge National Trust property, so the visit will only take a couple of hours at the most, but it's a beautiful place with an interesting story, and lovely grounds to explore.