Hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside – between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove, and just a short drive from Birmingham – the Grade I listed Harvington Hall is a unique picturesque Elizabethan moated manor.
Built on the site of an earlier medieval building, and reflecting an era of great religious persecution and upheaval, the 16th century manor is home to the UK’s finest collection of priest hides (also known as priest holes). With seven in total, these dark cramped hidden spaces are buried within the property, cunningly constructed into fireplaces, attics and staircases. Designed to conceal individuals from devious Tudor ‘priest-hunters’, several are the work of the celebrated craftsman Nicholas Owen (now renowned as the Patron Saint of Illusionists).
In addition, the hall is also home to an impressive significant number of decorative Elizabethan wall paintings, which have recently undergone conservation.
With both guided and self-guided tours available, the Tudor hall has also announced an exciting Events programme, running throughout the year.
Highlights include immersive evening experiences drawing on stories of courageous Elizabethan women (Faith and Fear, Feb 20-21, 27-28) and the infamous Gunpowder Plot (Oct 23-24, 30-31, Nov 5-6), which has strong links to the hall; school holiday activities and trails for all ages, including Family Friendly Tours (beginning February half-term); a traditional fun-filled Summer Garden Party (Aug 15-16); and three Artisan Markets (Mar 28, Jun 27, Sep 19) showcasing some of the best makers and small businesses from the region.
Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre will also be presenting an outdoor performance of playwright Oliver Goldsmith’s enduring 18th century comedy She Stoops To Conquer (Jul 4-5), while the Harvington History Festival is also set to return after a sell out 2025 (Jul 22-25 – line-up to be announced).
Phil Downing, Harvington Hall’s Manager, said: “We can’t wait to open Harvington Hall in 2026, offering visitors lots to discover and experience Elizabethan history in new and engaging ways – plus some events never seen before at the Hall.”
Harvington Hall, Harvington, nr Kidderminster, is open Wednesday to Sunday from Saturday 14 February 2026 (and Saturday/Sunday from 7 November to 20 December 2026), plus daily during school holidays. 10.30am-4pm. For tickets and more information, see: www.harvingtonhall.co.uk
LISTINGS
Harvington Hall
Harvington Hall Lane, Harvington, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4LR
Tel: 01562 777846
Web: www.harvingtonhall.co.uk
Opening Times 2026
Saturday 14 February to Sunday 1 November 2026: Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am-4pm
All School Holidays: open daily 10.30am-4pm
Open Bank Holiday Mondays
Closed Good Friday (3 April 2026) and Sunday 6 September 2026
Saturday 7 November to Sunday 20 December 2026: Saturday and Sunday 10.30am-4pm
Admission
Adult £13.50
Senior 65+ £12.50
Child (5-16yrs) £7.50
Family (2x Adult, 2x Child) £34.50; (2x Adult; 3x Child) £38.25
Under 5 Free
Historic House members Free. National Art Fund members 50% off entry.
NB. Event Prices vary – see website for details.
Parking: Free
Disabled access to ground floor of Hall, Coffee Shop and Garden only.
Social Media
www.facebook.com/Harvington/
x.com/HallHarvington
www.instagram.com/harvington_hall_official_/
www.threads.net/@harvington_hall_official_
www.youtube.com/@harvingtonhall5576
Hashtag: #harvingtonhall
The Malt House Coffee Shop
Open 10am-4.30pm (during open days)
For bookings and more information, see: www.malthouseharvingtonhall.co.uk
ABOUT HARVINGTON HALL
A house of near untouched beauty hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside.
Harvington’s history-rich interior holds enthralling tales of devotion and Catholic persecution.
There are no less than seven priest hides here (more than any other house in England), as well as an impressive collection of rare Elizabethan wall paintings and many more historical tales.
Regularly featured on TV, the hall has recently appeared in such series as Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out (Channel 5), Rich Times, Poor Times with Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman (Channel 5), Inside The Factory (BBC), Phil Spencer’s History of Britain in 100 Houses (Channel 4), Royal History’s Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley (BBC), Antiques Road Trip (BBC) and The Gunpowder Plot: Countdown to Treason, with Tracy Borman (Channel 5).
2026 EVENTS PROGRAMME
Feb 14-22 Half-Term Trail (10.30am-4pm)
Follow the self-guided trail around the hall and grounds. Suitable for ages 5+
Feb 20-21, Feb 27-28 Faith & Fear (evening)
Immersive experience drawing on real stories of 16th century women who stood their ground in a world of danger and secrecy
Mar 28 Artisan Market (10.30am-3pm)
Showcasing unique handmade crafts, gifts and delicious treats produced by local makers.
Mar 28-Apr 12 Easter Holidays Trail
Follow the self-guided Easter-themed trail around the hall and grounds. Suitable for ages 5+
May 23-31 Family Friendly Tours (1.30pm)
Summer mid-term holiday tours, suitable for ages 5+
Jun 13-14 Elizabethan Living History (10.30am-4pm)
Immerse yourselves in the history of the past.
Jun 27 Artisan Market (10am-3pm)
Showcasing unique handmade crafts, gifts and delicious treats produced by local makers.
Jul 4-5 The Crescent Theatre: She Stoops To Conquer (evening)
Enjoy an outdoor theatrical performance in the hall’s North Garden.
Jul 22-26 Harvington History Festival 2026
Giving unique insight into the past. Featuring best-selling authors, leading academics, special guests and more.
Jul 28-Aug 31 Family Friendly Tours (1.30pm)
Summer holiday tours, suitable for ages 5+.
Aug 15-16 Summer Garden Party
A traditional garden party with puppet shows, games, Maypole dancing and more
Sep 19 Artisan Market (10am-4pm)
Showcasing unique handmade crafts, gifts and delicious treats produced by local makers.
Sep 25-26, Oct 2-3 Guided By Shadows Tour (evening)
Themed tour.
Oct 23-24, Oct 30-31, Nov 5-6 The Gunpowder Plot (evening)
Witness history’s most explosive conspiracy come to life in this thrilling immersive experience
Oct 24-Nov 1 Half-Term Activities (10.30m-3pm)
Family activities themed around The Gunpowder Plot. Suitable for ages 5+.
Nov 27-28, Dec 4-5 Candlelight Tours (evening)
Enjoy an atmospheric guided tour of the hall by candlelight.
Dec 19-20 An Elizabethan Christmas (10.30am-4pm)
Step back in time to glimpse Christmas from a bygone age.