Abberley Hall tour

Grade II* Abberley Hall has been described by English Heritage as one of the finest remaining examples of a Victorian country house. 

Its history can be traced back to the medieval period but the current house was built by Samuel Daukes in 1845. Forty years later James Lamb of Manchester was employed to refashion the interiors for owner, John Joseph Jones, an Oldham cotton magnate, and much of his furniture and décor remains to this day. Other features include a chapel and a theatre, which is decorated with murals depicting rural Worcestershire life and said to be one of the earliest examples of its type. The house remained in the Jones family until it was sold complete in 1916 for £10,000 to the headmaster of Lindisfarne School. He was looking to relocate from Kent, to escape the Zeppelin raids, and that is when Abberley Hall became the home of an independent school, which remains to this day. As the school has expanded down the hill, the historic house and grounds have remained largely intact and are surprisingly well preserved.

The clock tower at Abberley Hall

Features of the grounds include the clock tower, a water garden and balustrade, walled garden, ice house, and lime kilns. The clock tower, also built in the 1880s, can be seen from miles around and has become an iconic feature of both the estate and the Worcestershire countryside. Visitors can climb up to the top of the tower and see seven counties on a clear day. The oriel room on the tower’s second floor has beautiful stained-glass windows and glazed tiles around the fireplace decorated with the initials of John Joseph Jones who commissioned the building. It houses one of the earliest examples of a flushing water closet.

The visit will include the public rooms on the ground floor of the house, and all floors of the clock tower. Visitors are invited to spend time in the garden afterwards. The tour includes tea and cakes.

Guide Jo Roche has been closely connected with Abberley Hall as a parent and governor for more than 20 years and has researched extensively into the history of both the estate and the surrounding area. Newly appointed guide, Paul Crane is a former pupil of Abberley, Foundation Trustee, historian and published author.

What our visitors say: 
We had an excellent visit to Abberley Hall and Jo Roche was an entertaining guide. The climb to the top of Witley Tower was very well worth the effort.

Accessibility: No access for visitors using wheelchairs or walking aids. Please note that the grounds leading to the clock tower are steep and on grass. The clock tower itself has many steep, narrow stairs with a few areas of difficult passage due to the workings of the clock and bell cords - a degree of coordination and fitness is required.