Pitchford Hall, Shropshire

Described as Britain’s finest half-timbered house, Pitchford Hall was owned by the Colthurst family for more than 500 years before being sold in 1992. Now on the ‘at Risk’ register, the house has been bought back by Rowena Colthurst and her husband, who are embarking on the massive task of saving it, following 25 years of neglect. The house is named after a natural pitch well in the grounds. Prince Rupert hid from the Roundheads in the priest-hole here during the Civil War and Princess (later Queen) Victoria played in the Tudor-style treehouse. The ‘restoration’ tours will include the main rooms on the ground floor, the priest-hole room and the Princess Victoria's bedroom.

Treehouse at Pitchford Hall where Queen Victoria played as a girl

The tour includes the main rooms on the ground floor including the great hall and drawing room. Also the Priest Hole Room and Princess Victoria Room. We sometimes include the Victorian kitchen, unrestored Victorian wing and the General’s Quarters (west wing) and the attic in the tour. Tea and cakes will be served in the great hall, old library or on the lawn.

Tickets £25 including tea and cakes