Unique Opportunity to Visit Apethorpe Hall

Don’t miss this opportunity to book a special guided tour of Apethorpe Hall, Northamptonshire, this summer before it is sold to a new owner.  You’ll see the results of a huge £4 million repair and restoration project as English Heritage specialists talk you through the history and significance of this stunning property.

Apethorpe Hall, near Oundle in a picturesque corner of Northamptonshire, is a Grade I listed house of exceptional    importance.  Dating from the late 15th century, it has entertained Tudor and Stuart royalty, notably Elizabeth I and James I.  Its state apartment suite rebuilt for James I’s “more commodious entertainment…and princely recreation.” still has one of the finest sets of Jacobean interiors of the period, with decorative plaster ceilings, fireplaces and panelling. 

The Hall had become one of the leading buildings at risk in the country after it had been abandoned to neglect and decay by its owner.  Following a compulsory purchase order English Heritage took over the site and started an ambitious £4 million programme of rescue works to save the building from total collapse. On completion of this repair programme in 2008, Apethorpe is now in a stable condition and English Heritage is looking to sell the property to a new purchaser who will restore it for use as a country house.

This summer's guided tours are a truely unique opportunity to see inside the Grade I listed Jacobean country house.

Dates: 28 May-30 August 2008; Wed & Sat
Tour Times:  tours leave at 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm, and 3pm
Duration: approximately 1 1/2 hours
Price: £7.50 per person (no concessions or group discounts available)

Booking: tours are available for groups and individuals and must be pre-booked by calling English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 333 1181.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Meals: The King’s Head pub at the gates of the Hall welcomes groups and serves lunch between 12pm and 2.30pm. Call 01780 470627 for bookings.

Important: Sensible footwear is advisable and the tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues or for children under 12.  There are no toilets on site but they can be found at the pub at the gates of the Hall, the King’s Head. The pub serves lunch between 12pm and 2.30pm and reservations can be made on 01780 470627.  Coach parking is available on site only up to 15 minutes before the tour begins.

For further details please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/apethorpehall