Northern Living - Days out and destinations - Crook Hall & GardensThe 13th century Grade I listed Medieval hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning gardens. Visitors from all over the world come to share in the timeless magic of Crook Hall and leave inspired by these idylic English theme gardens. Soak up the atmosphere over a home-made cream tea in the pretty courtyard or in front of a log fire in the Georgian dining room. The gardens are just a short walk from the city's bustling market place. Country Life described the Hall as having "history, romance and beauty", and its just waiting to capture your heart.

The Hall is a rare example of three eras of English domestic architecture; medieval, Jacobean and Georgian. The Medieval Hall was built around 1208 although the solar wing has long since disappeared. The Jacobean Mansion was built in 1671 and in 1720 the Hopper family built the Georgian House. The main hall was restored in the 1980s.The circular turret was an interesting late addition allowing the ancient wooden stairs to remain in place. The old stairs are now for the sole use of the White Lady,a niece of Cuthbert Billingham, who supposedly haunts the room. The history of the people who have lived here are varied but every single family has added their mark and have in their own way cherished the site and helped to pass it through the centuries so we can all enjoy it today.

The gardens all have their own history and their own personalities. Some have been here for centuries whilst others are rather more recent additions. We have tried to create and develop gardens for everyone to enjoy, gardens to inspire and gardens to remember.

Contact:
Keith and Maggie Bell
Crook Hall & Gardens,
Frankland Lane,
Sidegate,
Durham,
DH1 5SZ

Tel: 0191 384 8028
Fax: 0191 386 4521

www.crookhallgardens.co.uk