Step Inside Lancashire's Historic Houses

Lancashire

Uncover Lancashire’s turbulent religious history via ghostly tales, priest holes, sacred relics, castle cells and holy buildings.

Uncover 500 year old tales at the fine Tudor Rufford Old Hall with its fantastic arms, armour and tapestries and the carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500s. Stay nearby at Cross Farm Holiday Cottages.

Samlesbury Hall, near Preston is famed for its ghostly white lady, priest holes and religious relics dating back to the reformation, extend your stay with a break at The Millstone at Mellor. Witness the effects of the reformation with a visit to the ruined, but deeply atmospheric, Abbeys at Whalley and Sawley and at Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum in Burnley you’ll see the beautiful Whalley Abbey Vestments which were hidden and preserved by the family during this turbulent time.

The imposing Stonyhurst College in Hurst Green, holds the largest collection of religious relics in Britain. Guided tours and open days give visitors the chance to view the collection. Stay at the nearby Red Pump Inn.

Lancaster Castle’s dark history includes the 1612 Lancashire Witch Trials which saw many so-called witches convicted and hung. Other spiritual places in Lancashire include Pendle Hill, where George Fox was inspired to found the Quakers. 

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Stonyhurst CollegeStonyhurst College © Visit Lancashire
Samlesbury HallSamlesbury Hall © Visit Lancashire
Towneley HallTowneley Hall, Burnley © Visit Lancashire
Whalley AbbeyWhalley Abbey © Visit Lancashire
Lancaster CastleLancaster Castle © Visit Lancashire

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