New this spring at Boughton House

4th March, 2016

Boughton House is launching two new guided tours for spring, showcasing the spectacular highlights of the house known as the English Versailles.

Visitors to the Estate’s annual Easter opening will be the first to experience the new official Great Hall Tour, part of a brand new offering for 2016.

The tour takes visitors on an hour-long journey through The Buccleuch Art Collection, focusing on the House’s legendary paintings, tapestry, porcelain and textiles, culminating in the spectacular Great Hall. Ticket holders will also gain access to Boughton’s renowned Armoury.

A must for history buffs, the new State Room Tour can be booked as a stand-alone tour or add on package for those who want to delve deeper into Boughton’s thrilling history. The House’s five imposing State Rooms, which led King William III to commission the State Rooms in Hampton Court Palace, are sure to leave an impression.

For something a little different, the Books, Beds and Beyond Tour is back by popular demand and offers a 60-minute sneak peak at Boughton’s hidden gems, including the servants quarters, china store and the library.

Charles Lister, property manager at Boughton House, said: “With so many treasures to see here at Boughton House, we have created a comprehensive new offering for 2016, which will enable people to experience the very best of what the House has to offer within a day.

“So many of our guests  return to explore Boughton further, which is why the fascinating extended Bed, Books and Beyond Tour remains such a popular offer.

“In short, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s your first time at Boughton, or you’re a returning visitor looking to experience a new side to this wonderful historic house, and home of the Duke of Buccleuch.”

Boughton House and Gardens will open over Easter Weekend (26th-28th March). Guided House tours will begin at 1pm, with the last tour at 3.30pm.

The Great Hall Tour, plus entry to the Gardens and Armoury costs £10 for adults, £8 for children and £30 for families (2+2). Children under five go free.  The State Rooms tour is available for an extra £2.00 per person, while the Bed Books and Beyond Tour costs an additional £12.50 per person.

The Gardens will open between 12pm-5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Tickets cost £6 for adults, £3 for children and £14 for families (2+2). As an added bonus, Gardens tickets holders will also gain access to the Armoury.

For an early chance to see Boughton’s wonderful gardens, including the Grand Etang lake, reinstated in 2015, you can visit for one day only on Sunday 6 March between 11am-3pm in conjunction with the National Gardens Scheme. Standard Garden entrance prices apply, with funds from ticket sales supporting charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie.

Tickets for the special openings can be booked in advance by calling 01536 515 731 or purchased on a first come, first served basis at the kiosk on the day.