Opening Times

Opening times for guided visits and booked groups is usually from 11.00 until 17:00 hours but evening visits can also be arranged. Educational Workshops usually run between 10:00 and 12:00 or 13:00 and 15:00. Full day sessions are also available.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Set in over 2,000 acres, Smithills Hall is one of the oldest and best preserved manor houses in the North West. Dating back to the 14th century, the hall brings to life the changing face of a great house, with stunning examples of medieval, Tudor and Victorian architecture, decoration and furniture. Groups wishing to be led on guided tours are welcome by appointment and workshops linked to the National Curriculum for schools are offered.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Tudor Celebration and Victorian Experience

What are the activities?

Tudor Celebration - Be transformed into Tudors and re-enact a traditional Tudor feast.

Victorian Experience - Become a Victorian servant and experience life at Smithills Hall.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

All materials will be provided.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Each workshop is available for a maximum number of 35 children. A minimum of 4 adults per class must accompany all Primary school groups. A minimum of 2 adults must accompany all Secondary groups.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

A risk assessment for school visits has been completed by Bolton Museum and Archive Service. A copy is available on request.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Access
Ramps are available at Smithills to enable wheelchair access to the majority of the ground floor of the hall. Please advise us when making a booking if anyone in your group requires the use of the ramps so that we can ensure a member of staff is available.

Cloakroom
Coats and bags can be left in the education room at Smithills Hall.

Eating Facilities
You are advised to bring packed lunches if intending to stay over lunchtime. A lunch room is available for schools to use. There is ample space outdoors for picnics when the weather is good. A small selection of drinks, crisps and confectionery are available in the Smithills Hall shop.

Toilets
Female and Male toilets are available. A disabled toilet is also available.

Shop
Smithills Hall has a small shop selling a range of items costing between 35p and £2.00. If pupils would like to use the shop please advise us when you make your booking.

Parking
Groups can be dropped off at the gate to Smithill Hall and coach parking is available in the car park above Smithills Coaching House.

Is specific clothing required?

No

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes