English Heritage Gainsborough Old Hall Review
Gainsborough Old Hall
Lincolnshire
Reviewed by Nicola Wilson
“Fit for Royalty”
I have recently been to visit Gainsborough Old Hall with my family. Wow, I was amazed with how big the site actually is! A mansion fit for royalty! I would definitely recommend you put this site on your ‘to do’ list. This great English Heritage site is one of the best we have visited in Lincolnshire. I don’t know if you can tell but I really enjoyed this outing! I was very impressed with the detail and care taken in displaying the exhibitions and the quite of the majestic grounds. What a real gem! I was shocked at the peaceful atmosphere the Hall was able to create in the middle of a thriving busy town. It was a lovely day and there were many people enjoying ‘High Tea’ in the café indoors; as well as people enjoying picnics outside. The staff were very welcoming and were insistent that you don’t need to pay an entrance fee to enjoy the café or the grounds. The café had a variety of lunch items, cakes and teas/coffees. My children were engrossed in the iGuides. The guides are extremely ‘kid friendly’ and interactive. The information on the displays were clear and delivered in a way that was fun and helped the children learn. The guides showed video clips of the individual rooms all in touch screen (which also have visual aids in sign language). These were some of the best guides I have come across while visiting ‘English Heritage’ and they were all free with the admission price.
Gainsborough Old Hall is a Medieval Mansion that was owned by the Burgh Family and was visited by many royal guests including King Henry VIII. It was easy to see that Gainsborough Old Hall is steeped in history and English Heritage have preserved it perfectly. They have many types of exhibitions that really interested the children. The children enjoyed looking round the large kitchen and larders. The kitchen impractically; had mock food stations amongst many other displays to look at. Each room is historically dressed and had many artefacts and displays which all had a place. We were able to explore ‘The Hall’ with confidence; finding room upon room. The first floor had detailed exhibition on the Great War. I was practically interested in the personal artefacts that you were able to get up close too. I also am interested in photography and I was able to take some really interesting pictures of the Hall’s architecture, grounds and the Lincolnshire countryside from the top of the tower.
Gainsborough Old Hall is situated close to Gainsborough town centre and across the road from a beautiful COE church. There is free parking for 1 hour directly outside. There is also a very large car park is only a stone’s throw away. In the Hall itself there are many resting points in areas of the tour if you get tired and want a sit down but there is no disable access.
I was impressed with the amount of knowledge from the assistant on the front desk. While we were there he helped a couple; who wished to prolong their nice day with a river walk and he took the time to help. The assistant pointed out to us the up and coming events at Gainsborough Old Hall. He recommended that ‘The Arrival’ event would be ideal for the kids. With period actors and crafts and archery. It sounded interesting and we plan to return to join in. Overall, the Hall was well restored and had beautiful surrounding gardens. I was drawn to Gainsborough Old Hall’s instant relaxing atmosphere. The internet site is not helpful, the map indicates the local supermarket not Gainsborough Old Hall However, the Hall itself was very easy to find without a satnav. I give this English Heritage site 5 out of 5.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost: Adult £7, Children £4.20, Family £18.20
For more information visit www.gainsborougholdhall.com.
Gainsborough Old Hall, Parnell Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2NB
