Name: 1620s House & Garden
Rating: 5.0

1620s House & Garden

Manor Road, Donington le Heath, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 2FW, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

The 1620s House & Garden is a beautifully restored manor house in Donington le Heath, offering one of the best things to do with kids in North West Leicestershire. This unique heritage museum and historic site allows families to step back 400 years to discover how people lived during the Stuart period. It features period rooms, heritage orchards, and extensive gardens that bring history to life in a hands-on way.

Prices are very family-friendly, with adult tickets at £6.65 and children at £3.95, while infants under 3 go free. A great bonus is that these tickets are valid for a full year, allowing you to return for most standard event days without paying again.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh air with a bit of learning, this manor house is a top choice. It offers an educational day out with plenty of space for sensory play in the gardens and labyrinth. It is a peaceful yet engaging destination that makes history feel like an adventure for younger visitors.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

The Stone Parlour: A grand room that shows the wealth of the original owners, featuring heavy oak furniture and impressive stonework.
The Period Kitchen: Kids love seeing the huge hearth where all the cooking happened without modern appliances.
The Heritage Orchard: A beautiful outdoor space where you can see rare varieties of apples and pears that have been grown for centuries.
The Turf Labyrinth: A low-level maze in the garden that is perfect for younger children to run through and burn off energy.
The King’s Bedroom: Explore the upstairs chambers to see the elaborate beds and learn about 17th-century sleeping habits.
Wattle and Daub Display: A specific section showing how the house was built using ancient construction techniques.
Stuart Clothing Box: Usually available for children to try on hats and collars to see what they would have looked like 400 years ago.
The Bee Boles: Look for these unique stone niches in the garden walls where beehives were once kept.
Herb Garden: A sensory highlight where families can smell the different plants used for medicine and cooking in the 1600s.
The "Stuart Story" Trail: An updated interactive garden trail for 2026 that guides families through the grounds with hidden clues and puzzles.

Facilities

Barn Café: Serves light lunches, heritage-inspired cakes, and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Gift Shop: Features traditional toys, local honey, and history-themed books.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are located near the Barn Café and entrance area.
Buggy Access: While the gardens are mostly accessible, the upper floor of the house is only reachable via stairs.

What to see

Pro-Tips

Check the Event Calendar: The house hosts regular "living history" weekends where volunteers dress in period costumes.
Picnic Spots: There are several benches in the orchard and garden area if you prefer to bring your own lunch.
Year-Round Value: Since your ticket is an annual pass, save it in a safe place so you can return for the different seasons in the garden.

What Visitors Love

The Staff: Many parents mention how knowledgeable and friendly the volunteers are when explaining things to kids.
Space to Run: The gardens are enclosed and safe, allowing children to explore without parents worrying about traffic.
Hands-on History: Families appreciate that many items in the house can be explored closely rather than being hidden away.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited Indoor Space: On rainy days, the house can feel a bit small if there are many visitors inside at once.
Accessibility: The narrow, historic stairs can be a challenge for those with limited mobility or very young children.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £6.65
Concession (Senior (60+), Student and Disabled): £5.60
Child (3 – 15 inclusive): £3.95
Family of 1 Adult and 2 Children: £13.00
Family of 2 Adults and 2 Children: £20.00
Under 3s when accompanied by a carer: FREE
Accompanied Carer: FREE
One day admission to garden and tea room:* £2.50

Pricing URL: https://1620shouse.org.uk/visit/tickets-and-pricing/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The 1620s House & Garden does not offer standard children's party packages like a soft play centre, but they do host private events and group tours. For inquiries about private hire or unique celebrations, you can contact the team directly.

The House & Garden are open every Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10:30am – 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Tearoom is open 11am – 4pm.

Address: Manor Road, Donington le Heath, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 2FW, England

Post Code: LE67 2FW

Council: North West Leicester

County: Leicestershire

By Car: Located in Donington le Heath near Coalville. There is a large free car park on-site.
By Bus: Local buses run to Coalville from Leicester and Ashby; the house is a short walk or taxi ride from the town centre.
By Foot/Bike: Accessible via local lanes and cycle paths in North West Leicestershire.