Samlesbury Hall
Have you visited Samlesbury Hall? It’s a free to visit historic house and grounds with a really great children’s play area too. It’s located in Lancashire, not far from Preston and Blackburn and it’s completely free to visit. Find more fantastic Family days out North West England here.
Where is Samlesbury Hall?
Samlesbury Hall is in Lancashire, between Preston and Blackburn. It’s not far from junction 31 of the M6.
The address is Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0UP.
There is a large, free car park.
Samlesbury Hall
The historic hall dates back to 1325 and is free to walk around. Donations are of course welcome.
On the ground floor the rooms you’ll find rooms like the Great Hall and the chapel where weddings still take place. These rooms are beautifully restored and decorated.
On the second floor there are more rooms to explore which are a little more relaxed in style and have toys for children and displays such as food from the Victorian Kitchen.
On the top floor are two haunted experience rooms which we didn’t spend time in but if you have older kids, they might enjoy these.
Samlesbury Hall grounds
There are beautiful gardens to wander around on all sides of the hall. There are plenty of bench to sit on too.
Behind the hall, near the former Wafflery, is a water fountain. This is great for kids as it is filled with ducks from hook a duck. There are hooks around that children can use to catch ducks. My kids had loads of fun doing this.
Samlesbury Hall playground
The playground at Samlesbury Hall is lovely. There is a replica of the historic house attached by rope bridge to a large wooden ship, complete with sales. There are areas to climb, slide and walk across and it so good for kids imaginations! We visited on a Sunday and my kids had it all to themselves!
There is also a trim trail for kids on the other side of the playground.
Where to eat at Samlesbury Hall
I’d heard great things about Dottie’s Wafflery at Samlesbury Hall but we were a few weeks too late to try it for ourselves. Sadly at the beginning of June 2025, Maria who ran the Wafflery for the past 18 years, passed away. She sounds like an amazing woman, who will be missed by the team and regular visitors. For now the Wafflery remains closed for the foreseeable future.
There is a beautiful cafe at the other end of the grounds from the historic hall. The Garden Room Eatery serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The cakes are delicious! Find the menu and book a table here – THE GARDEN ROOM EATERY – Samlesbury Hall
Picnics are not allowed on site. Since it is free to visit they rely on donations and profits from the cafe to support the upkeep.
Crazy golf at Samlesbury Hall
There is a small 9 hole crazy golf course next to the car park by the Garden Room Eatery. It might be small but it is colourful and filled with child-friendly golf challenges for kids.
At the time of writing a round of crazy golf for a family of 4 is £12.
Find out more here – Bluebird Golf
Samlesbury Hall facilities
There is plenty of free parking, a cafe and play area alongside the hall.
If you are looking for toilet facilities you will find some in the hall and some in the cafe.
Samlesbury Hall glamping
There is a really cute (and quite big) glamping area at Samlesbury Hall. They have shepherd’s huts that can sleep up to 4 people and digs are allowed too.
They have ensuite showers and central heating too. They all have outdoor seating and fire pits too.
Events at Samlesbury Hall
There are regular events throughout the year, many of them suitable for families. For example, there is a living history weekend in July, regular guided tours, Christmas fairs and don’t forget it’s a wedding venue too.
Our top tips for visiting Samlesbury Hall
- Parking and admission are free at Samlesbury Hall. You can stay as long as you like.
- Picnics are not allowed anywhere on site.
- Whilst the food in the cafe is very nice, it definitely isn’t cheap. Closing the Wafflery has definitely made it feel like a place to get ice cream is missing. I hope that in time an alternative opens up.
- The playground is great for kids and the hall is well worth a walk around.
- There are public toilets in the hall and cafe.
- Keep an eye on their website for family friendly events throughout the year.
Find current opening times, events and more here – Samlesbury Hall
Nearby places to visit
Samlesbury Hall is under 3 miles from Mrs Dowsons farm park.
A 10 minute drive away is Brockholes nature reserve.
More thing to do in Lancashire with kids
Find loads of place to enjoy ice cream here – Ice cream parlours Lancashire
Find loads of Pram friendly walks Lancashire here.
Find the best parks in Lancashire here.
