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Lytham Hall was the home of the Clifton family for over 400 years. The present building designed by John Carr of York for Thomas Clifton, was built between 1752 and 1764 and is a spelndid example of Georgian architecture. The house sits in 80 acres of woodland parkland, the perfect setting for a day out. The Grounds The grounds of Lytham Hall are extensive and include a number of interesting features. The grounds and tearoom will be open to the public every Monday to Friday from Easter free of charge. The grounds, tearoom and house will be open on Sundays from Easter, when admission charges apply. (See our opening times for more detailed information). Please note that if you are intending to walk to the Hall from Lytham, the drive is three-quarters of a mile in length, with seating provided along the way. Notable is the grade II listed dovecote with 850 nesting boxes and a revolving ladder to aid the collection of eggs. The dovecote provided the house with a source of fresh meat during the winter. Nearby is a lily pond and boathouse. The stable block, also grade II, is probably of the 17th century with 18th, 19th and 20th century alterations.The Cliftons were keen racehorse owners and portraits of their favourites can be seen in the Hall. The mount, to the south of the Hall, was once used by the Cliftons, perhaps to provide a view of their racehorses in training, as well as containing a store which held ice taken from the nearby curtain pond. To the north east of the mount is a screen wall which once bordered the vegetable garden to the east and a path, known as the Monk's Walk, is to the immediate west. The wall, of red brick, dates variously from the 18th and 19th centuries. The attached cottage is of the late 1700s and the recently- restored privy, with arched window and two seats, is from the early 19th century. The main gatehouses were moved from the centre of Lytham to their present location in 1863 after the railway line to Blackpool was built. It is not known how much of the gatehouses are orginal. During late January and February, the Hall's grounds are inundated by snowdrops, and the eponymous walks provide popular days out for young and old alike. During the spring, daffodils, and rhododendrons, the latter a legacy of the ground cover designed for the Hall's game birds, are widespread. A variety of birds can be seen in and around the Hall's grounds at different times during the year, notably herons, pheasants, (including two 'Golden Pheasants') partridges and sparrowhawks.
The Hall About to undergo a £5.9m restoration project, the Hall will once again be open to the public on Sundays for tours from Easter 2012 until the end of October (see the Programme of Events page). The tour of Lytham Hall reflects the fine design of architect John Carr of York, who built the house in the Palladian style. It includes superb examples of Gillow furniture, family portraits and the opportunity to hear and learn about the colourful Clifton family. The tour also takes visitors through the family's rooms, Victorian billiard room and the rear courtyard.
Party Visits and Guided Tours Groups are welcome by arrangement all year (minimum of 20). Catering available.
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