The 1620s House & Garden is a place of tranquility, allowing visitors to take a step back in time to explore the early 17th century house and its gardens and see how people lived 400 years ago. There are furnished rooms where you can handle objects and talk to the team of volunteers to discover what life was like in the 1620s.
Where is The 1620s House and Garden located?
The 1620s House & Garden is located between the villages of Donington le Heath and Hugglescote, not far from the North West Leicestershire towns of Coalville and Ashby de la Zouch. It is easily found by following the signposts on the A511 which in turn has junctions off both the M1 and M42/A42.
Details on what activities are available at The 1620s House and Garden?
Visitors to the 1620s House & Garden, which was built in the 13th century and modernised in 1618, can learn about the many families who have lived at the house during its 700-year history. This included the Digby family, who lived in the house for more than 200 years and has associations to the Gunpowder Plotter Sir Everard Digby. The house is set in beautiful, 17th century styled gardens with labelled plants and flowers, an orchard, herb gardens and small maze for children. There is a tea room serving freshly prepared food, with a reputation for fantastic cakes. The tea room serves light refreshments and includes a small gift shop. The site offers a varied events programme including living history themed weekends and activities aimed specifically at children.
Things to do in the local area?
Nearby lies the historic market town of Ashby de la Zouch with its castle and gardens (English Heritage), a daily in indoor market, a number of selective independent shops, tea rooms and cafes as well as a library and museum and small theatre. The former mining town of Coalville is also nearby where you will find the Snibston Colliery Country Park and Century Theatre. The National Forest is also on the doorstep where a wealth of outdoor activities including walking and cycling trails and caravan and camping accommodation can be found. There are a number of other attractions a little further afield including Conkers, Twycross Zoo and Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park.
Other Information
Individual and family entry tickets are valid for 12 months (Annual Pass) from the date of purchase. These can reduce the cost of returning for admission to themed event days when the house is open to the public (annual pass holders pay just a small additional charge, which is normally made to all visitors for these days). The ground floor of the 1620s House & Gardens are fully accessible and a interactive tablet showing a photographic gallery and description of the first floor rooms is available for visitors who cannot use the narrow staircase.
