Ordsall Hall: A Tudor Manor Steeped in History
Discover Ordsall Hall, a stunning Tudor manor in Salford where history, architecture, and culture come alive in a captivating urban oasis.
Ordsall Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor manor house in Salford, England, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Once the seat of the Radclyffe family for over 300 years, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into Tudor life through its beautifully preserved Great Hall, Star Chamber, and period rooms. Surrounded by restored gardens and historic features, the Hall serves as a museum and cultural venue, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution and local history.
A brief summary to Ordsall Hall
- 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford, M5 3AN, GB
- +441618720251
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Great Hall and Star Chamber to experience authentic Tudor architecture and historical interiors.
- Explore the gardens, including the Tudor knot garden and herb garden, for a peaceful outdoor experience.
- Check the schedule for temporary exhibitions and special events to enrich your visit.
- Use public transport like the tram to Exchange Quay or bus 33 for convenient access, especially if you prefer to avoid parking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Tram
Take the Metrolink tram to Exchange Quay station, then enjoy a 13-minute walk to Ordsall Hall. Trams run frequently from Manchester city center, with tickets costing approximately £3-£5.
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Bus
Bus number 33 from Chinatown stops on Oldfield Road, about a 15-minute walk from the Hall. Services run regularly during the day, with fares around £2-£3.
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Walking
A scenic 40-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station to Ordsall Hall takes you through urban neighborhoods. The route is mostly flat and accessible but may involve busy streets.
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Car
Onsite parking is available approximately 100 meters from the Hall entrance, including five blue badge bays. Parking may be limited, so plan accordingly. Charges vary depending on local regulations.
Ordsall Hall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ordsall Hall
Ancient Roots and Noble Legacy
Ordsall Hall first appeared in written records in 1177 as 'Ordeshala', evolving through the centuries into a significant manor house. The Radclyffe family acquired the estate in the mid-1300s, establishing their seat here for more than three centuries. Key developments include the construction of the Star Chamber in the 1360s and the impressive Great Hall built in 1512 by Sir Alexander Radclyffe, featuring an elaborate timber roof and a central hearth marked by a hexagon on the floor. The Hall's architecture reflects Tudor and Stuart styles, with later additions such as a brick west wing constructed in 1639.Architectural Highlights and Interior Features
The Great Hall stands as one of the largest and most decorative timber-framed halls in the North West of England. It boasts distinctive church-style windows and a roof structure that showcases the craftsmanship of its builders. The Star Chamber, the oldest part of the Hall, was historically used for business, meetings, and court petitions. The kitchen, dating from the 1630s, is set as if preparing for a Tudor wedding feast, complete with authentic Tudor furniture and interactive exhibits that bring the era to life. The Oriel Window, carved with a grapevine motif, and painted beams in the Great Chamber symbolize unity and fertility, adding layers of meaning to the Hall’s design.Evolution Through Time and Changing Uses
Over the centuries, Ordsall Hall has adapted to many roles beyond a noble residence. By the late 19th century, industrialization engulfed the once rural estate, and the Hall became a Working Men’s Club for nearby mill workers, featuring a gymnasium, billiards, and a bowling green. In the early 20th century, it was converted into a clergy training school, with significant restoration led by architect Alfred Darbyshire, including rebuilding the south front. During World War II, the Hall served various wartime functions, including as a radio station and bomber detection center.Restoration and Modern-Day Experience
Purchased by Salford City Council in 1959, Ordsall Hall underwent extensive restoration to preserve its historical fabric. After a major refurbishment completed in 2011, the Hall reopened as a museum and cultural venue, offering free access to visitors. Exhibitions explore the lives of its past occupants, including the Radclyffe family and Pre-Raphaelite artist Frederic Shields, who lived and worked there in the 1870s. The surrounding gardens have been restored to reflect historical planting styles, featuring a Tudor knot garden, herb garden, and a World War One allotment.A Cultural and Educational Hub
Today, Ordsall Hall serves as a vibrant center for heritage and education. Its interactive displays, films, and hands-on activities engage visitors of all ages, revealing the social history and architectural significance of the Hall. The venue also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events, enriching the cultural landscape of Salford. The Hall’s location within an urban setting contrasts its tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city bustle.Significance and Preservation
As a Grade I listed building, Ordsall Hall is recognized for its exceptional architectural and historical value. The careful stewardship by Salford City Council and heritage organizations ensures the Hall remains a treasured landmark, preserving the legacy of the Radclyffe family and the region’s Tudor past. Its blend of medieval, Tudor, and later architectural elements, combined with its rich narrative, makes Ordsall Hall a unique window into England’s history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sky Hook Statue 1
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Salford Lads Club
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5 Sir Matt Busby Way
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LS Lowry birthplace
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Rochdale Canal Lock 92
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Bahnhof Manchester
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Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
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Roman Gardens
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Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
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Castlefield historical zone
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Friedrich Engels Statue
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Hotspur House
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Free Trade Hall
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Peterloo Massacre Monument
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Canada House, Manchester
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gnome Island
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The Quays Practice
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Salford Watersports Centre
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Urban watersports hub offering paddleboarding, kayaking, and year-round open water swimming on Salford Quays.
Salford Quays Community Gardens
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A peaceful community-driven garden oasis offering seasonal beauty and sustainable urban gardening in the heart of Salford Quays.
The Quays
1.0 km
Discover Salford’s vibrant waterfront with world-class arts, iconic museums, dynamic media hubs, and scenic leisure all within one lively square mile.
Salford quay’s
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Discover Salford Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with iconic culture, sport, shopping, and stunning architecture all within a walkable urban oasis.
Salford Riviera
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Salford Riviera: Where historic docks meet vibrant culture and scenic waterfront living in the heart of Salford Quays.
Quayside MediaCityUK
1.1 km
Waterside outlet shopping and family leisure in the heart of MediaCityUK’s regenerated Salford Quays waterfront.
Open Mural
1.1 km
Explore the Open Mural in Old Trafford, Manchester – an artistic gem showcasing vibrant local creativity and culture in a stunning outdoor setting.
Fortitude Mural
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A vibrant mural in Old Trafford symbolizing Manchester’s enduring spirit, unity, and rich industrial heritage.
Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
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Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.
Manchester United
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Experience the legendary 'Theatre of Dreams,' home to Manchester United since 1910, where football history and passion come alive.
Old Trafford
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Explore Old Trafford, the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams' and largest football club stadium in the UK, home to Manchester United's legendary legacy.
Pier Eight Restaurant
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The Lowry
1.2 km
A dynamic cultural landmark in Salford Quays, The Lowry offers world-class theatre, galleries, and vibrant arts experiences on Manchester’s waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Quay House Beefeater
0.7 km
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Bella Italia - Salford Quays
1.1 km
Casual Italian dining with diverse menu options in Manchester’s vibrant Salford Quays waterfront setting.
Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk
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Turtle Bay Salford Quays
1.1 km
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Unagi
1.1 km
Experience the North West’s largest sushi bar with vibrant pan-Asian street food, crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at MediaCityUK’s Unagi.
Lime
1.1 km
Savor grilled delights and Asian fusion by Salford Quays' waterfront, where relaxed lunches flow into lively nights in a spacious, vibrant venue.
Nando's Salford Quays
1.2 km
Savor flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a lively, accessible setting at Nando's Salford Quays, where Portuguese and South African flavors meet Manchester’s vibrant quayside.
The Banyan Tree
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The Alchemist MediaCity UK
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Experience innovative cocktails and global cuisine in a striking futuristic setting overlooking Salford’s historic quays at MediaCity UK.
The Botanist Media City
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A botanical-themed restaurant and bar in MediaCityUK offering creative cocktails, hanging kebabs, live music, and striking Salford Quays views.
Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
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Dukes 92
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Dom's Italia
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
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Don Marco
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Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SPAR Salford Quays
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The Sweet Emporium
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M&S Outlet
1.1 km
Bargain-hunting haven in Salford Quays: M&S discounted fashion, homeware, and beauty amid MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
Flock and Gaggle
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Next Outlet
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Discounted designer fashion, homewares and shoes in Salford Quays' bustling MediaCityUK hub – style-savvy shopping with premium brands at outlet prices.
The Works
1.1 km
Unleash creativity at unbeatable prices: books, crafts, toys and more in Salford Quays' discount haven.
The Body Shop
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INFINITE RUNNING
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ItsFetch
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Deansgate Square General Store
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Curvilicious Clothing
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Branded Like A Boss
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Science and Industry Museum Shop
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Catch my Thrift
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TVSeriesJackets
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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11 Central
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Craftbrew
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Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City
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The Dockyard
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Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.
The Wharf
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Bar Eight
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Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
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Atlas Bar
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cask
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The Deansgate
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Lock 91
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Cloud 23
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The Blues Kitchen Manchester
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ark Manchester
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Popworld Manchester
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Royal Vida Night Club
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History Nightclub
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Bliss Club Manchester
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42's
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Venue Nightclub
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Viva Manchester
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Club Liv Manchester
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Kable
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Satans Hollow
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FAC251 - Factory Manchester
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Bijou Club
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Club Tropicana
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The Cockatoo Club
2.9 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
