Little Moreton Hall: Cheshire’s Iconic Tudor Moated Manor
Discover the crooked charm and Tudor heritage of Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire’s iconic moated manor with captivating history and gardens.
Little Moreton Hall is a striking Tudor manor house near Congleton, Cheshire, renowned for its crooked timber-framed architecture and picturesque moat. Built between 1504 and 1610 by the prosperous Moreton family, it showcases distinctive higgledy-piggledy design, historic interiors, and beautifully restored Elizabethan gardens. Now a National Trust property, it offers immersive Tudor history with costumed guides, family activities, and charming tea rooms all year round.
A brief summary to National Trust - Little Moreton Hall
- Newcastle Rd, Congleton, CW12 4SD, GB
- +441260272018
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit between April and December when the house and gardens are open, and enjoy seasonal events like the Christmas 'Deck the Hall' weekends.
- Take advantage of National Trust membership for free entry and discounts at the tea rooms and shop.
- Join guided talks and meet costumed interpreters to deepen your understanding of Tudor life and the hall’s unique features.
- Explore the knot garden and look for wildlife around the moat, especially in spring when ducklings and moorhens are present.
- Be prepared for uneven floors and narrow staircases; powered mobility vehicles under 0.5m wide are allowed inside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Congleton town center takes about 15-20 minutes via A34. There is a free car park for visitors, but it is reserved for hall visitors only. Parking is limited during peak times and weekends.
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Bus
Local bus services run from Congleton to nearby stops within 2-3 km of Little Moreton Hall. From the bus stop, a 30-40 minute walk on rural roads with some uneven terrain is required. Services run hourly with limited weekend frequency. No direct public transport to the site.
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Taxi
Taxis from Congleton or nearby towns offer a flexible option, typically taking 10-15 minutes. Prices range from £10-£20 depending on distance and time of day.
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Walking
Walking from Congleton town center is possible but involves a 7 km route on country lanes and footpaths, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Terrain includes some uneven and narrow sections, not suitable for all visitors.
National Trust - Little Moreton 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 National Trust - Little Moreton Hall
A Remarkable Tudor Legacy in Cheshire
Little Moreton Hall stands as a captivating example of Tudor domestic architecture, built initially between 1504 and 1508 for William Moreton, a wealthy Cheshire landowner. Over the next century, the house grew in complexity with additions including the south wing and distinctive bay windows. Its timber-framed construction, with white infill panels and jettied upper floors, creates a whimsical, almost leaning appearance that has earned it the nickname “the crooked wonder.” Surrounded by a 10-metre wide moat, the hall’s setting enhances its fairy-tale charm. The Moreton family, who amassed wealth through land acquisitions after the Black Death and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, used the house as a statement of their status and prosperity.Architectural Quirks and Historic Interiors
The hall’s irregular angles and warped timbers are not structural flaws but a result of centuries of timber settling and the original construction style. Inside, visitors find a Great Hall with a gallery floor added in 1559, large bay windows, and a collection of Tudor-era painted murals, heraldic glass, and pewter objects that reflect the family’s heritage. The house also contains a rare domestic chapel that survived the Reformation largely intact, and rooms with fascinating features such as sliding floors and askew fireplaces. The Moreton family’s Royalist allegiance during the English Civil War led to financial decline, and by the late 17th century, the hall was rented to tenant farmers, which inadvertently helped preserve its historic fabric.Restoration and National Trust Stewardship
By the 19th century, the hall had fallen into disrepair, with boarded windows and a rotten roof. Elizabeth Moreton began restoration efforts in the late 1800s, and in 1938 the property was transferred to the National Trust by Bishop C. W. R. Abraham and his son. Since then, extensive repairs have preserved the hall’s unique character, including re-roofing and careful restoration of original features. The National Trust continues to maintain the property, offering visitors a glimpse into Tudor life through guided tours, costumed interpreters, and educational talks.Enchanting Gardens and Wildlife
The grounds feature a recreated Elizabethan knot garden, planted according to 17th-century designs, with herbs and vegetables that Tudors would have used for cooking and medicine. The moat is home to wildlife such as tufted ducks and moorhens, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Seasonal trails and family activities like the “Wandering Wolves” spotter challenge engage younger visitors. The gardens, open daily until the end of October, complement the historic experience with natural beauty and peaceful walks.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Little Moreton Hall offers a rich visitor experience with two tea rooms: the quaint Little Tea Room for casual refreshments and Mrs Dale’s Tea Room featuring table service and a cozy log-burning stove. A secondhand bookshop and a welcoming visitor center enhance the visit. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers provide lively talks and are happy to share insights about the hall’s history, architecture, and the protective marks carved into the wood to ward off evil spirits. The hall’s uneven floors and steep spiral staircases present accessibility challenges, but powered mobility vehicles with a maximum width of 0.5 meters can access the building.Timeless Charm and Cultural Heritage
This Grade I listed building and Scheduled Monument remains a treasured symbol of Tudor heritage in England. Its preservation by the National Trust ensures that Little Moreton Hall continues to enchant visitors with its quirky architecture, rich history, and scenic setting. Whether exploring the crooked rooms, strolling the moat, or enjoying a slice of cake in the tea rooms, visitors step back in time to experience the life and legacy of a remarkable English family and their extraordinary home.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Alton Towers
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Beeston Castle
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Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Astbury Mere Country Park
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A tranquil lakeside country park on the edge of the Peak District, perfect for gentle walks, wildlife watching, and family outings near Congleton.
Victoria Mill Antique & Collectors Centre
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National Trust - Biddulph Grange Garden
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Affinity Staffordshire
6.4 km
Discover unbeatable deals and top brands at Affinity Staffordshire, Talke Pits’ premier outlet shopping destination with free parking and Wi-Fi.
Eleven
7.0 km
Intimate live music venue in Stoke-on-Trent with top-tier sound, friendly atmosphere, and a strong focus on rock and tribute bands.
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve
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Sandbach Crosses
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Sprinks Farm
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Westport Lake Visitor Centre
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Ford Green Hall
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Middleport Pottery
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Apedale Community Country Park
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Apple Tree Town
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Essential places to dine
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La Popote Restaurant
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The Yellow Broom Restaurant
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The Stafford Arms
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Ostler Restaurant
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Marloes Restaurant
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The Potters Club
14.0 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Stoke-on-Trent’s distinguished Potters Club.
Academy Restaurant
14.2 km
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the QUARTER at Potbank
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85 Secret Garden
14.3 km
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Orange Tree Bar and Grill
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Bells of Peover
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Dun Cow
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Bacchus Restaurant & Champagne Bar
19.2 km
Prestbury’s refined modern British dining with French flair, known for quality Sunday lunches and attentive service in a chic village setting.
Lunar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Sign of the Times Antiques ltd
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Festival Heights Retail Park
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The Potteries Centre
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Roebuck Shopping Centre
13.0 km
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The Market Shopping Centre
13.0 km
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Crafts of Cheshire (Ltd)
14.0 km
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Hippie at Heart
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Cabin Boutique
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Trentham Shopping Village
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Goomoo
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Gift Company
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Botanist Alderley Edge
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The Borehole
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Club
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Pink Nightclub - Stoke on Trent
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Reflex - Hanley
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Babylon Retro Bar
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Kable
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Fun-filled
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
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
