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East Riddlesden Hall: A 17th-Century Yorkshire Manor with Gardens and Family Fun

Explore a charming 17th-century manor, historic barn, and family-friendly gardens nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire’s countryside.

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East Riddlesden Hall is a beautifully preserved 17th-century manor house located in Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire. Managed by the National Trust, it offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a cloth merchant’s estate with historic interiors, a Great Barn, and extensive gardens. The site features family-friendly play areas, craft activities, and a tearoom, making it a perfect day out for all ages. The hall is open seasonally with moderate admission fees.

A brief summary to East Riddlesden Hall

  • Bradford Rd, Keighley, Riddlesden, BD20 5EL, GB
  • +441535607075
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during school holidays to enjoy family activities and craft workshops in the Discovery Room.
  • Try the homemade cakes and seasonal lunches in the tearoom, located in the atmospheric former bothy.
  • Bring suitable footwear for uneven terrain, especially if exploring the gardens and riverbank walks.
  • Check opening days carefully as the hall is closed on Thursdays and Fridays outside peak seasons.
  • Dogs are welcome on leads in the gardens but are not allowed in children’s play areas.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the 662 bus route running between Bradford and Keighley, alighting at Granby Lane near East Riddlesden Hall. The journey typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from Bradford or Keighley city centers. Buses run regularly but check the timetable for weekend and holiday variations. Tickets cost approximately £3 to £5 one way.

  • Train and Walk

    From Keighley railway station, about 2 miles away, you can take a taxi or enjoy a 40 to 50-minute walk along local footpaths to the hall. Taxis cost around £8 to £12. The walking route includes some uneven terrain, so wear appropriate footwear.

  • Car

    Driving to East Riddlesden Hall is straightforward via Bradford Road (B6265). Free parking is available on site. Note that the roads can be narrow and busy during peak times, and some GPS devices may not recognize the exact entrance. Allow 20 to 30 minutes from Bradford city center.

East Riddlesden Hall location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about East Riddlesden Hall

A Glimpse into 17th-Century Manor Life

East Riddlesden Hall stands as a remarkable example of a 17th-century manor house once owned by a prosperous cloth merchant. The house reveals the ambitions and challenges faced by its original inhabitants, with many architectural features reflecting the period’s style and the owner's intentions, some of which were never fully realized. The Great Barn, part of the estate, showcases unusual architecture and tells stories of the estate’s agricultural past, providing insight into the working life that supported the manor.

Historic Preservation and National Trust Stewardship

Saved from demolition in 1934 by local benefactors, East Riddlesden Hall is now a cherished National Trust property. The Trust’s stewardship ensures the preservation of the house, barn, and surrounding grounds, maintaining their historic integrity while making them accessible to the public. Volunteers play a key role in bringing the house to life through guided tours and storytelling, enriching visitors’ understanding of the estate’s history and heritage.

Gardens and Outdoor Attractions for All Ages

The estate’s gardens offer tranquil green spaces perfect for relaxation, picnicking, and observing seasonal blooms such as scented herbs in spring and fruit-laden trees in autumn. For families, the Discovery Garden provides a playful environment with a mud kitchen, wooden structures, and mini wheelbarrows to spark imagination. A trim trail nearby challenges visitors with balancing and climbing activities, blending fun with physical engagement in a natural setting.

Visitor Amenities and Seasonal Experiences

Visitors can enjoy homemade cakes, seasonal lunches, and freshly brewed drinks in the cosy tearoom housed in the former bothy, which retains traditional stone walls and a beamed roof. The gift shop offers a variety of plants, homeware, and local products. Seasonal events, including Christmas celebrations that showcase festive traditions from Tudor times to the present, add an immersive cultural dimension to visits during winter months.

Accessibility and Practical Information

East Riddlesden Hall provides facilities for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, though access to the first floor of the house and tearoom is not available. The grounds are dog-friendly on leads, except in children’s play areas. The terrain includes some uneven paths. The site is open mainly from Tuesday to Sunday, with closures on Thursdays and Fridays, and admission fees are moderate, with discounts for children and families.

Location and Surroundings

Situated on Bradford Road between Bradford and Skipton, the hall is easily reachable by public transport, including the 662 bus route, and is close to Keighley railway station. Nearby attractions and amenities complement the visit, making East Riddlesden Hall a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts, families, and garden lovers.

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