If you want to explore unique spots near Liverpool, Speke Hall is a great choice. This Tudor manor house features a charming wood-framed wattle-and-daub design. It stands as one of the best-preserved examples of Tudor architecture. The National Trust owns this historic site, and it holds a Grade I listing.
We chose to visit Speke Hall right before Halloween, because it is known as one of the most haunted locations in the UK. The haunting atmosphere adds to its charm, and if you’re interested in the history of Speke Hall there’s a lot to discover.
This article provides all the details you need for a visit. You can learn how to explore Speke Hall for free. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy history and possibly encounter some ghostly tales.
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Where is Speke Hall and How to Get There?
Speke Hall is located only a five-minute drive from John Lennon Liverpool Airport. If you have a layover, consider visiting this historic site. It’s a great way to spend your time while waiting many hours for your next flight. For those planning a longer stay in the UK, renting a car at Liverpool Airport is a convenient option.
🚗💨 BY CAR
📍 National Trust Car Park – Speke Hall: Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD (Historic England Map)
Speke Hall is located near Liverpool, and getting there is quite easy. If you rent a car at John Lennon Liverpool Airport, you’ll find ample parking at Speke Hall.
For those arriving at Manchester Airport, which is about 30 miles away, reaching Speke Hall takes around 40 minutes. Visitors staying in Liverpool city center can make the trip in just 25 minutes, making it a favored destination for locals and tourists alike.
Speke Hall is conveniently accessible from various cities across the UK. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive from Chester, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Birmingham, and about 2 hours from Sheffield.
🚌💨 BUS
If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus from Liverpool. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, bringing you close to the Speke Hall. Once you arrive, you will need to walk for about 30 minutes to reach Speke Hall.
Speke Hall Tickets
Speke Hall is among the most expensive National Trust attractions to visit in North West England. Despite the cost, I think visiting is worthwhile. This stunning building has been on my bucket list of places I wanted to see in the UK for a long time, and it truly stands out in the area.
If you’re lucky, you might gain free access to Speke Hall. The National Trust offers a limited number of seasonal free passes each year. While some sites may not participate, many do, making it a great opportunity for visitors.
We were lucky enough to obtain a National Trust autumn pass at no charge. This allowed us to explore Speke Hall without spending money on entry fees. We saved £34 for two people, which made our visit even more enjoyable.
Speke Hall Review
I must say, I have never encountered so many visitors at any National Trust site before. It’s hard to tell if the crowd is due to our visit to Speke Hall just before Halloween. This location is known for being one of the most haunted spots in the UK, which might attract more people during this spooky season. Alternatively, its convenient proximity to Liverpool could be why many locals opt for a day trip to Speke Hall.
Speke Hall offers a delightful Children’s Maze and a play area, making it an ideal destination for families. Kids can enjoy the maze while parents relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. The combination of fun activities and historical charm makes it a perfect outing for everyone.
Speke Hall Gardens
While Speke Hall Gardens may not rival the grandeur of Powis Castle or Chirk Castle, they still offer a pleasant experience. These gardens, established in the 1850s, provide a charming setting for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Within the courtyard of the main building, you can find two historic yew trees known as “Adam” and “Eve.” These trees are remarkable, as they are believed to be anywhere from 300-1000 years old, with their first mention appearing in correspondence from 1712.
Entrance to Speke Hall
The entrance to Speke Hall features a quaint little door that enhances the charm of your visit. This entryway adds a touch of character, making the experience feel special right from the start. However, on particularly busy days, you might find yourself waiting in line for a short while before the staff grants you access.
It’s important to be prepared for the possibility of a wait, especially during peak times when many visitors are eager to explore Speke Hall. The area around the entrance is not sheltered, so if you happen to visit on a rainy day, standing outside could be less than pleasant.
Speke Hall Interior Highlights
Corridors
When you enter Speke Hall, the stunning woodwork and inviting atmosphere will captivate you. The moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel the charm of this historic place. It’s a space that truly resonates with beauty and craftsmanship.
The corridors of Speke Hall showcase an original William Morris wallpaper known as “Trellis.” This design is a perfect example of naturalism, featuring a delicate vine-like rose bush that intertwines with a trellis. The combination of the beautiful woodwork and the wallpaper creates a warm interior.
Great Hall
One of the most stunning spaces in Speke Hall is the Great Hall, but it carries a dark history. Mary Norris inherited the estate in 1791 and married Lord Sidney Beauclerk. Unfortunately, he squandered the family wealth through gambling.
When he revealed their financial ruin to his wife, she was devastated. In a moment of despair, she threw their newborn son out of the Tapestry Room window into the moat below. Overcome with grief, she then ran to the Great Hall and took her own life.
The Great Hall was the initial section of the house constructed in 1530. In 1531, the Great, also known as the Oak, Parlour wing was added. Between 1540 and 1570, alterations and extensions were made to the south wing.
The west wing was built shortly after, between 1546 and 1547. The most notable modification occurred in 1598 when Edward Norris added the north range. Since that time, only minor updates have been made to both the Speke Hall and the gardens.
Library
The Library features walls beautifully decorated with “Pomegranate” wallpaper, creating an artistic atmosphere. If you’re looking to infuse your own home with a touch of elegance and creativity, consider exploring a variety of stunning wallpapers that draw inspiration from the iconic works of Morris, available for purchase on Amazon.
Blue Drawing Room
The Blue Drawing Room started as a cozy dining and entertaining area for the family, featuring blue upholstered furniture. Over time, it underwent renovations and became a salon for Adelaide, the wife of Richard Watt V. Later, Frederick Leyland took over the space but was not fond of the French aesthetic that had been chosen for it. The room was renovated once more, showcasing the beautiful William Morris “Willow” wallpaper on its walls.
Today, the willow pattern is a popular design found in various accessories, such as cushions, blankets, and coffee mugs. This timeless pattern adds a touch of elegance to any interior. If you’re looking to enhance your home decor, consider incorporating these willow-inspired items that pay homage to the masterpieces of William Morris.
Morning Room
The Morning Room at Speke Hall has served various purposes throughout its history. Initially, it functioned as a small dining room when Richard Watt V constructed it in the 1850s. After the Watt family left and rented the property to Frederick Leyland, the room transformed into a schoolroom before reverting to a dining area.
When Adelaide Watt took charge of the Watt estates, including Speke Hall, she decided to repurpose the room as her morning room. In this space, she enjoyed her breakfast and welcomed visitors.
Green Bedroom
The Green Bedroom at Speke Hall gets its name from the color of the bed-hangings. This room is notable for housing the house’s priest hole. It can be found by opening a cupboard in the paneling next to the fireplace. Additionally, this bedroom offers access to the roof space located at the top of the house.
Blue Bedroom
The Blue Bedroom, similar to the Green Bedroom, gets its name from the color of the bed-hangings. Exploring this room was quite fascinating, because it had various decorations that piqued curiosity, like black gloves tucked under the furniture, which added an air of mystery to the space.
Tapestry Bedroom
The Tapestry Room stands out in the Speke Hall for its haunting tale. It is believed to have been Mary Norris’s bedroom during her stay. Unsurprisingly, many think her ghost still lingers there, claiming the space as her own.
The Grey Lady’s ghost at Speke Hall attracts many who are curious about the supernatural. Visitors often share their experiences of eerie occurrences. They report seeing shadowy figures, feeling a heavy atmosphere, and even hearing the sounds of children crying. I must confess that I experienced a sense of dizziness during my visit to Speke Hall, although it wasn’t in the Tapestry Room.
Oak Bedroom
The Oak Bedroom served as the main bedroom at Speke Hall during the 16th and 17th centuries. There is a possibility that King Charles I or Charles II stayed here during a royal visit, although this remains unverified. The room is spacious, featuring dark wood paneling and oak furniture. The soft furnishings, including bedding, upholstery, rugs, and curtains, are adorned in a rich red color scheme.
This bedroom was also occupied by Frederick Leyland and his wife. However, when Adelaide Watt returned to Speke Hall, she chose to make the Tapestry Room her main bedroom instead.
Oak Drawing Room
Jacobean Ceiling
The Oak Parlour features a stunning plaster ceiling that dates back to approximately 1612. This ceiling consists of 15 distinct panels, each showcasing beautiful designs of roses, irises, pomegranates, hazelnuts, and grapes.
The beams are adorned with intricate patterns of hops and honeysuckle, adding to the overall charm of the space. As you admire the ceiling, take a moment to look closely at the details. You might just spot a hidden bird and a snake cleverly integrated into the design. These subtle elements invite you to engage with the artwork on a deeper level.
Overmantel
The overmantel in the Oak Parlour was carved around 1567. It showcases three generations of the Norris family. This piece is also the only known portrait of Sir William Norris II, who founded the family at Speke.
Billard Room
The Billiard Room in Speke Hall has a rich history that goes back to 1867. Frederick Leyland, who was the tenant of Speke Hall, transformed the kitchen into the Billiard Room. During the Victorian era, such rooms were popular, reflecting the distinct masculine and feminine spaces within homes. While the billiard table in Speke Hall is notable, in my opinion it doesn’t quite match the grandeur of the one found at Penrhyn Castle in Wales.
Servants Hall
I must say that the most stunning Servants Hall I have ever encountered in the UK is at Chirk Castle. However, the Servants Hall at Speke Hall is also quite impressive and deserves a visit. It was designed by Richard Watt V. Before it became a Servants Hall, the space served as a laundry facility. Looking even further back in Speke’s history, this area was once a chapel in the 17th century. It’s fascinating to see how the purpose of this space has evolved over time.
Kitchen and Scullery
The Kitchen and Scullery at haunted Speke Hall left me feeling dizzy. The kitchen table was covered with information about witch herbs, spells, and charms. I learned that carrying basil in your pocket could attract wealth, and there were love charms as well.
Although the room was intriguing, I found myself wanting to leave as time passed. It was the final room I explored in Speke Hall, and the longer I stayed, the more I sensed the ghostly atmosphere surrounding me. It was a fascinating experience, but I was ready to leave the haunted Speke Hall.
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