Staunton Harrold Estate

A stunning location combined with an art centre and majestic looking hall, there’s plenty to see and do here. Staunton Harold Hall and estate is privately-owned and nestled in the Leicestershire countryside beside the hall is Staunton Harold church, currently owned and looked after by The National Trust. The Ferrers Centre is an art centre incorporating a myriad of different bespoke artists, designers and outlets in a remarkable little courtyard. The art centre is worth visiting on its own merit, I felt one visit wasn’t enough to take it all in. Within the same area, you’ll find a restaurant, café and a garden centre, Staunton Harrold Nurseries, with a beautiful selection of goods and plants, they also sell ice-creams! 😉

Staunton Harrold Estate grounds and lake

Staunton Harold is a small parish just 5km (3 miles) from Ashby-de-la-Zouch in North West Leicestershire, while also being on the county border with Derbyshire, 14Km (9 miles) from Derby. The whole of the countryside here holds fun memories for my family and I, in fact just across the Derbyshire border at Ticknall village there are some beautiful walks that can link up with a visit to Staunton Harrold hall and the Ferrers Centre, and only 3miles from Calke Abbey and Grounds. Parking is available on site at Staunton Harrold Nurseries if you are using the garden centre, the Ferrers Centre is signposted from the main road A511 look for the brown anvil signs on route. 

Staunton Harold is a small parish
gates to entrance

When we come out for a family walk we always park further afield and take in some of the gorgeous local countryside scenes and make a longer day of our visit, occasionally parking at a car park on the roadside or even parking nearer to Calke Abbey to make a variation of a route. I love the immaculately kept grounds of Staunton Harold hall and especially during the summer months makes a perfect place for a picnic, at the top of the hill there’s a bench where there’s a lovely view looking down toward the Hall and church and across the lake. 

Calke Abbey
Staunton Harold hall lake in summer

A peaceful walk around the grounds is always a pleasure to take in, and the main gates with their ornamental decoration is something I’ve always admired before walking over the little bridge that crosses the lake.  Often there will be plenty of ducks, coots, moorhens as well as other wildlife, we watch for a while and linger here taking it all in, it’s so peaceful. Carrying on along the private road that runs through the estate, soon the Ferrers Centre is visible, and so much more to take in. The window display is a constant fascination, on my last visit there were some mechanical models in the display including a stunning owl, and many more that would be the most unforgettable present for somebody. 

BaldHiker Retreats
Ferrers Centre giant chess board

We took a wander into the courtyard and played chess on a giant chess board, this took quite some time, it became quite competitive! 😀  Next stop was to the garden centre for a browse, again so many tempting gift ideas and lots of quality plants, but for us it meant time for a delicious ice cream each. There’s lots to see and do here, and all depends how much time you have spare to explore fully and whether you stop for lunch and make a day of it. Our outings will be random and depending on where we’ve parked and how far we’re walking back, will make time constraints on our length of visit, so of course we’re always making the most of it. 

the hall

The Staunton Harrold hall and estate are privately run and had been the centre of the Staunton estate for 500 years and was originally owned by the Shirley family who had their ups and downs in history and in fortunes, becoming Earls Ferrers under Queen Anne. The history of Staunton Harold Hall and it’s family history is much better told and more fully than I could by those who know it well, the family who are the current owners of the estate. The hall is once again a family home and in part is also a wedding venue, and what a stunning location it is for sure.

art in the grounds

I’ll always enjoy our visits to the Staunton Harold estate, including a ramble through the local countryside from whichever direction takes our fancy and in any weather, but the fine weather days are so much nicer for picnics and on the colder days there’s plenty of options for a hot drink and a tasty meal, and lots to browse indoors, shopping and art are a great combination for a colder day. I can highly recommend a visit whether as part of a ramble or parking on site, and I always finish with an ice cream, whatever the weather.

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