Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a visit to the magnificent Hall Place in Dartford, where you can soak up centuries of history and grandeur. With its impressive grounds featuring the Queen’s Beasts, glamorous interior, and rich heritage this stunning stately home is sure to enchant visitors.
Examining the architectural highlights of an impressive Jacobean manor house that was once at risk of being ruined by time as well as appreciating its new significance today – both from an aesthetic perspective and also ethically – offers insight into how diverse one small area can be.
Visitors will experience a blend of culture, beauty, education and entertainment all within beautiful natural surroundings enhanced throughout this Tudor revival estate– perfect for those looking for a taste of sophistication!
Introduction to Hall Place, Dartford
Hall Place is a beautiful Tudor house with award-winning gardens, on the outskirts of Crayford, South East London. On the banks of the river Cray, there are 65 hectares of landscaped grounds to explore, including Butterfly Gardens, a sub-tropical plant-house and a rock garden.
However, the most distinctive feature of the property is the Queen’s Beasts topiary animals.
Hall Place House
Let’s step inside Hall House via the imposing riverside entrance. You pass through an attractive courtyard before entering the Tudor section of the house.
There are regular Hall Place events and you can also hire the medieval Great Hall and Great Chamber, which are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies.
The visitor centre includes some interesting history about the house and some funky modern exhibits. Children, or kids at heart like ourselves, will have fun doing brass rubbings.
And if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the 3 alleged ghosts of Hall Place, including Edward the Black Prince. Most of Hall Places’ original furniture was sold, however the ornate 18th century floral motives in the Lady Limerick Gallery on the first floor are particularly impressive.
When we visited, there was a fascinating exhibition upstairs on Hall Place’s secret wartime history, Code Name: Santa Fe. It revealed how American soldiers stationed here intercepted coded messages sent by Germany, helping to defeat the Nazis.
Hall Place Gardens
From meticulously manicured lawns to vibrant flowerbeds bursting with colour, spending time at Hall Place Gardens is a truly delightful experience. Meander along the winding pathways of this beautiful garden, discovering stunning vistas; seek solace among ancient trees and bask in the glory of nature’s beauty.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or inspiration, this majestic estate has it all! Brick walls dating from the 18th century enclose the north garden, with elaborate iron gates attributed to Thomas Robinson.
The Queen’s Beasts at Hall Place
One of the highlights of a visit to Hall Place is the unique Queen’s Beasts topiary sculptures, planted in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. These 10 heraldic statues feature mythical animals such as the griffin and the dragon.
There’s also a series of yews that were shaped into chess pieces on the instructions of the last private tenant, Lady Limerick. The house itself is a Grade I listed mansion, built for a former Lord Mayor of London in 1537.
Dining at Hall Place and Gardens
Bexley Heritage Trust received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the site and to create a new Riverside Cafe. It’s a good spot for a coffee and cake and there’s also a separately owned steakhouse, Miller & Carter, in the Jacobean barn.
Hall Place Opening Times
The historic house is only open to visitors who have booked a guided tour. The gardens are open from 9am-9:30pm from April to September and 9am-4pm from October to March.
Read about our visit to Butterfly Jungles, in the grounds of Hall Place.
Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ
It’s a great day trip from London. What are your favourite places for a day excursion from your home?
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It does feel very country, although the road traffic is a bit noisy but once you’re inside the building you can’t here it
I hadn’t heard of it either, amazing how many interesting places there are to visit just outside of London
This looks beautiful especially the Topiary someone has spent many hours working their magic here. The birds of paradise are beautiful. I love visiting National Trust properties. Have loads of favourites they make a great day out and then lunch in a beautiful setting lucy x
The topiary animals were my favourite part, so unusual! This place is actually run by the Bexley Heritage Trust but I agree, the National Trust does a great job too
It is a very picturesque place!
It would make a great house wouldn’t it! The lawn and the topiary are so well cared for
It really is a beautiful place, I had no idea it was there!
That’s very kind, thank you! Weather was a bit hit and miss but I got a few sunny shots
We had a cheeky cake and coffee in the cafe, we were invited for lunch nearby 😉
I hope that you get to visit one day – liked your latest post, it’s interesting to see what different products you have to us here!
It’s worth a visit when you’re next in the UK – thanks for stopping by!
I can’t believe I haven’t visited yet, looks beautiful!
It is beautiful, would recommend a visit if you’re in the area Becky
Brilliant, a dragon hedge! This looks like a really great place to visit, with plenty to discover.
I can see why you would like the dragon hedge Ali with your logo!
The perfect combination for big kids like me, Suzy- a game of chess followed by some brass rubbing! What a superb place. 🙂 Many thanks for sharing! If I’m in the neighbourhood it’s a must.
The brass rubbing was great fun, don’t think I’d ever done it before!
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