Lovers of history and architecture will have the rare opportunity to go inside one of Manchester’s finest buildings as Heaton Hall opens its doors. 
Currently closed to the public, whilst essential restoration works are undertaken, the Grade I listed Heaton Hall – the centrepiece of Heaton Park in north Manchester – will welcome the public as part of the national Heritage Open Day weekend next month.
Guided tours will take visitors through the much loved neo-classical property on Saturday, 12 September and Sunday 13 September between 11am and 3.30pm. 
The tours – which are free, but must be pre-booked – will provide a history of what was once the home of the Egerton family and its design by James Wyatt through to its current restoration.

From October, following the Heritage Open Day weekend, the Friends of Heaton Hall will continue regular pre-booked tours, giving visitors a glimpse inside the historic property on the second Sunday of the month – from midday until 4pm. 

The nearby Stable Café will also offer the chance to take afternoon tea inside Heaton Hall’s celebrated library. Booking is essential, but tea in the hall is an opportunity of a lifetime. 

Built in 1772 as a home for Sir Thomas Egerton and family, the hall has been called “the finest house of its period in Lancashire” and includes many stunning features, including a rare Etruscan Room; a music room featuring an 18th century organ built by Samuel Green in 1790; and a superbly decorative Pompeian Cupola Room.

Over the last two years the Hall has benefited from a programme of conservation and restoration works to repair the roof, stonework and windows. These works have been made possible through the generous financial support of Historic England, previously known as English Heritage, in partnership with Manchester City Council, and have been undertaken by local specialist craftspeople. 
Heaton Park itself has also received significant investment through the Clean City Fund – using dividend payments from the council’s shareholding in Manchester Airport – that has allowed the installation of new state-of-the-art toilet facilities, new benches and litter bins.

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