TWILIGHT WEDDING OPEN EVENING
An example of a fine late Elizabethan mansion, it is still a lived-in and much loved family home, alive with history and interest.
Originally built for Thomas Tailor, the registrar to the Bishop of Lincoln, Doddington’s mellow brick exterior with its walled courtyards has barely changed. However, in 1749, the Hall was inherited by John Delaval of Seaton Delaval in Northumberland and he carried out an extensive internal re-decoration, incorporating the light & elegant Georgian style still seen today.
In 1830 Colonel George Jarvis inherited the house from Sarah Gunman, heiress to the property, and the present owners are direct descendants of his.
Over 400 years of unbroken family occupation has resulted in fascinating collections of furniture, weaponry, paintings, ceramics, textiles, household objects, porcelain and a wealth of amusing stories all to be found in and around Doddington Hall.
A visit to Doddington offers a unique insight into family life through the ages and the challenges of looking after such an estate in the 21st century.
There is always plenty to see and do at Doddington to make the most of your visit and often means a full day out. It’s recommended that you pre-book for your group refreshments in advance if you wish to eat together. We are able to offer tea and coffee on arrival, followed by a pre-booked lunch. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the best estate-grown and locally sourced produce.
If you choose not to pre-book any refreshments, all refreshments will be on a free flow basis, with visitors able to explore both the Farm Shop Café or Grain Store Café at their leisure.
Please note that without a reservation, we are unable to guarantee wait times or tables of more than 2-4. We kindly ask that you relay this information to your group and ask that they spread out their lunch visits. This helps us serve everyone better, as the cafés will also be serving the general public.
You can also find a delightful selection of picnic items in our Farm Shop if members of the group prefer to picnic by the lake.
Please note that for a private tour it is vital that we are aware in advance if any of your group require the virtual tour and dedicated tour guide on the ground floor due to accessibility needs. We can then ensure they have the best possible visitor experience. There are 3 floors in the Hall, accessible via a wide staircase with a total of 64 steps. There are chairs to rest on each half-landing. The top two floors are not accessible for wheelchairs as unfortunately, we do not have a lift.
We also have audio tours available.
Yes, subject to availability from April-September. We welcome private tours anytime on Mondays and Tuesdays or Thursdays, subject to availability.
Yes, we welcome groups throughout public opening. Self-Guided visits are available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10am-4pm. Time slots for entry to the Hall will be reserved for you on making your group booking.
Yes, we have a designated car parking area for coaches, which is signage for the driver.
Please allow up to an hour and a half for a private tour of the Hall and/or Gardens.
We would recommend allowing up to an hour for a self-guided visit of the Hall and/or Gardens.
Yes, Doddington Hall is still the much loved family home of Claire and James Birch. Visitors are able to explore all of the central and right-hand side of the Hall, of which some rooms are still used by the family.
Building work started in 1595 and was completed in 1600. The exterior of the Hall is Elizabethan, the inside of the Hall was updated in the Georgian period.
No food or drink is permitted inside the Hall and Gardens. Picnics and refreshments may be enjoyed elsewhere on the estate on designated picnic benches and lake area.
Please call 01522 812510 or 694308 if your group is running late. If any member of the group is arriving separately and running late, a member of staff will wait behind for them.
Yes, you may enter and leave the gardens as many times as you like throughout the day. Wristbands are issued to the group on arrival.
A visit to Doddington is a full day out and we recommend all group visits factor this in when planning their visit. We have a Farm Shop, Doddington at Home Store, County Clothing Store, Giant Bike Shop, Coffee Shop, Café and parkland.
The Hall and Gardens are a 2 minute walk to the entrance of the Farm Shop and courtyard.
Unfortunately, we are unable to visit groups externally and are only able to offer tours and talks onsite.
We do not offer any concessions or discounts for group bookings. For private guided tours, all tickets are the same adult price and member cards are not accepted. Member cards are accepted should the group be on a self-guided visit.
Guided tours: April – September 2026; selected dates
Self-guided Gardens only visit: 4 February – 27 March 2026; selected dates
Self-guided Hall & Gardens visit: 29 March – 27 September 2026; selected dates
All groups must pre-book. Please call the estate office on 01522 694308 to discuss your request, check availability and make a provisional booking.
Complete and return the group booking form along with a £50 deposit to: Doddington Hall Group Visits, Estate Office, Main Street, Doddington, Lincolnshire, LN6 4RU or alternatively via BACS. Full payment details are available on the booking form.
Upon receipt of your booking form and deposit, arrangements will be made for your group and a letter of confirmation will be sent to you.
For more information, please contact the estate office on 01522 694308 or email info@doddingtonhall.com. The Estate Office is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
