Kedleston Hall |
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Fans of 18th century architect, Robert Adam, are in for a treat at Kedleston Hall. The interior designs of this Palladian mansion have some of the best examples of Adam's work and have seen very little alteration since they were completed in 1765.
His Italian-influenced Marble Hall is straight from one of the palazzos of Rome, with its lavish use of marble, statues and an ornately decorative ceiling. It continues to make a grand first impression of the house, as it was intended to.
The five lakes on the estate were also designed by Robert Adam, along with various walks and outbuildings. As visitors enter the park they will pass over the splendid Adam-designed bridge.
Kedleston Hall and Park has a long
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A tour of the Hall will reveal the Marble Hall along with the grand state rooms. The blue and gold drawing room shimmers with opulent décor and the ceiling celebrates sea monsters and mythical mermaids to match the sofas.
The Saloon's domed ceiling was again Robert Adam's work and was built to display Sir Nathaniel's impressive collection of sculptures, now replaced by classical urns. Note the sofas and chairs all have curved backs to sit perfectly against the curved walls.
Throughout the house there is a fine collection of artwork and antique furniture. Many of the furnishings were collected by Lord Curzon when he held the position of Viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905.
The most prized pieces can be viewed in the Eastern Museum, which is a treasure trove of his collectibles
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As was the fashion in Victorian England, the gardens were designed as a "Pleasure Ground". The sunken ditch or "ha-ha" gives uninterrupted views from the house across the farmland and estate while keeping the livestock in the open fields.
Further exploration of the estate will reveal the Orangery and summer house.
Such were the powers of the family that in 1757 the original village of Kedleston was relocated 2km down the road, leaving only the small 13th century village church of All Saints in situ. The historic church is also worth a visit, if only to see the ornate marble tomb of Lord Curzon and his first wife.
The grounds of Kedleston Hall cover 820 acres. There are several long walks along maintained trails. The lakes are home to many species of waterbirds and the boat houses and fishing room are available to tour, having been recently renovated by the National Trust.
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Opening Times
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(2012 times)
House: 18th February - 28th October: 12.00pm - 5.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Pleasure Grounds: 18th February - 28th October: Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm Park: 2nd January - 17th February: Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm 18th February - 28th October: Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm 29th October - 31st December: Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm Restaurant and shop: 2nd January - 17th February: 11.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday ,b>18th February - 28th October: 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Wednesday and Saturday and Sunday 21st July - 26th August: 11.00am - 5.00pm Daily 28th October - 24th December: 11.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday Please Note: Last entry to house 4:15pm. Open Good Friday. Park occasional day closures November to February. Property closed 25th December. 18th February to 19th March: House will be shown by guided tour only. |
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Admission Charges
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(2012 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets)House and grounds: Adult £9.90 (£8.90); Child £4.90 (£4.40); Family £24.80 (£22.30). Grounds Only: Adult £4.40 (£3.95); Child £2.20 (£1.95); Family £11.10 (£9.95). Winter charge (Standard Admission): Adult £1.00; Child 50p. Reduced rate when arriving by bicycle, on foot or public transport. Please note the per person charge for entry into the park during the closed season replaces the vehicle entry charge |
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Directions
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By Bus Arriva 109 Derby-Ashbourne, calls at the Hall summer Saturdays only, otherwise alight the Smithy, 1 mile By Bike On parkland roads (not allowed on park walks and footpaths). View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website By road All traffic should aim for intersection of A52/ A38, and follow A38 (north). Take first exit (by Derby University) and continue along Kedleston Road towards Quarndon By train Duffield 3½ miles; Derby 5½ miles Ordnance survey reference 128:SK312403 |
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Kedleston Hall Postcode for SatNav: DE22 5JH |
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