Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions before your visit, but if you have any specific questions please feel free to contact us direct.
Is Hoghton Tower part of the National Trust or English Heritage?
Hoghton Tower is run by Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust, an independent charity formed in 1978. We are members of Historic Houses and members of this association are welcome to enjoy one of our guided tours free of charge upon presentation of their valid membership card.
Do Historic Houses members have to pre-book?
Members of Historic Houses can enjoy one of our guided tours free of charge. Pre-booking is not essential although, to avoid disappointment, we do recommend this as any tickets on the gate are subject to availability. Valid membership cards must be presented on entry for both pre-booked and on the gate tickets.
Can I walk around the house independently?
Currently, access is by guided tour only, however, we have a digital tour option coming soon. This will allow you to walk around the house and access content from each room on your phone through a free app. Our friendly guides will also be on hand if you have any questions.
Can I take photographs?
Photography and video for personal use only are permitted in the grounds during our opening hours. No photography or video is permitted in the house.
Permission for photoshoots, wedding / celebration photography or any other commercial photography and video must be obtained in advance from the Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust. Charges will apply.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on leads are permitted in the grounds at the front of the Tower, they must be supervised at all times. We regret that, with the exception of assistance dogs, no dogs are allowed in the house, barn, gardens or courtyards. There are some events, where for health and safety reasons, dogs are not permitted, please check individual event details.
What age are the tours suitable for?
Children over five are welcome on house tours and under fives are free, however, standard tours are 1.5 hours with a guide and therefore tour groups usually consist of a mainly adult audience. You know your own children best and suitability depends on individual family preferences and interests. You may prefer the digital tour (coming soon) that can be completed at your own pace and includes a children’s trail. During selected school holiday periods we provide put on special family friendly events including our popular Spooky Tours and seasonal garden trails. Read more about opening times and prices here.
Pushchairs
Unfortunately pushchairs are not permitted on House Tours, however, pushchairs can be left at owners own risk in our storage area whilst you are on the tour.
Is the house haunted?
We have had many reports, from visitors, staff and volunteers, of sights and strange happenings in the house and around the grounds. Why not book on one of our legendary ghost tours held in the evening during our Winter Season to hear some of these stories? Alternatively, during the October and February school holidays we run daytime family friendly Spooky Tours (Suitable for over 5s).
Why do I have to pay a site entrance / parking fee at some events?
Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust is a registered charity and all profits go towards the upkeep of the beautiful Tudor Elizabethan manor house. Where we charge a site entrance / parking fee, this helps to cover the cost of running the event.
Is there somewhere I can safely leave my bicycle?
We welcome cyclists, but unfortunately, we currently do not have any secure space to leave your bike. This is something that we are currently looking at improving.
What methods of payment are accepted on site?
In the Courtyard Ticket Office and the Tea Room we accept cash and card payments. Where site entrance / parking fees are collected on the drive, we are only able to accept cash, please have this ready. Our Farmers’ Market traders all have their own payment arrangements, with some able to accept cards, however, others only accept cash.
Can I buy food and drink?
Absolutely, our welcoming Tea Room is open from 11:00 – 4:00 (Last entry 3:30) serving a range of drinks, light bites and snacks. Why not treat yourself and have one of our delicious afternoon teas (advance booking essential)?
Can I bring a picnic?
Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust relies on the Tea Room as a source of income and therefore we do not allow picnics.
Are there baby changing facilities onsite?
Yes.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
The entirety of Hoghton Tower is a non-smoking/vaping site including the outdoor areas.
Are drones allowed to be flown at Hoghton Tower?
As Hoghton Tower is a Grade I Listed Building and for the safety of the public, we do not permit drone flying.
Can you cater for a gluten free / dairy free / vegan diet?
Yes, providing the booking is made in advance and we are notified of the dietary requirements. Our daily menu does have gluten free and vegan options as standard. Please ensure that you notify a member of staff upon ordering of any dietary requirements. Although we take the utmost care in preparing your food, due to the presence of allergens in the kitchen, we are unable to guarantee against any that cross contamination. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our Tea Room staff.
Where can I stay locally?
On site, here at Hoghton Tower, we have The Irishman’s Tower, a cosy, self-catering garrison tower for two adults with fantastic views over the driveway and beautiful Lancashire countryside. Read more about The Irishman’s Tower here.
Whether you are looking for a touch of luxury in a country house hotel, a friendly B&B or a glamping experience, there are lots of local accommodation options available in Lancashire. Click here to discover more.
Tickets & Gift Vouchers
What should I do if my booking confirmation email doesn’t arrive?
Our ticketing system will send out an automated confirmation at the time of booking. If this does not arrive, please check you junk / spam folder. If you are unable to locate the booking confirmation, it may still be lost in cyberspace! Please email mail@hoghtontower.co.uk with details of your booking and one of our team will be happy to help you.
If I purchase a gift voucher, do you send out a physical gift voucher?
You will receive a confirmation email with a voucher reference.
How long are gift vouchers valid for?
Gift Vouchers are valid for 18 months.
Will I receive physical tickets in the post?
We do not send out physical tickets in the post. Your booking confirmation acts as your ticket so please ensure that bring a copy of this (digital is fine) or your booking reference number with you on the day.
Do I need to print my tickets out?
You do not need a paper copy of your booking confirmation, your booking reference or a digital copy on your phone is absolutely fine.
If you have a gift voucher, please ensure that you bring a copy of this with you on the day.
What happens if it rains on the day of the event?
Events will usually go ahead unless it is unsafe to proceed.
In cases of bad weather, there may be a change to the advertised programme, and we may, where possible, relocate some activities. However, sometimes by the nature of the event this is not always possible. Please ensure you and your party are wearing clothing, including footwear, that is suitable for the weather.
Any cancellations, will be announced on our social media, so please keep an eye on this before travelling if you are in doubt about the weather. Please be aware that prior to planned events, particularly if plans change because of the weather, our small team may be out on the site preparing the event and therefore may not be in the office to answer phone calls.
If you have booked tickets for an event that we have to cancel prior to the start of the programme, we will contact you via email to let you know. Your email will also advise of any alternative dates or refunds.
I am unable to attend an event that I have booked, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds in this instance.
