Crook Hall Gardens DH1 5SZ
Entry: Free for NT members
Open: seasonal - check website
Dogs: on leads
Reviews: 0

About:
A stone’s throw from Durham’s World Heritage Site, Grade I listed Crook Hall is considered one of the city’s most significant medieval domestic buildings. Dating back to the 14th century, find out how it's changed over the years and who lived here.

The oldest part of Crook Hall we see today was built by Peter del Croke in the first half of the 14th century. It's likely to have replaced an earlier building.

Following the del Croke family residency, Crook Hall had a series of short-term tenants until 1372, when Alan de Billingham took ownership. The Billingham family remained connected to the hall for almost 300 years and were employed by the Bishops of Durham at various points during this time. It was Thomas Billingham who, in 1450, gave the natural spring known as Fram Well to the people of Durham as a clean water source.

In 1667 Thomas Billingham sold Crook Hall to Christopher Mickleton, who passed it on to his son, James, a year later. James and his wife Frances made a series of changes to the hall, including a new wing and doorway.

John Mickleton, grandson of James and Frances, sold Crook Hall in 1721.
By 1736 it was in the hands of the Hopper family of Shincliffe. The Hoppers added the Georgian wing to the west end of the building, with good quality pine panelling, a fine staircase and a stuccoed ceiling. Evidence suggests that they let the property rather than living it themselves.

Opening Hours:
There are varying opening times, so check the website for the day of your visit.

Parking:
Pay and display car park, 10am-6pm. Follow signs for Crook Hall Gardens, entrance next to café. (NB there is another car park next door, not National Trust). National Trust members free, please scan membership card. All other visitors £3.30 for up to 3 hours. Blue Badge spaces. Please note, our car park is for visitors to Crook Hall Gardens and café only.

Dog Friendly:
Dogs on short leads welcome, including in the café. Assistance dogs only in the medieval hall. Water bowls provided. Please clean up after your dog and dispose of used bags in a litter bin

Facilities:
Bookshop
Cafe
Picnic Area
Toilet

Notes:
Parts of the gardens can be accessed in a wheelchair. Winding, narrow or uneven paths make some areas inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Contact:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: 01913831832