“Astley Hall is the most exhilarating house in Lancashire” - Simon Jenkins in his book ‘England’s 1000 Best Houses’. Astley Hall is a museum and art gallery housed within a Grade I listed historic house and is managed by Chorley Council. The Hall is set within the beautiful surroundings of Astley Park which include historic woodland, a lake, a fully renovated Victorian walled garden alongside clea
n and modern facilities for visitors to enjoy. The Hall is perhaps best known for its stunning Jacobean plasterwork ceilings and the house is built around an internal Elizabethan courtyard. The four wings of the house were extended by the families who lived here and most of the original features are retained to this day. The walled garden is a dedicated event space and since the Heritage Lottery funded renovation project in 2009 it has built up a varied programme of cultural events throughout the year. The east facing part of the walled garden is home to a community food growing project and includes a small orchard alongside raised beds full of vegetables, fruits, herbs and salads. Much of the produce is used by Café Ambio, the onsite café within the Coach House building. The team are passionate about locally sourced home-made food, freshly baked scones, cakes, quality coffees and refreshments. Also in the courtyard is Barrica in the Park, where you can find hundreds of quality wines, beers and spirits, plus a wonderful selection of local produce, crafts and artistry all under one roof. The Coach House comprises of 1,500 square feet of exhibition and display space, and is used by community art groups as well as professional artists. The Museum Shop is located on the ground floor, the art gallery on the first floor.
