10 of the best Tudor estates in the North West

If you have been bitten by the Wolf Hall bug there are plenty of wonderful properties in the north west where you can learn more about our Tudor heritage. Here are ten of our favourites

Hoghton Tower (Image: not Archant)

Hoghton Tower, near Preston Owned by the de Houghton family since it was completed in 1565 with a dramatic driveway leading to a fascinating house. The family are planning a host of events in 2015 to mark their 450th anniversary. To find out more go to www.hoghtontower.co.uk

Rufford Old Hall (Image: Archant)

Rufford Old Hall, near Ormskirk One of our finest Tudor houses, with a spectacular Great Hall, intricately carved wooden screen and hammer-beam roof. Shakespeare is said to have performed at the house www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Sizergh Castle (Image: Linda Viney)

Sizergh Castle, near Kendal It was built in the Middle Ages but this imposing house was extended in Elizabethan times with exceptional oak-panelled rooms. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Speke Hall (Image: Archant)

Speke Hall, Liverpool This half-timbered rambling Tudor house has rich interiors and a fine great hall and priest hole. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Browsholme Hall. (Image: Archant)

Browsholme Hall, Bowland An early Tudor house with a Regency wing, Browsholme is Lancashire’s oldest family house and is still occupied by the Parker family, who open it several times during a year. www.browsholme.co.uk

Gawthorpe Hall (Image: Archant)

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham This Elizabethan house is a gem with opulent interiors. Gawthorpe was built between 1600-1605 around a medieval pele and was home to the Shuttleworth family. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Stonyhurst (Image: Archant)

Stonyhurst College An amazing Elizabethan mansion, featuring a variety of historic rooms, including chapels, school rooms, a library, apartments, and dormitories. Admission to the house and gardens are primarily during school holidays. www.stonyhurst.ac.uk

Ordsall Hall (Image: Archant)

Ordsall Hall, Salford Award winning Ordsall Hall is one of only eight comparable, Grade 1 listed, timber-framed, large houses in Lancashire. It contains a number of nationally significant rooms and architectural features. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Dalemain Historic House & Garden (Image: not Archant)

Dalemain Historic House & Garden, near Penrith A mix of medieval, Tudor and Georgian, Dalemain has been home to the Hasell family since 1679 with an interior that has not changed since the 18th century. www.dalemain.com

Levens Hall (Image: Keith Carter)

Levens Hall, near Kendal Levens Hall is one of England’s finest Elizabethan mansions, with fine panelling, plasterwork and period furniture. It is famous for its remarkable topiary. www.levenshall.co.uk