North Lees Hall Heritage Open Weekend

Historic North Lees Hall near Hathersage is to open its doors to the public on the weekend of September 10 and 11.

The event is being organised by the Peak District National Park, who own and manage North Lees Hall and surrounding land including Stanage Edge, to join in with the national Heritage Open Days scheme.

There will be family-friendly activities at the Hall and in the surrounding landscape including a heritage trail, guided walks, arts and crafts, creative writing workshops and the chance to get involved with an archaeological survey. Tea and cake will be on sale from the farmhouse.

All the activities are free of charge but donations will be taken on the day towards looking after the Stanage and North Lees.

The Peak District National Park’s property manager Rebekah Newman said: “We want people to come along and get to know the rich heritage of the North Lees area – it’s a fascinating place with so much to discover – people will be following in the footsteps of Romano-British farmers, they can visit the ruins of a medieval chapel, explore what’s left of an 18th century paper mill and share in the landscape that inspired Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.”

Most of the activities take place between 11am and 3pm but people need to pre-book for the following on www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/events:

Outdoor creative writing workshops
Saturday September 10, 10am to 12pm: Take your imagination for a walk – suitable for adults and accompanied children over 10 years old.
Saturday September 10, 1pm to 3pm: Writing your way into the landscape – adults only.

Guided walk
Sunday, September 11, 11.15am to 4pm: In the footsteps of Jane Eyre – suitable for families.

Parking for the event is at Hollin Bank car park with a 10-15 minute walk downhill through woodland and fields to North Lees Hall.

For more information about the Heritage Open Weekend at North Lees Hall, visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/northleesopendays