Originally a rectory for the Norman Parish Church, it became the home of Sir John Coke in 1628 and has been inherited by subsequent members of the family to the present day and is now home to Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr and their young family.
Melbourne Hall as it stands today shows what Sir John’ s descendants have made of it. The family surname has changed three times due to inheritance via the female line, the full history will be told within the tour, as well as being fully documented in the souvenir guide.
Melbourne Hall
Dining Room
This wood panelled room stands on the site of the original 13th Century rectory building used by the Bishops of Carlisle. Sir John Coke made alterations to the hall in 1629 and the oak panelling dates back to that time. Fine portraits by Sir Peter Lely and Cornelius Jansens can be seen here and 17th Century walnut high back chairs with unique 20th Century tapestry seats surround the mahogany dining table, which is often set ready for the family’s evening meal.
Inner Hall
Rt. Hon. Thomas Coke planned an extension to his house to overlook his great garden, but this section was eventually built in 1742-5 for Thomas’s son George Lewis Coke. It features the 17th Century Leventhorpe family portraits together with a charming study of Lady
Gardens
Melbourne Hall gardens are the place to visit if you are seeking a relaxing thoughtful stroll.
The Gardens were planned by Rt. Hon. Thomas Coke in the early part of the 18th century. The colourful and tranquil garden has been imaginatively updated with some new planting by Lady Ralph Kerr, and then also captured in oil on canvas and sketches in fine detail by Lady Ralph Kerr.
The gardens are designed with paths allowing easy access, and intersected by streams that flow through the grounds underneath miniature bridges and through the lush flower beds.
There are various statues along the walkways and also the Blakewell Birdcage one of Rt. Hon. Thomas
Visitor Centre
Excellent food can be enjoyed in the Melbourne Hall Tearooms
Telephone: 01332 864224
Browse round the Visitors Centre, open most days throughout the year, where the Gift Shop and Estate Workshops provide a fine selection of unique gift ideas.
Enjoy a photographic introduction to Melbourne Hall Gardens by visiting ‘Up the Garden Path‘ display in the Visitor Centre.
Free of charge.
Melbourne Hall Information
Upstairs rooms open by appointment.
The Hall
Melbourne Hall and Gardens are open every afternoon during August except for the first 3 Mondays (incl for pre-booked parties)
Gardens: 1.30-5.30p.m.
Hall: 2.00-last entry 4.15p.m.
Tel: 01332 862502
The Gardens
The Gardens are open April through to September 1.30pm – 5.30pm Wednesday, Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (additional open days possible in August).
Telephone: 01332 862502
Admission Charges
Gardens: Adults £4.50. OAPs and children (5-15yrs) £3.50.
Wheelchair and helper £4.50.
Melbourne Hall, Church Square, Melbourne,
Derbyshire, DE73 8EN
