Historic Harvington Hall set to reopen for 2026
North Worcestershire’s historic moated Harvington Hall reopens for its 2026 season on Saturday, February 14.
Hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside - between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove, and just a short drive from Birmingham, Stourbridge and Dudley - the Grade I listed Harvington Hall is a unique picturesque Elizabethan moated manor.
Built on the site of an earlier medieval building, and reflecting an era of great religious persecution and upheaval, the 16th century manor is home to the UK’s finest collection of priest hides (also known as priest holes). With seven in total, these dark cramped hidden spaces are buried within the property, cunningly constructed into fireplaces, attics and staircases. Designed to conceal individuals from devious Tudor ‘priest-hunters’, several are the work of the celebrated craftsman Nicholas Owen (now renowned as the Patron Saint of Illusionists).
In addition, the hall is also home to an impressive significant number of decorative Elizabethan wall paintings, which have recently undergone conservation.
With both guided and self-guided tours available, the Tudor hall has also announced an exciting Events programme, running throughout the year.
Highlights include immersive evening experiences drawing on stories of courageous Elizabethan women (Faith and Fear, Feb 20-21, 27-28) and the infamous Gunpowder Plot (Oct 23-24, 30-31, Nov 5-6), which has strong links to the hall; school holiday activities and trails for all ages, including Family Friendly Tours (beginning February half-term); a traditional fun-filled Summer Garden Party (Aug 15-16); and three Artisan Markets (Mar 28, Jun 27, Sep 19) showcasing some of the best makers and small businesses from the region.
Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre will also be presenting an outdoor performance of playwright Oliver Goldsmith’s enduring 18th century comedy She Stoops To Conquer (Jul 4-5), while the Harvington History Festival is also set to return after a sell out 2025 (Jul 22-25 - line-up to be announced).
Phil Downing, Harvington Hall’s Manager, said: “We can't wait to open Harvington Hall in 2026, offering visitors lots to discover and experience Elizabethan history in new and engaging ways - plus some events never seen before at the Hall.”
Harvington Hall, Harvington, nr Kidderminster, is open Wednesday to Sunday from Saturday, February 14 (and Saturday/Sunday from November 7 to December 20), plus daily during school holidays 10.30am-4pm. For more information, see: harvingtonhall.co.uk
