Seven reasons to visit Harlaxton Manor in Lincolnshire
Nestled in the Lincolnshire countryside between Leicester and Lincoln is grade I listed Harlaxton Manor, one of England’s most impressive stately homes and somewhere that had been on my list of places to visit for years. Built in the 19th century, it’s a striking blend of architectural styles, steeped in history and surrounded by lush gardens. Originally designed for the local squire Gregory Gregory by architect Anthony Salvin, Harlaxton has passed through the hands of some remarkable owners through the years, and has been featured in a number of films and television series. Currently serving as a study abroad campus for the University of Evansville, the manor opens its doors for tours and special events, offering visitors a rare glimpse into its fascinating history. I’ve picked out seven features of Harlaxton that are a must-see for visitors to this little-visited Lincolnshire gem.
1. The silhouette and grand architecture
Harlaxton Manor’s silhouette is instantly recognisable, standing proudly against the backdrop of the English countryside. Its striking architecture is a blend of Elizabethan, Jacobean and Baroque styles, creating a unique façade that is both grand and visually captivating. Gregory Gregory, who built the manor between 1837 and 1855, was known for his eccentric tastes, and the manor reflects his ambition to create a home unlike any other.
The exterior features towering chimneys, intricate stonework and large bay windows, all contributing to its castle-like appearance (one of the owners actually renamed it Grantham Castle!). The building is particularly grand, and one must imagine what it must be like for the American students arriving here from across the pond. Fun fact – actor Remi Malik was a recent alumni! As you approach the manor, the long driveway enhances the dramatic reveal of this architectural masterpiece. Harlaxton’s exterior alone is worth the visit, offering a perfect example of Victorian-era grandeur and design.
2. The Great Hall with chandelier: A statement of grandeur
Upon entering Harlaxton Manor, visitors are soon greeted by the awe-inspiring Great Hall. This vast space was designed to impress, with its towering ceilings, intricate wood panelling, and richly detailed plasterwork. The centrepiece of the hall is the magnificent chandelier, which hangs from the ceiling like a jewel, casting light around the room. The chandelier reflects the wealth and status of the house’s original owner, but was actually bought by entrepreneur and campaigner Violet van der Elst in the 1940s, who claimed it was the largest chandelier in the world!
The Great Hall was the heart of the manor during Gregory Gregory’s time, used for grand social gatherings and important events. Today it continues to serve as a gathering place for weddings and other special occasions, maintaining its role as one of Harlaxton’s most breath-taking spaces.
3. The Cedar Staircase: A showcase of craftsmanship
The Cedar Staircase at Harlaxton is one of its most remarkable features, demonstrating the skill and craftsmanship that went into every detail of the house. The staircase, made entirely of cedarwood, spirals elegantly upward, connecting the various wings of the manor. Its polished woodwork and intricate carvings make it a visual masterpiece, inviting visitors to explore the upper floors of the house.
The cedarwood itself adds to the sensory experience, releasing a subtle, sweet scent as you climb the stairs. The staircase’s graceful curves and ornate detailing are a testament to the Victorian obsession with fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. As you climb the stairs, now lushly carpeted, you can almost imagine the aristocratic guests who once made their way through this opulent space.
4. The Gold Room: A study in Victorian opulence
The Gold Room is one of the most luxurious spaces in Harlaxton. One of the principal drawing rooms, it was designed in the elaborate and highly decorative Rococo style, perfect for entertaining the manor’s elite guests. Gregory was heavily influenced by the recently completed ‘Elizabeth Saloon’ at nearby Belvoir Castle. It boasts rich gold-leaf decorations and an elaborately painted ceiling (spot the cherub climbing out of the scene!). The intricate plaster ceiling reflects the height of Victorian opulence, showcasing Gregory Gregory’s desire to create a home that rivalled the finest aristocratic estates in England.
The room’s warm tones create a sense of luxury and comfort, while the large windows look out onto the manicured gardens. For visitors, stepping into the Gold Room is like stepping back in time to the grandeur of 19th-century England, when such rooms were the heart of social life for the upper class.
A feature to look out for in this room are some of Harlaxton’s secret doors, which are hidden within the panelling. Some even open by sliding upwards! Other secret doors can be found in the Great Hall.
5. Harlaxton as a film location: A star of the screen
You may recognise Harlaxton’s grand architecture and richly detailed interiors as a favourite location for film-makers and television producers. Its cinematic appeal has been showcased in several productions, most notably ‘The Haunting’ (1999), which brought Harlaxton’s eerie and imposing silhouette to the screen, and the Netflix period drama ‘Victoria’, in which Harlaxton stood in for various grand locations including Buckingham Palace. Visitors to the manor can look out for these filming locations as they explore the rooms and grounds. It’s certainly easy to see how the dramatic exterior and lush gardens provide the perfect backdrop for gothic and historical stories.
6. The Conservatory: A Victorian glasshouse wonder
The Conservatory at Harlaxton Manor is another highlight of the estate, offering visitors a glimpse into the Victorian fascination with nature and exotic plants. This beautiful glasshouse, with its delicate iron framework and large windows, allows sunlight to pour in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Built in the early 1840s by William Burn, it was originally used to house rare plants and flowers collected from around the world, compartments could even be closed off in order to maintain different temperatures. The conservatory remains a place of tranquillity, beauty and somewhere to enjoy a rather good cup of coffee.
During Gregory Gregory’s time, the conservatory was a symbol of wealth and sophistication, as it allowed the manor’s residents to display their collection of exotic flora. Today, visitors can enjoy the light-filled space, which offers a peaceful contrast to the more formal interiors of the manor. The conservatory, restored in the 1970s, remains a testament to the Victorian passion for blending nature and architecture.
7. The Italianate Gardens: A tribute to European elegance
The manor is surrounded by a range of formal gardens intended to serve as a walk around Europe, with French-style terraces, Italian Colonnade, Dutch Ornamental Canal and English landscape walks. The Italianate Gardens are a stunning example of formal landscape design, blending the order and symmetry of Italian gardens with the natural beauty of the English countryside. Gregory Gregory, who had a deep appreciation for Italian architecture and landscape design, created these gardens to complement the grandeur of the house. Today the gardens are grade II* listed.
The space features manicured lawns, classical stone statues (including many lions), and geometrically arranged flowerbeds that create a sense of harmony. At the centre of the gardens is a pond surrounded by greenery and ornate fountains, providing visitors with a peaceful retreat from the opulence of the house. The Italianate Gardens are designed to provide a space to reflect and enjoy nature, while also showcasing the European influences that shaped Harlaxton’s design. A large walled garden is currently under renovation, so keep your eyes peeled!
Bonus - The mile-long drive and proximity to Belvoir Castle
One of Harlaxton’s most striking features is its impressively straight mile-long drive, which leads over a five-arch bridge crossing a serpentine lake, and under the outer gatehouse, creating a dramatic and memorable entrance to the estate. As you approach, the view of the manor unfolds through the trees, building anticipation for the grand reveal of the house's silhouette.
Adding to its appeal, Harlaxton Manor is located just a short distance from another historic gem, Belvoir Castle. In fact, from the Italianate Garden on a clear day you can see Belvoir’s silhouette on the skyline, looking west. This proximity offers visitors the chance to explore two iconic HeritageXplore estates in one trip, each showcasing different aspects of aristocratic history and architecture. Belvoir Castle, with its medieval roots and continued role as the seat of the Dukes of Rutland, complements the Victorian grandeur of Harlaxton, making the area a rich cultural and historical destination.
Whether you’re a lover of history, architecture or cinema, Harlaxton Manor is a magical must-visit destination that promises to leave a lasting impression. Its rich past, fascinating owners and unusual architecture make it a living piece of England’s heritage.
