The manor house takes you back to medieval England, built for the de Freville family before it was passed to the Willoughby family in 1418. It has an 18th-century walled garden and neighbouring RSPB nature reserve.
Middleton Hall embodies almost one thousand years of England’s history, from the medieval period to the present day. The first building on site was built in the early 14th century, and the Manor was owned by the de Frevilles until Margaret de Freville married Sir Hugh Willoughby in 1418. One of their descendants, the mathematician and naturalist Francis Willughby, lived there in the 17th century and the herb garden is dedicated to him and the Hall’s other famous naturalist, John Ray. The Georgian west wing was added in the late 18th century and contrasts sharply with the timber-beamed wing attached to it. Viewed from different angles, you could believe they were two different houses.
However, the Willoughbys’ prosperity didn’t last forever and the estates were sold in the 1920s. The house fell into disrepair but it has been restored and looked after by a team of volunteers who will take you on a tour of the Hall and recount the stories of the people who once lived there.
After visiting the Hall, you can pop into the orchard and the herb garden. In the summer months you can play croquet on the West Lawn or join in with traditional May Day celebrations. Or, if you want to do a spot of shopping, drop by at the Tudor barn complex called The Courtyard, which hosts a coffee shop and 12 independent businesses, including antiques, jewellery and even a Thai spa.