If you're after a completely free-to-enter garden to relax in and explore this summer, then Manchester's Ordsall Hall has it all - a gorgeous garden, a historic hall, and a lovely allotment. Everything at Ordsall is free to explore, making it a must-visit this season. 

Want to find out more? Our team took a tour this summer to show you what Salford's oldest building has to offer. 

The Gardens



Ordsall Hall has lush sprawling grass to the front of the property... But to the back? This is where you can find their impressive time capsule garden. 

The rear garden is designed in a traditional Tudor style knot, similar to what would have been grown back then. Rose bushes stand out among carefully pruned hedging. Lavender covers the flower beds. Although summer is in its last few weeks, bright fuchsia and creamy white roses are in full bloom. 



Overlooked by the impressive period hall, the garden is the perfect place to grab a coffee and just enjoy the scenery. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a ghost lingering at the windows... but more on that later. 

And to the left of the hall, sits their allotment. 

The Allotment



Back in the day, Ordsall Hall was fully self-sufficient. The grounds had fields for crops, grazing fields, a chapel, and a water mill/saw mill. The entire estate had a whopping 200 acres, which they describe as about 200 football pitches! 

In 2015, the allotment was reestablished as part of their First World War centenary commemorations. They grow all kinds of vegetables and fruits that were grown during the active war years. Since then, the allotment has been expanded, giving them space to grow perennial fruits, asparagus, and hops. They even had a trellis of beans. 

Along the hall, there are cold frames where they grow even more produce. We saw squashes, kale, and herbs (to name just a few!). Some of their produce they often sell on-site, so keep an eye out for that when you visit. 

The Building 



If you're interested in history, then Ordsall Hall is a must-visit. The hall is Salford's oldest building, dating back to 1177 - over 820 years ago! 

Many families called Ordsall Hall home. In its vast history, the building was more than just a home - including a working men's club and church. The building is full of character, having been added to in bits over the years. The kitchen is circa 1630s, whereas the 'Star Chamber' (Sir John Radclyffe's private wing) was built in the 1360s. 

The Radclyffes owned Ordsall Hall for over 300 years. Many areas of the building are considered to be from this time, which is confirmed by the tree-ring dating. John Radclyffe inherited Ordsall from Richard de Hulton in 1335, just 13 years before the Black Death plagued Europe. Unfortunately, the plague made its way to Ordsall in 1361 and claimed the life of John Radclyffe in 1362. 


Image: Ordsall Grand Hall. Credit: Shutterstock

For the next 300 years, the Radclyffe's enjoyed Ordsall, through a whole history of family feuds (the Booths and de Traffords to name just a few), inter-marriages, and Knighthoods. Many Radclyffe's are known for their appearance at Court, including Margaret Radclyffe who was Queen Elizabeth's favoured lady-in-waiting. 

Fast forward to the 19th century, the Hall was purchased by Earl Egerton of Tatton and rented out to Haworth's Mill to be a Working Man's Club. The building then included an array of activities, including a gym, a billiards room, and a skittle alley for just 6d (pence) a month. 

You can read more about the Egerton family in 'The History of Tatton Park'. 

Ordsall's Famous Ghosts

You heard us right! Ordsall is home to a few ghosts, including Sir John and Lady Margaret Radclyffe. There are many spooky tales of hauntings at Ordsall - so much so that they have a ghost cam to catch all kinds of goings-on! 

Ready to visit the Hall? It's free to enter and is open 7 days a week - perfect for all schedules. They even allow doggies on the grounds, as long as they're on a leash.