Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a visit to the magnificent Hall Place in Dartford, where you can soak up centuries of history and grandeur. With its impressive grounds featuring the Queen’s Beasts, glamorous interior, and rich heritage this stunning stately home is sure to enchant visitors.
Examining the architectural highlights of an impressive Jacobean manor house that was once at risk of being ruined by time as well as appreciating its new significance today – both from an aesthetic perspective and also ethically – offers insight into how diverse one small area can be.
Visitors will experience a blend of culture, beauty, education and entertainment all within beautiful natural surroundings enhanced throughout this Tudor revival estate– perfect for those looking for a taste of sophistication!
![The grounds of Hall Place in Bexley](https://luxurycolumnist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1130132.jpg)
Introduction to Hall Place, Dartford
Hall Place is a beautiful Tudor house with award-winning gardens, on the outskirts of Crayford, South East London. On the banks of the river Cray, there are 65 hectares of landscaped grounds to explore, including Butterfly Gardens, a sub-tropical plant-house and a rock garden.
However, the most distinctive feature of the property is the Queen’s Beasts topiary animals.
Hall Place House
Let’s step inside Hall House via the imposing riverside entrance. You pass through an attractive courtyard before entering the Tudor section of the house.
![Hall Place Luxury Columnist travel blog](https://luxurycolumnist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1130146.jpg)
There are regular Hall Place events and you can also hire the medieval Great Hall and Great Chamber, which are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies.
The visitor centre includes some interesting history about the house and some funky modern exhibits. Children, or kids at heart like ourselves, will have fun doing brass rubbings.
![Hall Place Luxury Columnist London blog](https://luxurycolumnist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1130138.jpg)
And if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the 3 alleged ghosts of Hall Place, including Edward the Black Prince. Most of Hall Places’ original furniture was sold, however the ornate 18th century floral motives in the Lady Limerick Gallery on the first floor are particularly impressive.
When we visited, there was a fascinating exhibition upstairs on Hall Place’s secret wartime history, Code Name: Santa Fe. It revealed how American soldiers stationed here intercepted coded messages sent by Germany, helping to defeat the Nazis.
![Brass rubbing Hall Place](https://luxurycolumnist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1130155.jpg)
Hall Place Gardens
From meticulously manicured lawns to vibrant flowerbeds bursting with colour, spending time at Hall Place Gardens is a truly delightful experience. Meander along the winding pathways of this beautiful garden, discovering stunning vistas; seek solace among ancient trees and bask in the glory of nature’s beauty.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or inspiration, this majestic estate has it all! Brick walls dating from the 18th century enclose the north garden, with elaborate iron gates attributed to Thomas Robinson.
The Queen’s Beasts at Hall Place
One of the highlights of a visit to Hall Place is the unique Queen’s Beasts topiary sculptures, planted in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. These 10 heraldic statues feature mythical animals such as the griffin and the dragon.
There’s also a series of yews that were shaped into chess pieces on the instructions of the last private tenant, Lady Limerick. The house itself is a Grade I listed mansion, built for a former Lord Mayor of London in 1537.
![The Queen's Beasts](https://luxurycolumnist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1130208.jpg)
Dining at Hall Place and Gardens
Bexley Heritage Trust received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the site and to create a new Riverside Cafe. It’s a good spot for a coffee and cake and there’s also a separately owned steakhouse, Miller & Carter, in the Jacobean barn.
Hall Place Opening Times
The historic house is only open to visitors who have booked a guided tour. The gardens are open from 9am-9:30pm from April to September and 9am-4pm from October to March.
Read about our visit to Butterfly Jungles, in the grounds of Hall Place.
Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ
It’s a great day trip from London. What are your favourite places for a day excursion from your home?
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