Upton Cressett Hall

Sixteenth century moated Elizabethan manor with turreted gatehouse set in remote and beautiful Shropshire countryside near market towns of Bridgnorth. Located next to a fine Norman church, Upton Cressett’s gatehouse, featuring original oak spiral staircase and rare 16th century ornamental plasterwork, has been likened to the Sissinghurst Tower. The property was admired by Nicolas Pevsner and is included in Simon Jenkins’ Best Houses of Britain who described it as an 'Elizabethan gem'. The hall was the historic home of the Cressett family for centuries, before the Cash family began living there in 1971. A royalist stronghold in the Civil war, Sir Francis Cressett was Treasurer to Charles I and attempted to rescue the king from Carisbrooke Castle in 1648. Prince Rupert stayed in the gatehouse as have prime ministers. Following major restoration work, including the restoration of the Great Hall dining room with a unique Tudor ceiling, the Hall, gatehouse and gardens are now open all year to groups by appointment. The gatehouse is also available for let, and the grounds for wedding receptions, events, concerts and filming.

Visitor Opening TimesBack to top

For the 2012 season, Upton Cressett Hall and Gatehouse will be open from April 1st to September 31st.

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and all Bank Holidays: 11.30am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

Hall, Gatehouse and Garden Admission:
£6.50 adult
£3.50 children (5-15)
Children under 5 free

For other special opening times and by appointment visits see: www.uptoncressetthall.co.uk or call Upton Cressett to check opening times.

PLEASE NOTE THAT AS UPTON CRESSETT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HHA FRIENDS SCHEME AND MEMBERS & FRIENDS WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ENTRANCE FEE TO VISIT THIS PROPERTY.

Please contact the property for up to date opening times

Film LocationsBack to top

Featured on the cover of Country Life, Upton Cressett was described as 'a splendid example of the English manor house at its most evocative'. The sixteenth century hall and historic turreted gatehouse with oak spiral staircase and plasterwork is ideal for all filming and photography. The Great Hall dining room has an enormous stone fireplace and a unique hand painted Tudor ceiling which has been recently restored and is ideal for any Elizabethan banqueting requirements. The main staircase with painted cartouches is similar to that at Knole. The moated setting, next to a Norman church, is romantic, secluded and highly atmospheric.

Groups and special visitsBack to top

Group tours can include a tour of private rooms inside the house that have not been previously opened to the public

Wedding FacilitiesBack to top

Wedding reception for up to 150 guests, romantic gatehouse for honeymoon, possible use of principal rooms in main hall and gatehouse. Tented reception in moated garden area.

Corporate FunctionsBack to top

The property can be used for corporate retreats and events, including full dining facilities in the great hall dining room for up to sixteen.

AccommodationBack to top

Accommodation Type: Holiday Cottage
Unique and self-contained historic property – which sleeps four in two bedrooms suites on separate floors - is available to rent either for romantic short-break weekends (minimum two nights), or by the week.

The property has been refurbished to a high standard with all modern comforts – including new bathrooms, kitchen, satellite television, Wi Fi - that blend in with such features as original oak spiral staircase, mullion windows, ornate sixteenth century plasterwork, Tudor fireplaces, oak floors, panelled bedchambers and half-tester beds.

Featured on the cover of Country Life, the Gatehouse has its own entrance gates which lead into a medieval apple garden with a fountain that evokes the atmosphere of the Elizabethan Age.