During my first two weeks of living back in the UK, I stayed at a cosy Airbnb garden apartment in Bramhall, which was the perfect base to get familiar with Manchester again.

On the doorstep was Bramhall Park (70 acres of landscaped parkland with lakes, woodland, and gardens) – a breath of fresh air (literally!) to walk around. I have loved being around nature ever since my Girl Guiding days, so it was lovely being able to explore the grounds and enjoy the crisp weather.

Bramall Hall

Notably, in the grounds, you’ll see Bramhall Hall – a 14th centre Tudor manor house with timber frames, which dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s an exquisite building to walk around and you can take a look inside too. Open Tuesday to Sunday, you can either find your own way around (adults £5) or take a guided tour for an extra pound.

Bramall Hall

I tagged onto the tour and enjoyed viewing the different rooms with a commentary about the families and servants who lived and worked there. I particularly liked looking at the servant bedrooms upstairs (always imagining myself at Downton Abbey…). The newly restored dining room is also beautiful to look at; in fact, Charles Nevill who lived there in the 1880s apparently stated that he would simply love a room where he can eat his bacon sandwich and look at the view – don’t we all.

Bramall Hall Chapel

Bramall Hall Dining Room

Bramall Hall: Housekeeper Sitting Room

Bramall Hall: Servants Kitchen

The tour commentary is a little mature for families with younger kids, but they’d definitely enjoy wandering around at their own leisure. Afterwards, there’s a gift shop and cafe next door to pop into, as well as the park itself (plenty of ducks!)

For more information about visiting Bramhall Hall, see here.

Bramhall Park