to Middleton Hall Middleton Hall plays host to a wide range of special events all year round in its lovely historic buildings and grounds. There’s something for everyone - browse through these pages and see what you can find! We hope you enjoy your visit.
A special place
When you visit Middleton Hall, you are truly walking through history. The site is unique. It is the only place in Britain where you can see buildings dating from the late 13th through to the early 19th century. The first manor house was built for Philip de Marmion in about 1285. Examples of buildings from each phase of the Hall’s history can still be seen, creating a rare living museum of architectural styles over 750 years. But it is not just a building. It is place full of history. The Hall was the home of some notable people and was visited by many famous figures, including Queen Elizabeth I, who spent two nights under its roof in 1575. Middleton also has a very special place in the history of British science. It was here that the first ever scientific book on ornithology was written and the first substantial catalogue of British plants compiled, by Francis Willughby and John Ray. It was badly used by its owners in the 20th century, starting with extensive gravel extraction on its estate, an activity that dominates the River Tame south of Tamworth. The buildings were allowed to decay until the Middleton Hall Trust stepped in the rescue the site and begin restoration work. The beautiful grounds feature a lake, moat and a noted walled garden and offer a range of lovely walks. The nine-acre lake has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The hall and grounds are open to the public on Sundays from Easter to the end of September. There is a small charge for entry and for special events.
The Courtyard
Middleton Hall Courtyard, housed in the hall’s Tudor stableyard. is open from Wednesday to Sunday all year round. It is home to an eclectic mix of shops, crafts and a cafe. Come and have a browse.
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..........................WELCOME TO MIDDLETON HALL.......
Welcome
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Winter Open Day
Sunday 16th February 11am - 3pm Adults - £3, children - free February half term holiday signals the end of dark dreary weather and the hope of the advent of spring. Blow away the cobwebs and burn off those winter excesses, enjoy the beautiful walks around Middleton Hall. Middleton Pool is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, supporting a remarkable variety of breeding birds and rich flora. See the grounds start to spring to life after the winter months with the first welcome signs of snowdrops. Enjoy warming refreshments in the café, before you wander around the beautiful Grade II listed building steeped in local history. Children can play nature detectives round the grounds and forage for natural materials to help us make a Middleton Hall collage, or paint winter wildlife pictures with our resident artist, or make a bird feeder to encourage birds into your garden (all materials provided).
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 23rd February 10am - 4pm £2 to park Middleton Hall Food & Craft Market moves into its tenth month and continues to grow supporting local businesses with an abundance of stalls showcasing the very best of local handcrafted items and locally produced food. You’ll find artisan crafted accessories and vintage items and delicious food to enjoy on site or take home. There is something for all the family. All car parking proceeds go to support the restoration of the hall and grounds to ensure this very special piece of local history can be enjoyed for generations to come. See all market dates on page 2.
Antiques Fair
Sunday 9th March 10am - 4pm £2 admission and free parking Middleton Hall is a fantastic backdrop for an Antiques & Collectors Fair. With dozens of stalls, in its spectacular Great Hall and splendid Ballroom, it will feature stalls selling furniture, paintings, ceramics, gold & silver ware, books, objects d’art and much more. A café and fully licensed bar will be open throughout the day serving refreshments. All proceeds from the day go to the Middleton Hall Restoration Fund, safeguarding seven centuries of architectural heritage.
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Wedding Fair
Sunday 23rd March 10am – 4pm Entry: FREE Middleton Hall invites you to their Spring Wedding Fair hosted by James Jones Events. Please join us at Staffordshire’s hidden gem of a wedding venue to meet hand-picked wedding suppliers who will be offering inspirational ideas for your big day. The fair will include a number of different zones including vintage chic, the boys’ corner, the food corner, pretty little things and much more. Guided tours of the hall and grounds will be available throughout the day with Middleton Hall’s Wedding Co-ordinator. There will also be a catwalk show featuring bridal wear and men’s formalwear together with live music. Brides will receive gift bags on arrival and all guests will receive free welcome drinks.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 30th March 10am – 4pm Entry: £2 car parking The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
Wedding Open House
Saturday 5th April 1pm – 4pm Entry: FREE Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Middleton Hall dressed for a wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast, and prospective brides and grooms are invited to visit to begin the creation of their own unique and special day. Take in the grandeur of The Great Hall with its sweeping staircase for the bride’s grand entrance, experience the magnificent ballroom set for a formal reception and picture yourself dancing the evening away with your friends and family. Enjoy a complimentary Bucks Fizz before you stroll around the fragrant walled gardens, the hidden pools and pretty woodland to choose the perfect spot to record your memorable day. Becky Pugh, Middleton Hall Wedding Co-ordinator will be on hand to guide you through your day and help with ideas and contacts.
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Sunday 13th April 11am to 4pm. Entry: adults £3, concessions £2.50, children - free Come along and meet the Napoleonic era Rifleman preparing to leave for active service in the Peninsula. Visit the living history camp and experience the sights, sounds and smells of soldiers cooking, cleaning their weapons and preparing to leave for Portugal. Watch musket firing and get involved by drilling with the soldiers! The re-enacters represent a battalion which fought all the way through Spain and Portugal into France in the early 1800s, earning 13 battle honours in total.
Easter Family Fun Day
Monday 21st April 11am – 4pm Entry: adults £5, concessions £3.50, children £1 Head to Middleton Hall for some Easter bank holiday fun for all the family. Enjoy performances from Flux Dance Theatre and traditional English dancing from Middleton Dancers, which you can join in with too if you like. There will be a children’s entertainer, lots of children’s crafts and activities. You can join our Easter Egg hunt following the trail of Alice in Wonderland characters hidden in glade. Traditional Easter cut outs will make for some great children’s photo opportunities. Plus an Easter bonnet parade, bouncy castle and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Lots of traditional food stalls on offer too, from popcorn, to crepes, to ice cream to hot cross buns.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 27th April 10am – 4pm Entry: £2 car parking The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
Middleton Motors Monthly
Sunday 4th May 10am to 1pm. Entry: £2 donation to show your car, general public £2 car parking (all proceeds go to support the restoraiton of Middleton Hall) For vehicles that make you go MMM… Do you own a vehicle that turns heads? Old, new, fast, slow, big, small... If you love it – come and show it - at Middleton Hall on the first Sunday of every month. Traders and Autojumblers if you would like to exhibit contact us on 01827 283095.
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Napoleonic War Re-enactment Day
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May Day Festival
Sunday 5th May 11am – 4pm Entry: adults £5, concessions £3.50, children £1 Traditional Family Fun! Moseley Morris Dancers. May pole dancing to join in with. An organ grinder and a strolling minstrel. Children’s crafts and outdoor activities, including a Green Man treasure trail in the grounds. Lots of traditional food stalls on offer, from popcorn, to crepes, to ice cream.
John Ray Botany Day
Sunday 11th May 11am to 4pm. Entry: adults £3, concessions £2.50, children - free The grounds of Middleton Hall, noted for the variety of wild flowers, plants and trees, is one of 4000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England. Come and celebrate the life and work of John Ray, who wrote the first ever scientific book on ornithology, and compiled the first significant catalogue of British plants, while living at the hall. Visit his museum and listen to talks to learn about his life & work. Lots of nature related crafts and outdoor activities for children. Music from a woodwind group. Watch our skilled volunteers at work with wood.
Velocette Motorbikes
Sunday 18th May 11am to 4pm Entry: adults £3, concessions £2.50, children - free See a fabulous display of these Classic Bikes and talk to members of the owners club. They were the first police motorbikes which seems fitting at the home of The Peel Museum at Middleton Hall.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 25th May 10am – 4pm Entry: £2 car parking The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
Spring Watch Day
Bank Holiday Monday 26th May 11am – 4pm Entry: adults £5, concessions £3.50, children £1 Children’s activity workshops, make a bird feeder, Mini Beast hunting, Habitat building. Bird and animals displays from Critterish Allsorts, Buzzards Valley and Eclipse Falconry. Talks on garden birds from David Tideswell. And lots of stalls selling a variety of wildlife themed items and activities.
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Sunday 1st June 10am to 1pm. Entry: £2 donation to show your car, general public £2 per car For vehicles that make you go MMM…for further details, see page 7.
Peel History Fair
Sunday 8th June 11am - 4pm Entry: adult £5, concessions £3.50, Children & students - free. The Peel Society will hold its 3rd annual History Fair. The Hall will have a selection of local history society stands where visitors can find out about their favourite branch of history. An innovation this year is two short keynote lectures will be delivered, “ Assessing the greatness of Sir Robert Peel” by Lord Lexden O.B.E., Official Historian of the Conservative Party and “The relationship between Drayton Manor and Middleton Hall” by Professor Ian Dillamore.
Historic Vehicle Day
Sunday 15th June 11am – 4pm Entry: adults £5, concessions £3.50, children £1 Middleton Hall’s shady glade is a superb backdrop to a fantastic display of historic vehicles. Picnic in the glade and dance to the music of George Huxley and his jazzmen.
National Garden Scheme Day
Sunday 22nd June 1pm to 5pm Entry: adults £3, concessions £2.50, children - free. Come and enjoy the peaceful and magical atmosphere of our walled garden, dating back to the early 18th century. Stroll through the orchard, take in the glade and sunken garden. Meet the volunteer gardeners who dedicate their time to the conservation of these beautiful gardens. Plants for sale. Music from Sutton Community Choir. Proceeds to the NGS.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 29th June 10am – 4pm Entry: £2 car parking The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
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Middleton Motors Monthly
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Middleton Motors Monthly
Sunday 6th July 10am to 1pm. Entry: £2 donation to show your car, general public £2 per car For vehicles that make you go MMM…for further details, see page 7.
Intimate Theatre - ‘Candida’
Wednesday 9th July Tickets £10, to include refreshments. 7pm for 7.30pm We continue to be supported by the very generous and very talented theatre group who give their time freely to generate income for the restoration of the hall. Tonight performing Bernard Shaw’s comedy Candida.
The Great Middleton Hall Bake Off
Sunday 13th July 11am - 4pm Entry: adults £3, concessions £2, children - free It’s baking day at Middleton Hall! Lots of stalls and activities all to do with baking. Plus plenty to get involved with and taste! Have a go yourself at cake decorating. Competitions in different baking categories. Activities for children.
Wedding Open Day
Sunday 20th July 1pm – 4pm Entry : FREE Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Middleton Hall dressed for a wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast, and prospective brides and grooms are invited to visit to begin the creation of their own unique and special day. Take in the grandeur of The Great Hall with its sweeping staircase for the bride’s grand entrance, experience the magnificent ballroom set for a formal reception and picture yourself dancing the evening away with your friends and family. Enjoy a complimentary Bucks Fizz before you stroll around the fragrant walled gardens, the hidden pools and pretty woodland to choose the perfect spot to record your memorable day. Becky Pugh, Middleton Hall Wedding Co-ordinator will be on hand to guide you through your day and help with ideas and contacts.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 27th July 10am – 4pm Entry: £2 car parking The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
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From unloved ruin to historic gem For most of the 20th century, Middleton Hall was allowed to fall into serious decay. When in the late 1970s a group of ramblers came across its crumbling shell, the hall had stood abandoned since it was sold in the mid-1920s, to a rubble magnate. Much of its 400-acre estate was turned into gravel quarries while the buildings became ruins.
By the time Middleton was given Grade II-listed status, its grand windows were smashed, its woodwork rotted, and some roofs and floors were missing. But for the past 30 years, Middleton has been transformed thanks to the loving care of its volunteers. Since the Middleton Hall Restoration Trust, a registered charity, was set up in 1980, volunteers have put in hundreds of thousands of hours’ work to rebuild, renovate and restore the site. And there is still a huge amount of work to be done. Paying visitors and special events are crucial to the hall’s survival. While grants, including heritage lottery funds, can be accessed for large projects, the maintenance of the hall is costly and cannot attract such funding. All profits from events held here go to support the trust’s restoration and conservation work. Why not get involved too? We need volunteers to help with events, the gardens, admin and a host of other tasks. Just ring or email to find out how you could help keep this special place alive.
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Middleton Motors Monthly
Sunday 3rd August From 10am to 1pm. Entry: £2 donation to show your car; General Public £2 per car For vehicles that make you go MMM…for further details, see page 7.
Middleton Mutts
Sunday 10th August 11am - 4pm Entry: adult £3, concessions £2, children - free Tons of entertainment from a dog display team plus lots of stalls and activities sure to appeal to everyone who loves their dogs.
Peel Society’s MG Car Day
Sunday 17th August 11am - 4pm Entry: adults £3, concessions £2, children - free The Peel Society, in conjunction with the MG Octagon Car Club, will hold a rally for owners of MG Cars. Cars from the beginning of this famous British marque to more recent examples will be on show. The Amington Band will add to the atmosphere with its masterly interpretations of old favourites from the brass band repertoire.
Traditional Family Fun Day
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 11am to 4pm. Entry: adults £5, concessions £3.50, children £1 Traditional games, stalls and children’s activities - for a proper. old-fashioned family day out. Have a go on our coconut shy, hook a duck, splat the rat and many more. Meet Minnie & Mickey Mouse. Bouncy Castle. Face painting. Music from Swing for You. Lots of traditional food stalls on offer, from popcorn, to crepes, to ice cream.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 31st August 10am – 4pm Parking: £2 per car The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
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Sunday 7th September From 10am to 1pm. Entry: £2 donation to show your car; General Public £2 per car For vehicles that make you go MMM…for further details, see page 7.
Heritage Open Day
Sunday 14th September 11am - 4pm Entry: FREE for all Free Routemaster bus travelling between Tamworth and Middleton Hall all day Antiques Valuation, with Charles Hanson (of TV’s Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt) Remote controlled WW2 tanks l Metal Detecting Skirmish by Reinactment Supplies Working Artist l Working smithy Performances from the Early Music Group Holborne Consort Craft demonstrations including spinning, rag rugs, lacemaking, wood carving Children’s historical crafts, brass rubbings and painting
Armstrong Siddley Show
Sunday 21st September 11am to 4pm. Entry: adult £3, concessions £2.50, children - free. See a fabulous display of these Classic Cars and talk to members of the owners club.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 28th September 10am – 4pm Parking: £2 per car The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details. Plus: the L E Velo Club Rally
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SEPTEMBER...SEPTEMBER...SEPTEMBER...SEPTEMBER.
Middleton Motors Monthly
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Middleton Motors Monthly
Sunday 5th October From 10am to 1pm. Entry: £2 donation to show your car; General Public £2 per car For vehicles that make you go MMM…for further details, see page 7.
The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes
Friday 10th October 7.30pm for 8pm Tickets £12, including refreshments The Don’t Go Into The Cellar Theatre Group return by popular demand following their success last year with Warning to the Curious The Ghost Stories of M.R.James. This year performing The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes.
Wedding Fair
Sunday 12th October 10am – 4pm Entry: FREE Middleton Hall invites you to its Autumn Wedding Fair hosted by James Jones Events. Please join us at Staffordshire’s hidden gem of a wedding venue to meet hand-picked wedding suppliers who will be offering inspirational ideas for your big day. The fair will include several different zones including vintage chic, boys’ corner, food corner, pretty little things and much more. Guided tours of the hall and grounds will be available throughout the day with Middleton Hall’s Wedding Co-ordinator. There will also be a catwalk show featuring bridal wear and men’s formalwear together with live music. Brides will receive gift bags on arrival and all guests will receive free welcome drinks.
Antiques Fair
Sunday 19th October 10am - 4pm Entry: £2 and free parking Middleton Hall is a fantastic backdrop for an Antiques & Collectors Fair. With dozens of stalls, in its spectacular Great Hall and splendid Ballroom, it will feature furniture, paintings, ceramics, gold & silver ware, books, objects d’art and much more. A café and fully licensed bar will be serving refreshments. All proceeds from the day go to the Middleton Hall Restoration Fund, safeguarding seven centuries of architectural heritage.
Food & Craft Market
Sunday 26th October 10am – 4pm Parking: £2 per car The place to go for delicious local food and artisan crafts. See page 2 for further details.
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Friday 14th November 7pm for 7.30pm Tickets £12, including refreshments George Huxley’s All Star Jazz Band has, over the past few years been acclaimed throughout Britain as one of our very finest bands, headlining at festivals everywhere. Firm favourites at Middleton Hall, you can expect George and his men to bring the house down again with their lively jazz set.
Food & Craft Market - Christmas Extravanganza Sunday 30th November 10am – 4pm Parking: £2 per car All your usual delicious local food producers and makers and artisan craftspeople plus gifts, live music, mulled wine, hot chestnuts and the chance to visit Santa in his grotto! See page 2 for further details.
Intimate Theatre Christmas Voices
Wednesday 3rd December 7pm for 7.30pm Tickets £12.50, including refreshments Christmas variety show entertainment at its best - Intimate Theatre’s festive performance has become a firm favourite. The show brings people back year after year and offers the very best start to the Christmas season - it is guaranteed to imbue you with festive spirit!
Carol Concert featuring the Caroliners
Sunday 14th December 6.30pm for 7pm Tickets:£7 An entertaining and humorous mix of Christmas songs, both traditional and contemporary.
Group Visits
The Trust’s resources are available for group visits on any date when there is no prior booking. Specialist groups interested in nature, architecture, gardening, history, fine arts and even technology will find our hall and grounds fascinating. The venue also offer a good day out for general interest groups, such as Women’s Institutes, Mother’s Unions, Church Groups and residents of protected accommodation. Refreshments could be as little as tea, or coffee and biscuits, or as much as a gourmet dinner. For details and to book, please ring or email us.
Access
The grounds and the ground floor of the buildings are accessible to everyone. However, we regret there is no disabled access to the first floor of the hall. Our historic buildings do not lend themselve to the installation of lifts or ramps.
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Jazz Night
How to Find Us
Directions
Middleton Hall is lies between The Belfry and Drayton Manor Park, well served by the M42 motorway and about five miles from Tamworth railway station. The Belfry is at the junction of the A446 and A4091 and Drayton Manor is about four miles north on the A4091 from this junction. Middleton Hall is between the two on the right hand side when driving north. From Tamworth: follow the signs to Drayton Manor and and continue south on the A4091 to the Hall, which is on the left. From Sutton Coldfield: take the A453 to Bassetts Pole (the fiveway junction on the map), take the A446, then take the first left turn to Middleton village. At the T-junction in the village, turn left and continue to the A4091. Cross the A4091 with care, and head straight into the Hall drive.
Middleton Hall
buildings, walled garden and grounds
Open: Sundays; April to September; times vary - please see website for details
Middleton Hall Courtyard
food, antique and craft shops; Thai therapist; dog grooming parlour; cafe
Open: all year; Wednesdays to Sundays; 10am to 4pm
Middleton Hall Trust Middleton Hall, Middleton, Tamworth B78 2AE Tel: 01827 283095 Email: middletonhalltrust@btconnect.com
www.middleton-hall.co.uk