Astley Hall

Journey through over 400 years of history

Journey through over 400 years of history to reveal the secrets of the Grade I listed Astley Hall, one of the most intriguing historic houses in the North West.

This surprising building features some of the most breath-taking mid-17th century plaster ceilings in the country, rare painted panelling and very fine English oak furniture.

From the Charnocks and Brookes through to the Townley-Parkers and the Tattons, travel through time to discover the fascinating history of the families who once owned the Hall in the intriguing portraits adorning the period rooms and then take a stroll through the internal Elizabethan courtyard.

Immerse yourself in an important part of Chorley’s history and enjoy an enlightening and entertaining afternoon in Astley Hall, the ‘jewel in Chorley’s crown.’

The Astley Hall we see today dates from the 1570s with major additions made in the 1600s and 1820s. The contents mostly came with the house when ownership was transferred to Chorley Corporation in 1922. Its furniture, furnishings and paintings reflect the tastes of the four families who have lived at the Hall: Charnock, Brooke, Townley-Parker and Tatton.

Due to the fragile nature of some objects and artworks, and limits on space, not everything is on display but researchers are welcome to make an appointment to view items currently in storage. Please email astley.hall@chorley.gov.uk or telephone 01257 515151.

In May 2022, a group of researchers from the University of Manchester came to Astley Hall with a Matterport 3D camera to create an immersive virtual tour of the museum as part of a project around documenting taper burn marks found around the building.

You can access the virtual tour via the link below:

VIRTUAL TOUR

Read more about the project on the University of Manchester Blog HERE

Astley Hall Museum Winter Closure

Astley Hall Museum is now closed to the public until 31 March 2026

During this time, the wider site remains open, including the onsite busineses Cafe Ambio and Barrica Wines, plus our Information Centre and Shop (opening hours below).

A new Coach House Gallery exhibition exploring the current west wing works will be coming soon.

Further works in Astley Hall will continue beyond March, with updates shared in advance.

**

Opening Hours for Astley Information Centre and Shop

Admissions prices for Astley Hall Museum:

*Residents local to Chorley Borough receive a 50% discount on entry prices stated. Proof of address required

Admission to the Coach House Gallery is free

Keep an eye on the what's on page for news about upcoming events and exhibitions.

For details of opening hours for Cafe Ambio and Barrica in the Park, please see their Facebook pages

Groups, organised visits and coach trips to Astley Hall

 

Astley Hall is happy to welcome group and coach visits to the Hall for both self- guided visits (during general opening hours) and guided tours (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) 

Coach visits must be booked in advance to arrange parking and refreshments.

The Astley Hall coach trip package:

• £10 per person
• Coach parking
• Guided tour of the Hall
• Driver refreshments

Contact: astley.hall@chorley.gov.uk for bookings and enquiries

Schools and Colleges

Astley Hall has a wide offer of sessions on offer to Primary and Secondary schools, all linked to the National Curriculum. We are happy to create bespoke sessions with teachers given enough time.

To book or for more information on rates, accessibility guides and facilities please contact us.

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