Wollaton Hall is a country house in Wollaton, Nottingham, England started in 1580 and completed in 1588 for Sir Francis Willoughby (1557-1596) by the Elizabethan architect, Robert Smythson (also the architect of Hardwick Hall). The building consists of a high central hall, surrounded by four towers. Unfortunately, Smythson's interior was destroyed by fire and remodelling was carried out by Sir Jeffry Wyattville in 1801.

The gallery of the main hall contains Nottinghamshire's oldest pipe organ, thought to date from the end of the seventeenth century, possibly by the builder Gerard Smith. It is still blown by hand.

The grounds, Wollaton Park, are the home to the Intercounties Cross Country trials in March of each year, as well as many other events. In this park, during World War II members of the U.S. 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment were billeted waiting to be parachuted into Europe. A small plaque commemorates this event.

Description
A Natural History Museum with a fantastic array of specimens and minerals on display, including favourites like George the Gorilla and the impressive Giraffe upstairs! Exhibitions include 'I is for Insect' living displays and creepy crawlies on show with an educational twist, Why Change Things? an exploration of the changes that Wollaton Hall has been through with the opportunity for you to comment and influence future changes, The Green Trail and Nature Trail will keep all ages occupied there is also the opportunity to tour the hidden elements of the Hall including the leaded roof and underground cave system.

Park remains open

A major programme of restoration work has now begun at Wollaton Hall & Park. Work is taking place throughout the Hall and Park and is due to be completed by Easter 2007.

The Hall in the Grade 1 listed Tudor mansion, once the home of the Willoughby family, will be closed from Saturday, October 15 until completion for Easter 2007, however several parts of the hall will be accessible from Monday, April 3rd 2006. We apologise for the disruption and advise all customers to call in-advance.

Works include the renovation of the rooftop Prospect Room above the Great Hall, and a lift being installed in the Hall to allow full public access to the upper floors of the Hall and the Grade 1 Listed Camellia House.  The Doric Temple in the Park will also be repaired under this first phase of work.

Wollaton Park, the Yard Gallery  and the Industrial Museum remain open and there will be a temporary refreshment facility and toilets in the top car park.

The park is completely closed to the public when the exit gate is shut. Please make sure you leave enough time to get across the park.
Car parking charges are £2 per car for all the day

Hall opening times:
The opening times for Wollaton Hall for the duration of the works are as follows:
Weekdays: closed
Weekends and Bank Holidays (including Good Friday): open as usual from 11am to 5pm
The Industrial Museum, Yard Gallery and Yard Shop will be open from 11am to 5pm every day

Admission prices:
Weekday entrance is free.
Bank holidays & weekends costs are:
Adults - £1.50
Children/Concessions - £1.00
Family ticket £4.00 (2 adults & 3 children)
Free entrance for under 5's.
Admission prices are to gain entry to both the Industrial Museum and Wollaton Hall.