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House & Collections

Burton Constable is one of the most fascinating country houses to survive with its original collections and interiors.

We offer a free-flow tour of the house where visitors can explore up to thirty rooms filled with fine furniture, paintings, sculpture and country-house paraphernalia. Our team of friendly House Guides are always on hand to answer questions and help you get the most from your visit. 

The Elizabethan house was dominated by the Great Hall, which rose the full height of the building and was originally top-lit by a lantern.
This room was the parlour in the sixteenth-century house and as such has always functioned as a place for eating and drinking.
In the Elizabethan house, there was first a modest staircase leading from the Great Hall to the Great Chamber above the present Dining Room.
Forming the upper floor of the west front, was completed by the close of the sixteenth century, although none of the present interior dates from this period.
Following her marriage in 1865, Rosina, the second Lady Clifford Constable, occupied the French Bedroom
Following William’s marriage to Catherine Langdale in 1775, he settled on a plan to create the Great Drawing Room.
In the eighteenth century the Blue Drawing Room was a breakfast room and it was at this time that the French window was inserted, allowing access to the lawns.
Visits made to Brighton Pavilion in the late 1820s inspired Marianne, Lady Clifford Constable and her sister Eliza to create the Chinese Room.
By the late sixteenth century the ceiling of the Great Hall had been lowered to allow for the creation of attic rooms.

Cobwebs & Cream Teas: Behind the Scenes Tours

We offer monthly Behind the Scenes Tours led by one of our expert guides. Visitors can explore the derelict servant attic rooms on The 14 Landing before heading down into the Cellars, Steward Room and Victorian Servants Hall. Next, it's the conservation store rooms where you can learn more about the collections and the work we do caring for this incredible building. Lastly, we finish the tour on the rooftop of Stephen's Tower, one of the oldest parts of the building, to marvel at the view.

The Tour includes a free-flow visit to the Hall and the chance to explore the stunning Capability Brown landscaped parkland and historic stable block at Burton Constable Hall & Grounds. A delicious, freshly prepared afternoon tea will then be served in the Stables Tea Room, a perfect end to a fascinating day! 

For tour dates and times see our Events page

For further information on this history of these rooms visit Behind the Scenes

Guided Tours & Specialist Interest 

If you would like to arrange a guided tour for your group visit please get in touch with us via the Contact Us page