Littledean Hall, Protected natural site in Littledean, Gloucestershire, England.
Littledean Hall is a Jacobean manor house in Littledean, Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by old chestnut trees, a coach house, and stables. The estate sits on land that has been in continuous use since ancient times and holds protected status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The manor was built in its current form in 1612, replacing earlier structures that had stood on the same ground. Finds from the cellars point to occupation going back to the Celtic period, long before the present building was constructed.
The hall is known locally for hosting one of the few surviving colonies of Greater Horseshoe Bats, which roost in the roof and outbuildings. At dusk, visitors who are present at the right time of year can watch the bats emerge in numbers that feel surprisingly large for such a rural setting.
Because the site holds protected status, access conditions can change depending on the season and any ongoing conservation work. It is worth checking what is currently open before making the trip, as not all parts of the estate may be accessible at all times.
A Roman road runs directly beneath the entrance driveway of the hall, a detail that only came to light during groundwork on the property. This makes the driveway itself one of the more unusual places to stand on an ancient route in rural England.
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