Swarthmoor Hall, 17th century country house in Ulverston, England
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century country house in Cumbria that sits on spacious grounds with woodland paths, formal gardens, and a vegetable garden. The Grade II listed building functions today as a visitor center with accommodation suites and cottages, plus a cafe and gift shop on site.
Built in 1568, the house became home to Thomas Fell and his wife Margaret, who embraced the Quaker movement in the 1600s. It played a key role in the growth of that religious community before being acquired by the London Yearly Meeting of Friends in the 20th century.
The hall was a gathering place for early Quakers seeking refuge and spiritual community. You can sense how the rooms hosted their meetings and how this shaped the character of the house today.
The grounds are easily accessible for walking, and you can explore the woodland paths at your own pace or relax in the gardens. The on-site cafe offers refreshments, and if you wish to stay overnight, cottages and suites are available to book.
For centuries the house was a private family residence before becoming a retreat center in the 1950s for Quaker groups from across Britain. This shift allowed the place to welcome visitors keen to learn about the roots of the religious movement that started there.
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