Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum

Towneley Hall is a grand country house from the 14th century with ornately decorated rooms and period chambers throughout. The 440-acre estate surrounds the residence with formal gardens, woodlands, and meadows alongside recreational facilities and a museum.

The estate came under the Towneley family's control from 1200 onwards until it was sold to Burnley Corporation in 1901. This sale ended nearly 700 years of family ownership and shifted the property into public stewardship.

The collection displays Victorian paintings, vestments from Whalley Abbey, and a Flemish altarpiece from 1525 housed in the private chapel. These works reflect the family's long engagement with art and religious devotion across the centuries.

The site offers tennis courts, bowling greens, two golf courses, nature trails, and children's play areas spread across an accessible park. The museum operates daily with guided tours, though specific hours should be checked beforehand as seasonal variations apply.

Local folklore tells of a spectral figure appearing every seven years near the house, connected to Sir John Towneley's interactions with the local population. The legend remains part of the area's local memory and contributes to the hall's mystique.

Location: Burnley

Operator: Burnley Borough Council

Part of: Burnley Borough Council

Opening Hours: Saturday-Thursday 12:00-17:00

Website: http://burnley.gov.uk/towneley

GPS coordinates: 53.77380,-2.22250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57