Historic Leighton Hall has plenty to offer this year

Family visitors to the lived in home of the Gillow furniture making dynasty, can expect all the usual hospitality from the Gillow Reynolds family, as well as an exciting calendar of events for 2016.

Until September the hall is open on weekday afternoons and various weekends for bank holidays and special events.

The first of these is on Saturday May 7, when Leighton plays host to a car boot sale in aid of the British Red Cross. Not just any old car boot, this extravaganza sees only specially invited, high quality stall holders selling the very best of wares. There will be displays of antiques, decorative objects, furniture, oriental rugs, sporting goods, clothing and much more. A representative from Tennants Auction House will be on hand to help with valuations. The tea room will be open all day and there will also be various quality food concessions.

Later in July the Classic Car Rally returns, along with two al fresco performances of Hamlet on Leighton’s lawns. In August there are extra activities for children, including the free Teddy Bear Treasure Hunt, as well as a sponsored walk for Parkinsons. The final event is the exciting Motorcycle Hill Climb in September.

Mrs Reynolds, owner of Leighton Hall, said: “This year is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, so we are delighted that the wonderful Festival Players will be visiting us for two nights in July for Hamlet. Each year, we try to add something new to our family offering.

“Last year we upgraded all our children’s outdoor play facilities and this year we’ve more events than ever before. Of course all our family favourites are still here, including the birds of prey flying displays, house tours, tea rooms, gardens and parkland.”

Leighton Hall is famous for its stunning pieces of Gillow furniture and has no roped off areas. Visitors are welcomed at the front door by child friendly and entertaining guides and encouraged to sit on the furniture, touch things and really get involved.

Admission for adults to Leighton Hall is £7.95, concessions: £7.25, children age five–12, £4.95. The Historic House Car Boot Sale is on Saturday May 7 from 10am–3.30pm, admission £5, children go free.

Classic Car Rally is on July 3 from 10am–4pm, admission for adults is £6.50, children £2.50. Shakespeare in the Garden, Hamlet, Thursday and Friday July 21-22 at 7.30pm, admission for adults £15, children £10. Walk for Parkinsons, Sunday August 21 at 10.30am. Motorcycle Hill Climb. September 25, 9am.