Hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside – between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove, and just a short drive from Birmingham – the Grade I listed Harvington Hall reopens its doors to the public next month.

Built on the site of an earlier medieval building, and reflecting an era of great religious persecution and upheaval, the 16th-century manor is home to the UK’s finest collection of priest hides (also known as priest holes).

With seven in total, these dark, hidden spaces are buried within the property, cunningly constructed into fireplaces, attics and staircases. Designed to conceal individuals from Tudor ‘priest-hunters’, several are the work of the celebrated craftsman Nicholas Owen (now renowned as the Patron Saint of Illusionists).

The hall is also home to a significant number of decorative Elizabethan wall paintings, which have recently undergone conservation.

With both guided and self-guided tours available, the Tudor hall has announced an exciting Events programme, running throughout the year following its official reopening on Sat 14 Feb.

Highlights include immersive evening experiences drawing on stories of courageous Elizabethan women (Faith and Fear, Fri 20 Feb – Sat 21 Feb, Fri 27 Feb – Sat 28 Feb) and the infamous Gunpowder Plot  (Fri 23 Oct – Sat 24 Oct, Fri 30 Oct – Sat 31 Oct, Thu 5 Nov – Fri 6 Nov), which has strong links to the hall; school holiday activities and trails for all ages, including Family Friendly Tours (beginning February half-term); a traditional fun-filled Summer Garden Party (Sat 15 Aug – Sun 16) Aug; and three Artisan Markets (Sat 28 Mar, Sat 27 Jun, Sat 19 Sep) showcasing some of the best makers and small businesses from the region.

Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre will also be presenting an outdoor performance of playwright Oliver Goldsmith’s enduring 18th century comedy She Stoops To Conquer (Sat 4 Jul – Sun 5 Jul), while the Harvington History Festival is also set to return after a sell-out 2025 (Wed 22 Jul – Sat 25 Jul – line-up to be announced).

Phil Downing, Harvington Hall’s Manager, said: “We can’t wait to open Harvington Hall in 2026, offering visitors lots to discover and experience Elizabethan history in new and engaging ways – plus some events never seen before at the Hall.”

For bookings and more information, click below.