Johnby Hall

Johnby Hall is a Grade II* listed historic house in Cumbria, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Johnby Hall

Johnby Hall near Greystoke in Cumbria combines a fourteenth-century pele tower with sixteenth-century manor house additions, reflecting the region's historical need for defence against Border reivers.

The Duke of Norfolk acquired it in 1783, and it has remained in the Howard family ever since.

Around 1900, family-led restoration introduced Arts and Crafts details.

The property holds Grade II* listed status and is managed with Historic Houses support.

Visits are by written appointment, with bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation available.

History of Johnby Hall

The core structure dates from 1583, when a manor house was built onto the remains of an earlier medieval tower house designed for defence against Border raiders. The Duke of Norfolk bought Johnby Hall in 1783, and it has stayed in the Howard family since. Around 1900, a family member remembered as Great-Aunt Maud carried out restoration work that introduced Arts and Crafts details, and the house was given Grade II* listed status in 1967.

Architecture of Johnby Hall

The hall combines a fourteenth-century pele tower with sixteenth-century manor house additions, a layout typical of fortified Cumbrian houses built for both comfort and defence. Later alterations, including Arts and Crafts touches added around 1900, sit alongside the older fabric largely unchanged.

Gardens & grounds at Johnby Hall

The grounds include a seventeenth-century walled orchard and the remains of an eighteenth-century water garden, shared today with free-range chickens, rare-breed pigs and red squirrels.

Facilities

Parking

Plan your visit to Johnby Hall

Official site Google Maps Waze

Nearest station: Penrith North Lakes Rail Station (5.1 miles)

Admission

Historic Houses members must pay for entry

Is this your property? Update this listing for free

Places to visit near Johnby Hall

Hutton-in-the-Forest

historic house 2.5 miles

Visit Hutton-in-the-Forest View Hutton-in-the-Forest on heritage map

Hutton John

historic house 3.1 miles

Visit Hutton John View Hutton John on heritage map

Dalemain

historic house 4.5 miles

Visit Dalemain View Dalemain on heritage map

Penrith Castle

castle 5.2 miles

View Penrith Castle on heritage map

Mayburgh Henge

archaeological site 5.9 miles

View Mayburgh Henge on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Johnby Hall there are 3 historic properties, including 3 historic houses.

3 Historic Houses

3 Historic house

See these 3 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Johnby Hall there are 14 historic properties, including 5 historic houses, 3 historic buildings and 2 castles, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.

7 English Heritage

5 Historic Houses

1 Churches Conservation Trust

1 National Trust

5 Historic house

3 Historic building

2 Castle

2 Archaeological site

1 Church

1 Manor house

See these 14 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Johnby Hall there are 28 historic properties, including 11 historic buildings, 8 historic houses and 3 castles, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.

12 English Heritage

8 Historic Houses

6 National Trust

2 Churches Conservation Trust

11 Historic building

8 Historic house

3 Castle

3 Archaeological site

2 Church