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Join Leighton Hall in Celebrating your Golden Anniversary! This month, Leighton Hall near Carnforth, opens its doors to the public, at the start of what promises to be a very exciting year. It’s exactly 50 years ago that the Lancashire historic house first opened its gothic doors for visitors who were guided around regal rooms and beautiful bedrooms. Famous for its’ objects D’art and stunning pieces of Gillow furniture, the house still belongs to the Gillow furniture making family. As the family celebrate this special Golden anniversary, Richard Gillow Reynolds shares his memories of the Hall. He said “I always look forward to this time of year when Leighton comes alive with the hustle and bustle of visitors filling its rooms. I’ve lived here all my life and even as a child can remember guests touring the house and learning about the history of my family. We still have a strong team of staff here, some who have been with us for over 30 years, but now there’s only myself, who can say they remember the first opening!” At Leighton it’s “Culture in Comfort’, as entertaining guides reveal the family's history, while visitors are invited to sit on the furniture and really get involved. Unlike so many other historic homes, every room in the house is used regularly by family and friends. so there are no roped off areas. Take your place at the 18th century dining table, climb the “flying" staircase, or if there’s a budding Mozart inside you, tinkle the ivories of the stunning Steinway in Leighton’s famous Music Room. Each room from the gothic hall and principal bedroom, to the charming library has an interesting secret to reveal or tale to tell. Leighton's grounds are well worth exploring too. The estate stretches over some 1,550 acres and includes woodland walks, an abundant 19th century walled garden with a fragrant herb patch, an ornamental vegetable plot as well as pretty flowers and a pond. Visitors with their own gardens will be delighted by the newly renovated Victorian conservatory which is now home to a plant centre where many unusual plants are on sale. There’s plenty to entertain the children too. During August, children are treated to a teddy bear hunt when they visit the hall. It is free to enter and children are encouraged to learn about the different rooms of the house, by spotting one of Leighton’s old cuddlies! On sunny days, the popular caterpillar maze is still a favourite with younger visitors. This year’s special events calendar starts on the 8th July with the Classic Car Rally. Also in July, the hugely popular Festival Players return for their annual Shakespeare performance. This year’s alfresco production is “Much ado about Nothing”. In September, our events programme draws to a close with the fantastic Craft and Food Fair on the 6th and 7th September and the Dolls House and Miniatures Fair on 12th October. The charming tearooms serves the most English of afternoon teas, home made cakes and light refreshments and there’s a gift shop for souvenirs. To celebrate Leightons 50th year, Mr Reynolds would like to offer a free house tour for anyone also celebrating a 50th anniversary this year. So if you were born in 1958 or if you’re celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary in 2008 then come along to Leighton in May and commemorate your golden years with the Reynolds! Leighton Hall opens on May 1st at 2pm and is open Tues – Fri 2pm – 5pm until September 30th. Admission: Adults £6, Children £4, and Senior citizens £5. For further information contact Suzie Reynolds on 01524 734474