Ushaw Hall and Gardens:
A Historical Gem with a new B&B
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of County Durham, Ushaw Hall and Gardens stands as a testament to the rich history and natural beauty of the region. This grand building is constructed originally as a Roman Catholic seminary in the early 19th century.
Ushaw now offers visitors the chance to actually stay on site with the construction of some brand new purpose built accommodation. Within the building itself, under the wooden vaulted eves, cosy en suite rooms now look out onto the quadrangle. There is coffee and tea making in the room but no TV. With its fascinating history and beautiful surroundings, Ushaw Hall and Gardens offers a unique experience for people seeking a very different short break.
A continental breakfast is offered with toast, croissants, coffee and fruit. It is pretty basic, there’s no full English here, but you do get to eat it in the rather lovely Welby Cafe overlooking the stunning landscape.
History of Ushaw hall and gardens
The story of Ushaw Hall dates back to 1808 when it was established as a training college for Catholic priests. Designed by renowned architect James Taylor, the hall’s striking architecture blends elements of Gothic and Palladian styles, creating a structure that commands attention. Over the years, the site has expanded to include stunning gardens, chapels, and other buildings, becoming a thriving educational institution that nurtured generations of clergymen.
Pugins at Ushaw
Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin was an English architect, designer, artist and critic. He is principally remembered for his pioneering role in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. His work culminated in designing the interior of the Palace of Westminster in Westminster, London, and its iconic clock tower, later renamed the Elizabeth Tower, which houses the bell known as Big Ben.
The whole Pugin family are architects and designers. Ushaw’s Presidents hire them to expand Ushaw’s range of buildings and transform interior spaces. The chapel at Ushaw Hall is quite stunning with colours, patterns, stained glass and gothic gold design to delight the senses. This colourful opulence is the thing that makes the biggest impression on me as Anne a local volunteer gives us a special after hours tour.
Ushaw receives its first students in 1808. For a century, from the late 1830s, Ushaw then grows and develops. During this period student numbers triple. The Pugin family are central in these developments. From buildings to vestments, church plate to dining plates and from stained glass to the lavatories, the Pugins exert a profound influence over the appearance, character and daily life at Ushaw. They design beautiful spaces, stunning tiles, beautiful stained glass windows and lavish curiously modern, stencilled wall decorations
To this day, Ushaw is the only place in the world where it is possible to see the work of all six members of the Pugin family of architects and designers in a single location. The last priests left the seminary and the building in the 1970’s.
Ushaw Hall and Gardens
When Ushaw’s school for priests closed, its gardens fell wild and overgrown. After lying abandoned and unloved, volunteer gardeners and friends of Ushaw set about saving them. Today the gardens are in full bloom and visitors enjoy them soaking up fresh air and freedom. 400 red roses and clematis now thrive in memory of Ushaw students that fought and died in World War One.
There are beautiful borders and vivid, vibrant rhododendrons which are in full bloom when I visit in June. Old photographs show these magnificent plants as tiny shrubs as far back as 1865. The grounds also contain unusual trees like Holm Oak, Monkey Puzzle, Weeping Ash, Sweet Chestnut and Purple Beech.
During World War Two, survivors of Dunkirk come here to heal and convalesce, regaining strength in peaceful surroundings. You can see the outline of an old lake, dredged for clay to make bricks used to build this historic house.
Dotted around are animal carvings, the work of acclaimed carver Tommy Craggs, using wood from a sweet chestnut uprooted during Storm Desmond.
The Library
Today, Ushaw Hall and Gardens showcases its historical significance through carefully preserved features and exhibits. As you explore the elegant halls and corridors, you’ll find yourself immersed in a bygone era. Intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork surround you. The expansive library houses a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, a testament to the intellectual heritage of the seminary. It is also the permanent home of the historic Bede’s ring. The 13th Century gold ring, has a large uncut sapphire. A wealthy pilgrim left it at St Cuthbert’s tomb in Durham Cathedral.
At the time of the Reformation under Henry VIII, the ring is spirited away for safe-keeping, with some suggesting that it is taken from St Cuthbert’s finger in his tomb. It ended up in a Catholic convent in Paris and, in the 1850s – with Ushaw established – it was felt appropriate that the relic should return to County Durham
The grand chapels, with their awe-inspiring architecture and tranquil ambiance, invite visitors to reflect and find solace.
Statues from Rome
Ushaw holds the largest collection of Karl Hoffman Statues outside of the Vatican. Hoffman was a Jewish convert to Catholicism who belonged to a Nazerene group of artists living and working in Rome in the 1950s. The statue of Our Lady of Help, sometimes known as Our Lady of Ushaw is in the ante chapel, carved from a single block of white marble. This is a very realistic type of craving and she is quite beautiful.
Glimpse into the past and see the refectory where meals were served for the young priests, kept very much as it was. Long before Harry Potter came on the scene, this was real life for the young Catholics at Ushaw.
Ushaw Hall and Gardens events
The staff at Ushaw are largely volunteers. They do a great job of dealing with visitors to the Hall and gardens and explaining things to them.
Beyond its historical and natural wonders, Ushaw Hall and Gardens hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. From art exhibitions and music concerts to seasonal festivals and guided tours, there is always something going on. There was a music festival in full swing when I was there and the next weekend a classic American car fair was due. This is an unusual and exceptional place. It is well worth anyone’s time to travel just four miles outside of Durham City, past the village of Bear Park, to explore its rich and varied history.
Book your stay at Ushaw Historic House and Gardens here
Other things to see in Durham
1 thought on “Ushaw Hall and gardens”
I love the jewel-like colours of the stained glass with the light behind them – beautiful. Thanks for the most informative article. I had no idea that Ushaw Hall even existed. 🤭
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