Welcome to Sheffield Manor Lodge
Visit our heritage and nature visitor centre to play, learn and relax in Sheffield’s fascinating historic gem Sheffield Manor Lodge – where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned and now cared for by The Green Estate.
Sheffield Manor Lodge is open to the public in school holidays and on summer Sundays with a year-round events programme. From children’s crafts to battle reenactments – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We also host school visits, private guided tours and venue hire, so there are many ways to enjoy the site and visit this wonderful place.
Please note we are now closed to the public until February Half Term. If you would like to book a private tour or school visit, please email [email protected]
Visit us
Sheffield Manor Lodge is a historic green space offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the history and heritage of the area. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical buildings, wandering through beautiful grounds, or looking for fun activities to do with the kids, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What’s on?
We host a range of events over the year, explore what’s on in our events calendar.
Visitor information
For opening times, directions, prices and more, see our visitor information.
Sheffield Manor Lodge’s story
There is a fascinating history of changing landscape and uses of the site, which you can read about here.
What to see & do
Explore the Turret House
The Turret House is the oldest surviving part of Manor Lodge. Discover how Mary, Queen of Scots spent her time in captivity and the story of her custodians, George Talbot and Bess of Hardwick. See a feast fit for royalty, enjoy dressing up and have a go at our plots and intrigues games.
Visit the Discovery Centre
Find out a little more about the story of the changing landscape and architecture of Sheffield Manor Lodge and get creative with our programme of children’s craft activities.
Roam the Tudor grounds
Sheffield Manor Lodge boasts Pictorial Meadows filled gardens, at their height between June and September. The apothecary garden showcases traditional Tudor plants, herbs, and flowers and the inner courtyard hosts a lavender labyrinth. There are outdoor games and a sandpit to enjoy.
Go on a guided tour
If you want the in depth story of Manor Lodge, its owners George Talbot and Bess of Hardwick and their relationship with their prisoner Mary, Queen of Scots, visit on a Sunday when we offer guided tours with our experts or get in touch about a private tour.
Enjoy refreshments
The Discovery Centre has drinks and refreshments while just down the hill the Rhubarb Shed Cafe offers delicious lunches and homemade cake.
Attend events and workshops
Sheffield Manor Lodge organises a variety of events, workshops, and activities throughout the year. These may include historical reenactments, craft workshops, gardening sessions, and educational programs.
Image copyright: All copyright & courtesy of The Green Estate, unless stated.
School Visits
We offer hands on history school workshops covering national curriculum linked subjects The Tudors, Castles, Stone Age and Local History studies. A school trip to Sheffield Manor Lodge is a fun filled day full of practical, immersive learning.
With education packages geared towards Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 we cater to a find range of academic abilities and approaches.
Private Tours
Let our local history experts take you on an exclusive walk through the history of Sheffield Manor Lodge. The story includes Cardinal Wolsey’s final days, Mary Queen of Scots’ 14 years of captivity, the relationship of Bess of Hardwick and George Talbot and takes you through time to hearing about Manor Lodge’s last resident in the 1960s – and it’s regeneration into the meadow filled destination of today.
On the tour you will also visit the Turret House, our garderobe, apothecary’s garden and lavender labyrinth. There are customisable options for lunch and special requests are considered.
Get involved
While Sheffield Manor Lodge is most famous for its Tudor owners and captive Queen, it is a place that has been used throughout the centuries, adapting to the needs of the people that lived and worked there. Volunteer to help us tell this story and offer our visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the history and heritage of the area.
You can also support us by donating to Sheffield Manor Lodge. Any contributions you are able to give will help us to preserve this historic building.