Speke Hall is situated in the Speke area of Liverpool, very close to John Lennon Airport. I first went there when I was a young lad in the 1970's. At that time it was run by Liverpool City Council, however since then it has been take over by the National Trust. A couple of months ago I took the opportunity to take my children, as the National Trust had an open day. This meant it was free to get in.

For those who don't know much about Speke Hall, it is an old Tudor Building in magnificient grounds. It is probably one of the most famous Tudour Manors in England. The gardens are lovely and have some great floral displays. For those who are thinking of getting married or having a civil memory it is licensed for this also.

When we arrived there was plenty of parking, which is free all the year round. You then take a small walk to the old stables and entrance. It is here that the main shop and cafe are situated. On the day we went there was a little buggy ferrying people to and from the hall. I took the opportunity to take the children for a little ride, but it is only a small walk anyway.
On the way we went past the childrens play area - which is very basic.

In the hall we were given a quiz to complete on our way around. The children loved doing this. The building is fascinating to those interested in history but to young children probably not. Inside there is the secret priest's hole and 'thunderbox' toilet. There is also the opportunity of dressing up. One thing I was told by a guide when I was younger was that the house was haunted. I was told that a young girl haunted upstairs as she had fallen out of the window a century or two back. However when I asked a volunteer who was clued up on the hall, she said that this was a common myth brought about by the guide 30 years or so ago and there was no truth in it. It was merely told to give the hall some interest to the visits of School children.

In summing up the Hall is large, the grounds are beautiful. Ideal for picnics. However that is really it. You would need to look at entertaining the children when there, maybe with the play area.