Wellbeing

Ordsall Hall is one of Salford’s oldest buildings – a Tudor manor set within peaceful gardens, including an orchard and herb garden.

In the middle of a busy urban area, it offers an oasis of calm and a place to pause, notice, connect, be active, and keep learning.

Visitors often describe it as magical:

“Ordsall Hall makes me feel like I’m in a fairy tale… I get the same feeling every time I come in.”

Victorian artist Frederick Shields, who once lived here, called it “the happiest refuge I have ever nested in.”

Here are some simple, restful ways to enjoy your visit:

• Find a quiet spot in the orchard to listen to wildlife—bring a picnic or pick up a brew from the café.
• Wander through the herb garden, with plants chosen for their calming scents.
• Explore the historic rooms, noticing details like the Star Chamber and our changing art displays.
• Discover Ordsall Hall’s 750 year history – from family home, to working men’s club, clergy-training school, and a radio station.
• Learn how the Hall was narrowly saved from demolition in 1957 – an amazing story of survival and reinvention.
• Pick up our Sleeping Well Trail which includes:
  • Tudor tips for better rest.
  • Making a sleepy herbal teabag
  • Access to art materials – sketch anything that inspires you—from architecture to garden plants.
• Explore our What’s On page for tours, workshops, garden festivals and more.
• Get involved by joining our volunteering programme in the house or gardens.

Prefer a quieter visit? Monday – Thursday, 2:30-4:00pm is usually the calmest time.