Built in 1588 for Sir Frances Willoughby, Wollaton Hall is one of the crowning achievements of Elizabethan architect, Robert Smythson. No trace remains of the Elizabethan gardens planted in the late 16th century but there is still much to attract the visitor in the form of Wyatville's unique Camelia House built in 1823. Outside, the layout of the formal flower garden has remained unchanged for over 120 years, presenting a riot of colour when in full bloom. Beyond the Hall and gardens, deer have roamed Wollaton Park for 400 years, kept in by a seven mile long brick wall.

Wollaton Hall, now owned by Nottingham City Council, is being restored as part of a £6.75m conservation project.  £1m has come from the European Regional Development Fund with the rest coming from The Heritage Lottery Fund and other public and private sources.  The plans are ambitious, but they will restore one of the nation’s most important landmarks.  

Phase one of six in the Council’s long-term conservation plan for Wollaton Hall included:  

• Repairing and opening up the Prospect Room to the public  
• Creating access to the half leaded roof so that people can walk around it  
• Structural repairs to the Grade 1 listed Camelia House and remedial repairs to the Doric temple in the park grounds  
• Opening up more rooms in the hall and more of the park to the public  
• A modern interpretation of the exhibitions housed in the hall, with integrated displays replacing the existing natural history collection  
• A fresh programme of guided tours, featuring live actors in period costume  
• Better facilities, including a new visitor centre and café, plus extra toilets  
• A fully accessible ramp to the hall, with a new visitor entrance through the servants’ wing at basement level  
• A lift to provide access to all levels  

The first phase is now completed and the house reopened inApril 2007.

Ultimately the council envisages another five phases, spread over ten years at a cost of more than £25m.

Wollaton Hall website