Knowsley Hall Guided Tours (12th-14th & 18th-19th May)

Knowsley Hall Annual Guided Tours

250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Earl and Countess of Derby extend a warm welcome to all visitors for the annual public open days at Knowsley Hall in May 2026. This exclusive events provides a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy a guided tour of one of Merseyside’s hidden treasures.

In 2026, Knowsley Hall’s annual public open days will focus on the Earl and Countess of Derby’s remarkable family connections which include some of the key global players before, during and after the American Revolutionary War.

As we focus on the 250^thanniversary of the beginning of the Anglo-American War, the guided tours of Knowsley Hall will not only consider the history of this magnificent British country house but will showcase items in the Derby Collection which tell the story of the social, economic and political history of the time, together with personal stories of those involved who played an incisive role in the events that established the United States of America as a major world nation.

From General John Burgoyne – uncle of the 12^th Earl of Derby – whose role as a tastemaker earned him the sobriquet ‘Gentleman Johnny’, through to the eventual 14^th Earl of Derby who travelled to North America in 1824-5 and whose journals have been published by the present Lady Derby, Knowsley’s story will contextualise American associations with the North West both before and after the War.

Visitors will also have the opportunity of learning about Lady Derby’s own research, study days, videos and podcasts which include fascinating new research into her own direct ancestor, the statesman and soldier Charles 1^st Marquess Cornwallis.

DATES & TIMES

There will be two daily tours at 10:30am and 2:30pm on the following dates:

• Tuesday 12^th May
• Wednesday 13^th May
• Thursday 14^th May
• Monday 18^th May
• Tuesday 19^th May

Each tour, lasts approximately 1½ hours and will finish with refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits for £28 per person.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions and purchase memorabilia.

AFTERNOON TEA

For an extra treat, book a Knowsley Hall afternoon tea for an additional £29 per person. Afternoon tea is served at 12:30pm so if you attend the morning tour it will be served after your tour, for afternoon tours you will have your afternoon tea before.

AFTERNOON TEA MENU

• • Selection of finger sandwiches
  • Scones with butter, preserves and cream
  • Homemade mini cakes
  • Tea and coffee

BOOK TICKETS