1620s House & Garden at Donington le Heath
About This Museum
Tucked away in the Leicestershire countryside, the 1620s House & Garden isn't just a museum; it's a living, breathing time capsule. Stepping inside feels less like visiting an exhibit and more like popping over to your (incredibly historic) neighbour's for a chat. The air smells faintly of woodsmoke and beeswax, and the low ceilings and creaking floorboards are all part of its immense charm. It’s a wonderfully intimate experience that makes history feel tangible.
Collection Highlights
You'll find no velvet ropes here, just rooms filled with the stuff of everyday life from centuries ago. I was completely captivated by the massive, canopied four-poster bed and the fully-stocked kitchen with its array of pewter and pottery. Outside, the herb garden is a sensory delight, laid out just as it would have been for cooking and home remedies.
Visitor Information
The volunteers are the real treasure here—their passion for the house is infectious, and they're full of fascinating stories you won't find on any plaque. Don't expect a sprawling estate; its magic lies in its cozy scale. It's perfect for a peaceful afternoon that feels a world away from the modern rush.
Architecture & Building
This is a beautiful example of an early Jacobean manor house, built from local sandstone that seems to glow in the sunlight. With its charmingly asymmetrical windows and steeply pitched roof, it looks like it grew right out of the earth.
Contact & Location
Address: Coalville, North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire, England, LE67 3DW, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1455 290429
Website: Visit Website
