Forty Hall and grounds in Enfield (North London) is a brilliant (and did I mention free?!) way to spend a day. The grounds are bursting with things to do. You will find a wonderful stately home, the ruins of Elsyng Palace, a walled garden, acres of grounds with 2 walk routes, a farm shop and a small farm.

We stumbled across Forty Hall by accident – when travelling from St Albans to Down Hall Hotel* for a mini-break (great hotel, nothing to do in the surrounding area, since you asked!). It has been home to many notable families, including that of the Parker Bowles (sadly not Queen Camilla, but it means it is almost royal), which sealed the visit for me.

Getting to Forty Hall

Forty Hall is a stately home which is on the border between North London and Hertfordshire. This means that Forty Hall is very easy to get to by public transport or by car. There are three train stations (Turkey Street, Gordon Hill and Enfield Town) within 20 minutes walk. It is also not far from Oakwood (Piccadilly Line). If you’re driving parking is free (yippee) and it is only about 5 minutes from the M25.

Why visit Forty Hall

Forty Hall dates back to the Seventeenth Century. It was built between 1629 and 1632 by Sir Nicholas Rainton. It is a rare Jacobean manor that gives visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Forty Hall is surrounded by 273 acres of parkland. The house was completed in 1632, the same year that Rainton became Lord Mayor of London. It was designed as his country house or you could say, his escape from the mess of London!

The surrounding area of Enfield, like Ham, Marble Hill and Strawberry Hill, was not the sprawling suburbia it is today.

Rainton was not someone I had heard of before visiting Forty Hall. I quickly discovered he was a very interesting character. He made his money by importing textiles and during the English Civil War he came into conflict with both King Charles I and the Parliamentarians, which was quite an achievement.

Not all of Forty Hall is open to the public, but the bit that is contains about 10 rooms split across two floors. The interior of the house has been restored to reflect Jacobean fashion. Forty Hall is a great place to visit if you are interested in the British aristocracy. It will give you a glimpse of the splendour which the aristocracy was accustomed to. It is similar to a National Trust property, just on a smaller scale.

Forty Hall has had a range of owners and the walls could clearly tell a tale or two! There is a brilliant permanent exhibition which delves into the lives of its famous residents, from the Rainton family to the Parker-Bowles family.

The Parker-Bowles link

One of the reasons I wanted to visit Forty Hall is its connection to the Parker-Bowles family. This is a name which many of you will be familiar with. The estate once belonged to the ancestors of Andrew Parker-Bowles, the former husband of Queen Camilla. This ties Forty Hall to aristocratic life and the shifting social landscapes of England.

The house has just enough furnishing to allow your mind to wander, without it being over the top. This meant your imagination could run wild and paint stories of the people who lived and socialised at Forty Hall. I found myself thinking, what would the Queen have said had she visited? Who ran around these walled gardens? How much gossip, bridge playing and politicing was done here?

Beyond the house

Beyond the manor, the estate beckons with its diverse landscapes:

• Pleasure Grounds: Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens, featuring a walled garden, ancient trees, and serene wildlife ponds.
• Historic Parkland: The expansive parkland, interwoven with the meandering Turkey Brook, offers a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and picnics. There are two routes which are good for walking and cycling around and provide you with ample distance to up that step count.
• Elsyng Palace Site: Discover the archaeological remains of the Tudor Elsyng Palace, adding another layer of historical intrigue to your visit

*Denotes an affilate link. This means if you make a purchase I make a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend places which I have stayed and would revisit.

Save Forty Hall, Enfield for later