Welcome
Oak House is a delightful yeoman farmer's home built about 1620 with brick additions at the rear built in the 1650s as the family wealth and status grew. The Turton family who are associated with the house at this time were farmers, nail and tile makers and later money lenders, making loans to impoverished royalist gentry after the English Civil War. You can find out more about the Turtons in the Old Barn with our talking barrels!
The house is furnished with 17th century furniture and displays tell the story of life in the 1600s and the Turton family. There's plenty for young visitors to do and a lively programme of events and activities throughout the year.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Reception desk (entry free)Visitor Centre ToiletsSmall museum shop area in visitor centreOak House groundsThere is level access from the car park to:
Terrace areaAccess with steps
There are steps from the main entrance to:
The ground floor of Oak House itselfVisual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
Travel by taxi
Parking
Visitors can be dropped off at the main gate.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
The Oak House visitor centre in our historic barn is fully accessible, with open or automatic doors, level entrance which is very wide, a reception desk with a low level area, accessible toilet and a lift to the first floor where our classrooms/ meeting rooms/ event spaces are.
Due to the age, size and nature of the Oak House itself, accessibility is more problematic. There are 2 low steps to the entrance but we do have a temporary ramp we can use to help with access. There are small steps within the house from one room to another and some of the rooms are rather small. There is no access to the first fllor but via historic stairs, however we do have a virtual tour of the first floor for visitors who cannot use the stairs.
Getting around inside
Lift
There is a platform list to the first floor of the visitor centre. There are no lifts in the house.
Ticket/ information desk
Reception desk (entry free)
We ask visitors to report to reception on arrival at the site so that we can welcome you and give you any information you may need to or want to know about your visit. If you have any requirements or questions then please ask a member of staff.
Things to See and Do
The ground floor of Oak House itself
The house is lit with small spotlights. However due to the nature of the house it can be rather dark inside.
Public toilet
Visitor Centre Toilets
Shop
Small museum shop area in visitor centre
Getting around outside
Many of the paths around the Oak House grounds are accessible by wheelchair users as they are flat and are resin based. There are some areas which have uneven surfaces such as around the orchard and the meadow.
Picnic Area
Terrace area
Cuppas are available on site and on event days there are snacks too. However you are welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy our picnic benches on the terrace or on the grass.
Customer care support
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support
Information inside the house is in large print, in a readable font without seraphs and has a good contrast between text and background but is not black on white. There are also some audio information on site.