Turton Tower

Turton Tower is a distinctive English country house located in the small village of Turton on the edge of the popular walking area of the West Pennine Moors. Originally built by the Tudor Orrell family to defend their land, it later became a luxurious home. The house was lavishly furnished and extended in both the Tudor and early Stuart periods.

After falling into decline during the Georgian era, the house was rescued by the Kay family who restored and extended the house, taking it into the Victorian period. The Kays departed in the 1890s and, after occupation by several more tenants, the property was purchased by Sir Lees Knowles and used as a hunting lodge and weekend retreat. On his death in 1929 Lady Nina Knowles, his widow, gave the tower and grounds to Turton Urban District Council to use for the benefit of the public. Since then the tower has been used as council offices and since 1974 as a museum and historic house.

Today the house still captures the spirit of the Tudor and Victorian ages and displays one of the finest collections of period furniture and paintings in the region. The attraction now includes a souvenier shop and Taste Lancashire Quality Assured Tea Room.

For more information on visiting Turton Tower click here.