Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Chelmsford, Essex

Hylands House, Chelmsford

Hylands House

Hylands Park
London Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 8WQ
Tel: +44(0)1245 605500
Email: click here
Hylands House online: information and bookings

Hylands House is a beautiful Grade II* listed building, set in 574 acres of historic landscaped parkland, partly designed by Humphry Repton. Built c. 1730, the original house was a Queen Anne style mansion – difficult to imagine from its appearance today!

Subsequent owners set about modernising and enlarging the property and added East and West wings along with a colonnaded portico, and covered the house in white stucco, which produced the neo-classical house you see today.

Chelmsford City Council purchased the house and park in 1966, and embarked on an ambitious programme of restoration. Following five phases of work, restoration of the house was fully completed in 2005, and the final stages of restoration to the estate were opened in April 2007.

Visitors to the house are greeted in the striking marbled Entrance Hall and can then explore spectacular rooms throughout the house, including the exquisitely gilded neo-baroque Banqueting Room and Drawing Room, restored to their early Victorian splendour, and the delightful Small Dining Room dating from Hylands’ Georgian period. Ascend the dramatic Grand Staircase to enjoy stunning views from the Repton Room across the back lawn to the Serpentine Lake. Don’t miss out on the basement, which belongs to the original Queen Anne house, and discover a number of original features, including the butler’s pantry and wine cellar. Interpretation boards and displays throughout the house provide detailed information about the house, its owners and the restoration work carried out.

Visitors can take a trip outside of the house to the Stables Visitor Centre (a Grade II listed building) incorporating a visitor centre and café. Then enjoy some fresh air as you explore the Pleasure Gardens, the One World Garden and surrounding parkland.

Group visits, guided tours and educational outings are available by arrangement, and Hylands also offers a full programme of events throughout the year, from Shakespeare on the back lawn to musical events and intimate evening soirees.

Hylands House, Chelmsford

Facilities
Historic House, Gardens, Full wheelchair access throughout the house, Ample free car parking, Gift shop

Information available in a range of formats, Guided tours by arrangement

Weddings and Conferences
Civil Ceremonies and Partnerships and Receptions
at Hylands House
Licensed for civil wedding ceremonies since 1999, our staff provide a friendly, professional and experienced service and work with you to plan the day you want. The beautifully ornate Victorian Drawing Room and elegant Library provide exquisite backdrops for wedding ceremonies with up to 80 guests.

Formal meals are taken in the stunning and magnificently restored Banqueting Room, and the marble Entrance Hall and Grand Staircase provide the perfect areas for drinks and dancing at your evening reception (up to 120 guests). Informal buffets and seating can be offered from the adjoining Terrace Room. Select your own wedding caterers and suppliers from our list of preferred contractors and have the wedding you want – offering a high quality and value for money service.

Ceremonies and Receptions can be held at the house Tuesday to Saturday (inclusive), giving you exclusive use of the facilities during your hire.

Conferences and Corporate Events at Hylands House
Hylands House is located just minutes from Junction 15 of the A12 in Essex. The House’s stunning setting and beautifully restored interior make it ideal for a variety of functions. Conferences, seminars, meetings or other corporate gatherings can be held in rooms ranging from the exquisitely gilded Drawing Room to the sumptuously ornate Banqueting Room whilst the Repton Room provides stunning views over the historic landscaped parkland.

We are extremely flexible in accommodating your specific needs. We can arrange catering for any function – small meetings, larger corporate conferences, presentations, training courses or seminars. Hylands House is available for times that suit you – from breakfast meetings to lunches or evening events. These functions can range in size and duration from 1 hour hires to full day hires or longer. Furthermore, the House can be set up in a style to suit your individual requirements, from theatre style seating to a boardroom style set-up. Should you have any further requirements, we are more than happy to assist with these. A range of equipment is available to hire, including flip charts, slide projector, overheard projector, TV and video / DVD, PowerPoint projector, extending screen and sound equipment.

Hire charges can be allocated on a per room, per hour basis, with half and full day room hire charges also available. Equipment, refreshments and catering would then be added at an additional cost per head. Alternatively the day delegate rate is available.

The day delegate rate is £36.00 (including VAT) per person, with a minimum 10 delegates.

This includes:
• 1Hire of one room (of appropriate size) from 9am - 5pm
• 1Refreshment area for breaks and lunch, Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, mid morning and mid afternoon.
• 1 Finger buffet lunch with orange juice and water
• 1Water jugs provided in the room
• 1 x flipchart, with pad and pens
Please note for the day delegate rate: additional time, rooms, equipment and refreshments can be added at standard rates.
Tel: 01245 605500 Fax: 01245 605510
E-mail: hylands@chelmsford.gov.uk
Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands
Address: Hylands House, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

Opening Times
1 April - 30 September, Sundays and Mondays, 10am - 5pm
1 October - 31 March, Sundays and Mondays, 10am - 4pm
Stable Visitor Centre & café open 7 days a week

Directions
Nr Chelmsford, Essex (Junction 15 off the A12)

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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