Explore Lancaster Town Hall

A series of public tours providing visitors with a glimpse into the secrets of Lancaster’s Edwardian Town Hall will be launched again this summer.

Wednesday July 5 sees the start of a summer season of tours, providing the opportunity to explore parts of the building which are normally out of bounds to the public.

From the Mayor's official parlour and impressive Ashton Hall to the old court room where Buck Ruxton appeared as well as the old police cells, the tour is a must-do for all Lancastrians and everyone interested in architecture, fine furniture and local history.  

The tour includes a comprehensive and illuminating talk on the building, full of anecdotes, from its conception to its current day uses. 

All tours start at 2pm and take place on the following dates:  Wed July 5, Wed July 12, Wed July 19, Thurs July 27, Wed August 2, Fri August 11, Wed August 16 and Thurs August 24.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 per tour so pre-booking is advisable via the online box office or through Lancaster Visitor Information Centre on 01524 582394.  Tours cost £4 for adults and are free for accompanied children under 16. 

For group bookings and general enquiries including accessibility of tours, contact Lancaster Visitor Information Centre.

Commenting on this year's tours, the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Roger Mace, said:  "It is always a pleasure to be able to show off our town hall which is full of surprises, is steeped in history and has something of interest for everyone."

Included in this exploration of this fine Edwardian Grade II* listed building will be:

•             The imposing Council Chamber with the grand Mayor’s chair.

•             The Mayor’s Parlour with the fine collection of civic silver and Gillow furniture and the magnificent centrifugal table. The newest addition is the Olympic Torch from the London 2012 Games.

•             The majestic Ashton Hall with its grand concert organ and the fine display of heraldic art on the ceiling.

•             The former Magistrate’s Court Room complete with all the original furniture.  From the prisoner’s dock visitors will be “sent down” to view the atmospheric subterranean police cells, which in 1935 held Lancaster’s notorious double murderer, Dr Buck Ruxton.

Last updated: 28 June 2017