Visit Hopetoun

A day at Hopetoun is a day you will remember. From your first glimpse of the magnificent façade that seems to rise from the ground as you travel along the approach road to your last glance at the tranquil lawns, Hopetoun will leave a lasting impression.

Now over 300 years old, the interior of the House is resplendent with opulent gilding and classical motifs that reflect the aristocratic grandeur of the 18th Century. The wood carvings on the grand staircase for example, are arguably the finest in Scotland and the ceiling in the fabulous Red Drawing Room is one of most ornate and beautifully executed in Britain. The State Apartments were specifically designed for entertaining and George IV once dined in the State Dining Room.

Throughout the House there are many notable paintings, original furnishings and décor and a number of unusual and interesting clocks and objects d’art to enjoy. No visit is complete without seeing the magnificent Ballroom with its Aubusson tapestries and chandeliers.

At the end of your visit to the House, if weather permits, a visit to the roof platform will reward you with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the Forth Road Bridges and the hills of Fife. Then there are 150 acres of parkland to explore with expansive lawns and a choice of relaxing walks – the Sea Walk that overlooks the deer park, the Spring Walk with its ever-changing carpet of seasonal flowers and Hope’s Walk with its breathtaking rhododendrons and views of Abercorn Church.
Opening Times & Prices for 2007

To round off your day, visit the Stables tearoom where you will be treated like aristocracy. Table service* is the order of the day whether you choose to have a full lunch or simply coffee and cake – but why not go to town and treat yourself to a Hopetoun traditional champagne afternoon tea.

*except when a large scale public event is being staged

Location

From Edinburgh
Take the A90 for the Forth Road Bridge and the North. Just before the bridge take the slip road and turn left on to the A904. Approximately half a mile along this road turn right into South Queensferry. Directly under the road bridge there is a sign to Hopetoun House.
(12 miles, 30 mins.)

From the North
When leaving the Forth Road Bridge, take the sliproad on the left and follow the signs leading to and through South Queensferry.

From Glasgow
Take the M8 towards Edinburgh exiting at junction 2 towards the Forth Road Bridge and then exit the M9 onto the A8000 slip road, still signed for the Forth Road Bridge.
(40 miles, 45 mins)

From Stirling
Take the M9 towards Edinburgh and exit at Junction 2 proceed along the A904 through Newton Village looking for signs directing you left into South Queensferry which is approximately 2 miles beyond Newton.
(31 miles, 40 mins)

Opening Times & Prices

Hopetoun House and Grounds are open daily from:
Friday 21st March – Sunday 28th September 2008
10:30am - 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Hopetoun House can be opened out of season for group visits by prior arrangement.

Special events are staged throughout the year. Please see the Events Calendar for forthcoming events.

You are free to explore the House at your own pace and our guides are on hand to provide information on the House and family and to answer any questions you may have. Allow a minimum of two hours to see the House and walk in the Grounds

Prices for House and Grounds 2007

Prices Grounds Only 2007

Season Tickets
Ground season tickets allow you unlimited visits during the open season:

• Single grounds season ticket £18.50
• Couples £28.50
• Family ticket £33.50 (2+2)

Group* and VIP Visits
Group visits can be accommodated throughout the year by prior arrangement and if required we can arrange a guided tour for a small additional charge.

*group = minimum 20 people

We also offer VIP visits that can include a private drinks reception and/or lunch combined with an informative tour of the House by one of our experts.

For further information or to make a group booking, please contact the Day Visits Co-ordinator dayvisits @ hopetounhouse.com

Disabled Visitors
We warmly welcome all visitors with disabilities. We have a lift that allows access to the State Apartments on the first floor of the Main House. There is also a wheelchair which we can loan out to visitors.

Stables Tearoom

The 18th Century Adam Stables and Courtyard have been extensively restored to their original splendour. Complete with stalls, stone flooring, wrought iron candle sconces and many other original features they now provide a magnificent setting for our traditional Tearoom complete with waitress service. The Stables can accommodate up to 100 people and there is ramped access for wheelchair users. A delicious selection of home-made pastries, scones and a selection of sandwiches, salads and soups is available, although our traditional afternoon teas are a firm favourite with regulars.

Celebratory Champagne Cream Teas
Treat a special friend or relative to a full traditional Scottish Afternoon Tea or our special Champagne Tea as a luxury surprise. Tables can be booked in advance.

Book a Table
It is advisable for groups or individuals wishing to visit to make a reservation in advance for either morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. This will enable us to offer you a personalised service with reserved tables together with a special menu created for you from our selection of seasonal produce.
Contact the Tearoom Manager on Tel: 0131 331 3661, fax number 0131 319 2910 or email enquiries@heritageportfolio.co.uk.

Tickets for the Tearoom only are free and are available from the ticket office in the car park. You are asked to buy a Grounds Ticket if you wish to stroll in the Grounds.

Special Events

Hopetoun stages several special events not just when we are open to the public from Easter to September, but throughout the year. For specific details of what’s coming up see our Events Calendar.

Family Events
Annual events aimed at families include the Hopetoun Summer Fair which takes place on the West Lawn with an exciting and diverse programme of entertainment, crafts and environmentally themed activities. There is also a Victorian themed day in October and some of our Ranger led activities are specially designed for families.

Ranger-led Walks and Workshops
Our Ranger organises a series of walks and workshops with topics covering everything from Bats and Badgers to Fungi and Pondlife. These are scheduled on a monthly basis and all age groups are catered for.

Open Air Theatre Performances
The West Lawn provides the setting for open-air theatre in Summer with Chapterhouse Theatre Company performing against the backdrop of the House. The grounds open in advance of the performance for those wishing to picnic. Don’t forget to bring a chair!

Fairs and Auctions
Hopetoun plays host to a number of fairs throughout the year such as the Antiques Fair in March and October and the Dolls House and Miniatures Fair in April and November.

Hopetoun’s Christmas Shopping Fair
Hopetoun also stages its own Christmas shopping fair, ‘The Present Event’ in November where there are approximately 60 stalls in the Ballroom, Tapestry Room and House offering a wide range of high quality, exciting and unusual Christmas gift ideas. The House is decorated for Christmas and the tearoom is open to provide refreshment.

For further information please see the Events Calendar

Visit our Image Gallery to view enlarged images