Springhill House, located at 20 Springhill Road, Moneymore, Co. Derry, BT45 7NQ. pringhill House provides an immersive experience into the lives of the Lenox-Conyngham family, with guided tours of the house, a unique costume collection, and beautifully maintained gardens and parkland. The estate’s historical significance, including its Titanic connection and reputed ghost, adds intrigue, making it a recommended visit for history enthusiasts, families, and garden lovers.
House and Guided Tours:
- Interior Highlights: The 17th-century manor house features original furnishings, portraits, and artifacts from the Lenox-Conyngham family. Visitors can explore rooms like the library, dining room, and bedrooms, each filled with historical stories. A notable exhibit recreates the morning in 1912 when family members left Springhill to board the Titanic, featuring period pieces and memorabilia.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides, such as Jose, bring the house’s history to life with humor and anecdotes, covering the family’s complex lineage and quirky tales, including the ghost of Mina Lowry Lenox-Conyngham, one of Ireland’s best-documented spirits. Tours highlight unique features like the Court Mantua dress (1740s), displayed in the costume collection, which was worn at a royal ball.
- Historical Significance: The house reflects the Plantation of Ulster era, with additions like the 18th-century Dutch gables and Georgian interiors. Stories of the family’s resilience, including their survival during turbulent times, are woven into the tour.
- Costume Collection: Housed in the old laundry, the impressive Costume Collection showcases fine examples of 18th- to 20th-century fashion, including dresses, accessories, and textiles. The Court Mantua dress is a standout, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life. The collection is included in the house tour and is praised for its historical detail, appealing to fashion enthusiasts.
Gardens and Grounds:
- Walled Garden: The Dutch Garden, a special feature within the walled area, is a highlight, with neatly trimmed hedges and colorful spring blooms. The garden’s history, tied to Mina Lowry Lenox-Conyngham’s stewardship, is shared through interpretive displays.
- Parkland Trails: Waymarked paths wind through the 100-acre estate, offering scenic walks past ancient trees, meadows, and the demesne’s forest park. Trails are ideal for families, with opportunities to spot wildlife like red squirrels and birds. Reviewers describe the grounds as “lovely” and “fabulous,” recommended for picnics.
- Access: Grounds are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some visitors noting they’ve accessed them after hours via a pedestrian gate, though the official policy is unclear. The National Trust advises checking access rules.
Visitor Amenities:
- Admission: National Trust members enter free; non-members pay approximately £7–£10 for adults, with family and concession rates available. Check www.nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill for exact pricing.
- The grounds are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the house, costume museum, reception, gift shop, and cafeteria open from noon to 5:00 PM, typically March to October.
- The ground floor of the house and most garden paths are wheelchair accessible, with some limitations on upper floors due to the historic structure. Accessible toilets are available.
- Café and Shop: A seasonal tearoom offers light lunches, soups, pastries, and excellent coffee, though some reviewers note inconsistent food quality (e.g., “average” pastries). The gift shop sells local crafts, books, and National Trust souvenirs. A hot drinks dispenser in the barn provides tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, ideal for rainy days.
- Picnic Areas: Numerous spots on the grounds are recommended for picnics, with the barn offering shelter if needed. Occasional traditional Irish baking demonstrations allow visitors to sample treats.
- A visit typically lasts 2–3 hours, including a 45-minute house tour, garden exploration, and café stop.
- Highly Rated: Springhill holds a Travellers’ Choice award on TripAdvisor, ranking in the top 10% of attractions, with 273 reviews praising its “fabulous” setting and “interesting” history. Visitors describe it as a “beautiful place” with “excellent” tours, though one noted an uncomfortable café interaction due to a staff member’s political comments.
- Family-Friendly: Events like Easter egg hunts engage children, with trails and activities designed for young visitors. Reviewers highlight the “excellent” tour guides who make history accessible for all ages, though some found the 2024 Easter hunt (£22.20 for a family) underwhelming due to limited activities.
- Historical Charm: The house’s architecture, artifacts, and ghost stories captivate visitors, with the costume collection and Titanic exhibit adding depth. The grounds are ideal for leisurely walks, even on rainy days, though wet weather can limit garden exploration.
- Some visitors report café food quality issues and suggest better signage for trails.
Nearby Attractions:
- Seamus Heaney HomePlace (10 miles): A literary centre celebrating the Nobel Laureate poet.
- Wellbrook Beetling Mill (8 miles): An 18th-century linen mill.
- Drum Manor Forest Park (10 miles): Scenic trails and gardens.
- Lissan House (5 miles): A historic estate with tours.
- Ballyronan Marina (8 miles): A Lough Neagh waterfront with water activities.
- Moneymore and Cookstown offer dining options like Tommy’s Kitchen or the Burnavon Arts Centre for cultural events.
What’s New:
Springhill will offer free entry to the estate on 13 September 2025 as part of European Heritage Open Day, allowing visitors to explore the house, costume collection, and grounds without charge. This event celebrates the Lenox-Conyngham legacy and is a great opportunity for first-time visitors.
- Building on popular family events like Easter egg hunts, 2025 will see an expanded programme to address past feedback about limited activities. New events could include seasonal trails, historical reenactments, or additional Irish baking demonstrations, aligning with Mid Ulster’s tourism push. The National Trust’s focus on engaging younger audiences suggests more interactive workshops or children’s activities tied to the house’s history.
- Mid Ulster’s 2025 tourism initiatives, including a Dublin showcase and events like the Wake the Giant Festival, may promote Springhill with new guided tours or joint ticketing with nearby attractions like Seamus Heaney HomePlace.
- Improved Visitor Facilities: In response to reviews about café food quality, the National Trust may upgrade the tearoom’s menu, focusing on locally sourced ingredients or traditional Irish dishes to enhance the dining experience. The barn’s hot drinks dispenser and picnic facilities may also see improvements to better accommodate rainy days.
- The 1912 Titanic exhibition, recreating the Lenox-Conyngham family’s departure, remains a key feature. For 2025, there will be new interpretive displays or artifacts added to this exhibit, capitalizing on its popularity and the house’s unique connection to the ill-fated ship.
Recommendations for Visitors
- Book for Open Day: Take advantage of free entry on 13 September 2025 for European Heritage Open Day, but arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Join a Guided Tour: Book a house tour in advance via the website to fully appreciate the Lenox-Conyngham story, costume collection, and ghost tales. Tours are engaging for all ages and highly recommended.
- Explore the Grounds: Bring a picnic to enjoy the parkland’s scenic spots, and walk the waymarked trails for views of the Dutch Garden and Forest Wear sturdy shoes for muddy paths, especially after rain.
- Combine with Nearby Sites: Pair your visit with Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Wellbrook Beetling Mill, or Drum Manor Forest Park for a full day in Mid Ulster. Cookstown’s dining and cultural venues are a short drive away.
- Allow Time: Budget 2–3 hours for the house tour, costume collection, gardens, and café. Families may spend longer if participating in events like trails or baking demonstrations.
Springhill House in Moneymore is a 17th-century estate, offering guided tours of a historic home, a remarkable costume collection, and serene gardens steeped in Lenox-Conyngham history. Its Titanic connection, ghost stories, and picturesque grounds make it a gem in Co. Derry..
