New events planned for struggling historic hall

Murder mystery parties and World War Two-themed events are being planned at a struggling historic hall in Leicestershire to boost visitor numbers.

Leicestershire County Council said Beaumanor Hall, in Woodhouse, cost £627,000 to run last year and over the years had been operating at a loss.

The authority said it would be trialling the activities at the 178-year-old Grade II listed mansion to bolster visitor numbers while it draws up a longer-term plan to cut running costs and boost income.

The plans to introduce more events, which also include company away days, follow discussions with local residents and visitors about the types of activities they would like to attend, the council added.

Beaumanor Hall was used as a base for collecting intelligence about German military codes during World War Two, and was bought by the county council in 1974.

Over the decades the 19th Century mansion has been used for school residential trips, weddings, conference centre and public events.

The Reform UK-run county council said the Victorian country house ran at a loss of £459,000 in 2024-25 and £627,000 in 2025-26.

There had been suggestions the hall should be sold to save money but the authority said it would invest in the venue to turn around its fortunes.

In August, £500,000 of repair work was carried out to rebuild nine of the hall's chimneys after they were found to be at risk of collapsing.

The authority said over the next six months, twilight wedding packages and more craft fairs will also be introduced to attract more visitors and generate more income.

It said the longer-term plans will explore revamping the outdoor education facilities and courtyard and adding new accommodation.

The strategy forms part of wider efforts to reduce the cost to the taxpayer of operating the hall and its surrounding estate, the council said.

Deputy leader Kevin Crook said the hall was part of the county's "rich history".

"Whether it's a school trip or a pie night, many people have fond memories of visiting," he said.

"It's a Grade II listed building with important Second World War heritage and we're committed to investing, whilst reducing its cost to taxpayers.

"That's why, over the summer, we've repaired the 175-year-old chimneys and now, we're trialling new events to attract more visitors and generate more income."

The proposals, which are due to be finalised in the spring, are due to be discussed on Monday by the council's adults and cultural services scrutiny committee.

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