Nestled approximately two miles southeast of Grantham, Little Ponton Hall is an elegant Grade II listed country house rich in architectural charm and natural beauty. Originally built in 1725 – perhaps for William Thorold – the hall features limestone rubble walls, ashlar detailing, and later additions spanning the late 18th, early 19th, and Victorian eras. It remained in the hands of prominent Lincolnshire families until 2015, linking to aristocratic lineages such as the Dukes of Cleveland and Earls of Westmorland.
The surrounding four-acre gardens – set along a meander of the River Witham – are a horticultural delight. Mature lawns, an ancient cedar tree over 200 years old, walled kitchen and herb gardens, Victorian greenhouses, and a listed dovecote offer a tranquil and intimate environment. Early spring brings the much-celebrated Snowdrop Spectacular, when carpets of white snowdrops and golden aconites adorn the riverbank and church walk, traditionally held in February to raise funds for charity.
Little Ponton Hall opens to the public on select National Garden Scheme and private event days – highlighting local makers, themed entertainment (like summer “Magic of Music” evenings), theatre performances (“Sense and Sensibility”, “Robin Hood”), and seasonal markets. Light refreshments are served, and plant sales feature both home-grown and nursery stock. Facilities include parking, accessible paths, restrooms, and a dog-friendly policy.
The Hall is also a sought-after venue for intimate weddings and civil ceremonies, offering picturesque backdrops like the White Garden, Stables area, and riverside lawns for events of varying sizes. Its serene location, half a mile east of the A1, makes it easily accessible while maintaining countryside charm Little Ponton Hall blends historic elegance with community-centred gardens and events, making it a hidden gem for weddings, horticultural exploration, or seasonal cultural activities – just a stone’s throw from Grantham.
Photos courtesy of littlepontonhallgardens.org.uk
