alston hall

Alston Hall info

Alston Hall is a majestic 19th Century Gothic-style mansion with beautiful views of the Ribble Valley. Situated in the Lancashire countryside,  on the outskirts of Longridge, near Preston. It was donated for the improvement of the lives of people in Lancashire and became an adult education college in 1974, running day and weekend residential courses. All sorts of courses were offered; from yoga, art, embroidery, and beekeeping to history and picture framing.

I enjoyed attending many classes over the years at Alston Hall, as well as teaching my popular 1-day jewellery-making classes there from 2009 to 2014 and exhibiting some of my work at the college (with the Art and Craft Guild of Lancashire and solo exhibitions).

“Its such a waste, that we are losing this loving location for learning. It was a lovely, relaxing place to learn new skills.

The college was closed down in January 2016 due to funding cuts by Lancashire County Council and its future remains uncertain.

Update: 2023
Sadly the treasure that was Alston Hall which had been a beacon of light and learning since 1949 and enjoyed by many generations of Lancashire residents (and visitors from further afield), was sold in 2016 by Lancashire county council to a private owner for a guide price of 1.5 million pounds.

During its renovations in Spring 2017, the grade 2 listed building was seriously damaged by a fire (in suspicious circumstances according to the local newspaper). What a waste… the 19th Century Gothic-style country mansion is no more, but I’m sure the nearly 10-acre site on its hillside setting with glorious river and country views over the Ribble Valley will make a stunning place to live.

I especially enjoyed Alston Hall’s walled garden, mature Victorian-style gardens, and woodland whenever I was there attending a class, teaching, or there exhibiting my work. I’m really sad that this beautiful treasure is no longer a college and can’t be enjoyed by future generations of Lancashire and other folks.

further info about Alston Hall