Winstanley House

Book your room in a historic country house hotel that's just two miles away from Leicester City Centre.

Built in 1775 as the seat of the Winstanley family, Braunstone Hall would be their opulent home for more than 150 years. Over time, others moved in, and out, before the hall was eventually abandoned. Standing empty for 20 years, it was lovingly restored in 2017 as boutique hotel, restaurant and events venue Winstanley House.

One hundred years after Sheriff of Leicester Clement Winstanley moved in, James Beaumont Winstanley was head of the house. Mysteriously disappearing during a European tour, his body was found in a German river by Leicester detective Francis ‘Tanky’ Smith, a master of disguise thought to have in part inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

Disaster struck again in the 1920s when a compulsory purchase order forced the family out to make way for post-war housing. The good news for locals was that the park was opened up for all to enjoy, and the hall became a quirky school.

During the Second World War, the estate was once again in demand. Causing quite a stir, the American 82nd Airborne Division moved into Nissen Huts in the park, as top-secret plans for the D-Day Landings were hatched in the hall. When the troops left, the huts became housing, and the school stayed open until 1996.

Today the hall is resplendent again as a Georgian jewel in the heart of Braunstone Park, proudly bearing the Winstanley name. Surrounded by two lakes and 168 acres of parkland, there’s also a walled garden to explore, with a memorial dedicated to fallen US soldiers, and a small museum of memorabilia maintained by Braunstone History Group.

With 19 luxury bedrooms, two elegant ballrooms, the Black Iron restaurant and bar, private dining rooms and a garden terrace with ancient trees, you are invited to have a grand time in these most sumptuous surroundings.

Set within 160 acres of parkland, Winstanley House offers all the convenience of a city centre location, with the opulence, seclusion and space of a country house. The historic building has been expertly restored to include all the conveniences you come to expect from a modern venue, whilst retaining the charm, class and elegance of a stately home. It is perfect for country house weddings, romantic breaks, meeting with colleagues, conferences and exhibitions.

The two magnificent ballrooms (accommodating 150 and 450 guests) are perfect for both large and intimate weddings or events and make Winstanley House the ideal venue for a team away day, product launches, birthday celebrations and anything else you can think of. Winstanley House is the latest development from the team that rejuvenated Leicester's luxury wedding and event venue, The City Rooms.

The team know their food and drink - you can join them for Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, brunch, or enjoy gastronomical dishes in the modern restaurant and steakhouse, Black Iron. You don't need to be staying in the hotel or attending an event to enjoy luxury cuisine or private dining at Winstanley House. Warm smiles, attentive service and memories you'll cherish await you at Winstanley House!