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Washington Old Hall

A National Trust manor house in Washington Village that incorporates parts of the medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors, with gardens and a nuttery.

About Washington Old Hall

Washington Old Hall sits at the heart of Washington Village and incorporates parts of the medieval home of the ancestors of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The family took their surname from this place, and the present building was completed in the 17th century. By the 1930s the building had been declared unfit for habitation; a local campaign led by teacher Fred Hill saved it from demolition, and after restoration it passed to the National Trust in the 1950s.

Inside, the rooms tell the story of the house and its connection with the Washington family. Outside are ornamental flower beds, fruit trees, pollinator-friendly planting, a wildlife-rich nuttery and a small play area. Opening is seasonal and the hall and garden are closed on some days, so check the National Trust page for current times before visiting. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature Washington Old Hall.

Washington Old Hall and George Washington: The Wearside Roots of a President

Washington Old Hall and George Washington: The Wearside Roots of a President

How a medieval Wearside family gave its name to Washington and to America's first president, how the Old Hall was saved in the 1930s, and what you can see there today.

The Lambton Worm: Wearside's Dragon Legend

The Lambton Worm: Wearside's Dragon Legend

The Lambton Worm beyond the song: the two hills that claim the legend, the curse on the Lambton family, the 1867 song, Lambton Castle and where the worm turns up in books, film and football.

Coal Mining in Sunderland: Pits, Railways and the Miners' Legacy

Coal Mining in Sunderland: Pits, Railways and the Miners' Legacy

Sunderland's coal mining story, from the Hetton Colliery Railway and the deep Monkwearmouth pit to Ryhope, Silksworth, Herrington and the Washington F Pit, with the memorials you can visit today.

Nissan Sunderland: 40 Years of the Car Plant on the Old Airfield

Nissan Sunderland: 40 Years of the Car Plant on the Old Airfield

The story of Nissan's Sunderland plant, from the 1984 agreement and the first Bluebird in 1986 to the Qashqai, Juke and LEAF built there today and the EV36Zero battery and renewables hub.

Famous People from Sunderland: Inventors, Writers, Musicians and Footballers

Famous People from Sunderland: Inventors, Writers, Musicians and Footballers

From Joseph Swan and James Herriot to Dave Stewart, Kate Adie and Jordan Henderson, the people who grew up on Wearside and where to find their traces in the city today.

18 Interesting Facts About Sunderland

18 Interesting Facts About Sunderland

Eighteen checked facts about Sunderland, from Bede and a 7th-century glass workshop to the push-bar door, the Wearmouth Bridge, Roker lighthouse and the Stadium of Light.

A Weekend in Sunderland: A 48-Hour Itinerary

A Weekend in Sunderland: A 48-Hour Itinerary

A two-day plan for Sunderland: St Peter's and the riverside, Roker Pier and the seafront, a night on High Street West, then Penshaw, Washington Old Hall and Mowbray Park.

Photography Spots in Sunderland: Where to Go and When

Photography Spots in Sunderland: Where to Go and When

Where to take photographs in Sunderland, from Roker lighthouse at sunrise to Penshaw Monument at dusk, with notes on the best light, timing and access for each spot.

Museums in Sunderland: What Is Open in 2026

Museums in Sunderland: What Is Open in 2026

Where to find Sunderland's history while the Museum and Winter Gardens is closed until 2028 and the National Glass Centre has shut: football, steam, aircraft, castles and local archives.

Summer Holiday Activities for Kids in Sunderland

Summer Holiday Activities for Kids in Sunderland

Holiday courses, beaches, country parks, wetlands, watersports and the Summer Reading Challenge: ways to fill the six-week break in Sunderland.

Family Activities in Sunderland: Days Out, Indoor Fun and Weekly Clubs

Family Activities in Sunderland: Days Out, Indoor Fun and Weekly Clubs

Beaches, country parks, wetlands, castles, climbing, swimming and soft play: a family guide to Sunderland, with links to our detailed guides for each.

Free Things to Do in Sunderland

Free Things to Do in Sunderland

Beaches and Roker Pier, Penshaw Monument, city parks, Culture House, Hylton Castle's grounds and the Fans Museum: free things to do in Sunderland that cost nothing to enjoy.

A Short History of Sunderland

A Short History of Sunderland

From Bede and the Wearmouth monastery to shipbuilding, Nissan, city status and Riverside Sunderland: thirteen centuries of history on the Wear, and where to see it today.

Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park

Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park

A guide to Penshaw Monument, the 1844 Greek-temple folly on Penshaw Hill, and Herrington Country Park below it: history, the Lambton Worm, walks, parking and nearby visits.