Heaton Hall, Near Manchester

Heaton Hall in Prestwich opens its doors to John Betjeman, poet, broadcaster and architectural expert.

"A drive to Heaton Hall in the misty suburbs of Manchester". John Betjeman's celebrated passion for Britain's architectural heritage shines through in this edition of Discovering Britain, the 26-part series he made for Shell in the 1950s. He describes the hall as "a museum of Georgian craftsmanship". Treasures include the well-proportioned music room, beautifully crafted balustrades and an engraving of Sunderland Bridge on a small glass goblet. The tin pipes of the organ, which give "sweetness of tone", are also cherished.