Alistair Hardaker | Image: The Star Chamber, Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire (English Heritage)
Osborne’s Durbar Room and Bolsover Castle’s Star Chamber among five sites taking part until 1 November.
English Heritage has announced a new campaign designed to allow visitors to better appreciate the historic ceilings in its heritage buildings.
For one month, visitors at five historic attractions across the country will be encouraged to lie down, with cushions provided to make the viewing more comfortable.
Among the five sites taking part is Osborne’s Durbar Room, in the Isle of Wight, its ceiling designed to reflect Queen Victoria’s status as Empress of India and topped by intricate floral plasterwork and honeycombed muqarnas vaulting.
Also in the campaign is Bolsover Castle’s Star Chamber ceiling, which takes its name from its teal ceiling, decorated with 254 gold-leaf stars.
Also taking part is The Great Hall, Eltham Palace in south-east London; The New Hall, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland; and The Drawing Room, Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
“Ceilings are often the crowning glory of an historic building”, explained Jeremy Ashbee, English Heritage head curator of properties.
Ashbee said “there’s not always the opportunity to enjoy a splendid ceiling to the fullest. So, this October, we’re inviting visitors to put formality to one side, make themselves at home, linger, even lie down and enjoy the view up above.”
The ‘Lie Down and Look Up’ campaign runs from until 1st November 2026.
