Runnymede
Runnymede
4.7
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
This beautifully preserved 19th-century whaling captain's elegant homestead is just 8 minutes' drive from the Hobart CBD (en route to MONA). The house has a rich collection of artefacts related to the maritime interests of Captain Charles Bayley and his family, who made it their home for over 100 years. There are also historic artworks and possessions of the previous owner Bishop Francis Nixon, Tasmania's first Anglican bishop. The house was built around 1840 for Robert Pitcairn, one of the first lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court in Van Diemen's Land colony and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts from Britain. Closed July and August for House cleaning and Maintenance.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.7
196 reviews
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155
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35
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3
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2
Terrible
1
Sherpa40641956813
Perth, Australia3 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We took the 561 bus to Risdon, a 15 minute ride to find the wonderful Runnymede. We also took lunch with us as on Saturdays the buses leave the city on the hour and the return journey is also on the hour. There was a lot to see, and our journey had originally begun down the lane where there were boards detailing the history all the way to the house. As it was, Mary our guide took over an hour to tell us about this historic place home to three families, the Pitcairn's, Bishop Nixon and his family and the Bailey's/Baily's. She began in the garden which was a lovely place with beds of flowers as they were 190 years before. It is a most pleasant walk under the trees. The house has been kept in good repair, and some of the furniture is original including the Bishop's desk which was a few hundred years old. The whaling artifacts are also of some interest, the scrimshaw in particular was very well preserved. Well worth seeing and the guide's stories attached to the families made this trip so interesting.
Written 17 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin.anne99
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Solo
Enjoyed a wonderful tour by Sharon this morning. Her presentation style was lovely and easy to follow, unfolding sequentially and full of interesting stories about the people who lived there. She was very knowledgeable as happy to answer questions. Really enjoyed it.
The rooms have a definite wow factor and the gardens are lush and highly enjoyable. Was exciting to see such gorgeous antiques as well and the fact that many are original to the house was the cherry on top.
The rooms have a definite wow factor and the gardens are lush and highly enjoyable. Was exciting to see such gorgeous antiques as well and the fact that many are original to the house was the cherry on top.
Written 26 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DavidHobart_Tasmania
Hobart, Australia55 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We visited during a downpour, so our views of the beautiful garden were somewhat restricted. However, the tour of the house was fascinating. Amanda was a very knowledgeable and competent guide to the various rooms, features and contents of the house. In particular her accounts of the histories of the families who owned the house were most informative. This is a very worthwhile tour.
Written 6 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drue
Melbourne, Australia99 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We have visited a few historic homes while here in Tassie and this just raced to our number 1 experience. Finally visiting a home that includes original furnishings you really do feel the history literally. Located so close to Hobart cbd it’s an experience you must have. Our tour guide Chris was outstanding with her knowledge of the home and its past, the furniture stories along with little things we would never have picked up on if walking through on our own. Her passion was obvious and her enthusiasm and love for the property made our time even more memorable.
Written 22 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annemarie D
Marsfield, Australia196 contributions
Mar 2025 • Friends
Am a National Trust member and decided to visit while in Hobart. Very impressed by the tour ( very knowledgeable and approachable guide) well worth the entry cost. And the property is just fantastic, best NT property I’ve visited. Well preserved and presented with original furniture and gardens. And not roped off - you can get right up close to everything.
Written 8 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank S
6 contributions
Mar 2025 • Couples
Well, this was most certainly the most surprising place we’ve visited during our week in Hobart. Runnymede is a time capsule, most magnificently preserved for us all to see.
The history of this mansion was so well explained by volunteer guide Margot, it was like stepping back in time. We felt a real connection with the families who lived there in the past.
The remaining gardens were also a pleasure to view.
If history is your thing, I highly recommend visiting Runnymede!
The history of this mansion was so well explained by volunteer guide Margot, it was like stepping back in time. We felt a real connection with the families who lived there in the past.
The remaining gardens were also a pleasure to view.
If history is your thing, I highly recommend visiting Runnymede!
Written 2 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness786337
Bothwell, Australia1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Solo
A miserable wet day outside, but being able to view the inside of this wonderful old home was more than adequate compensation. Learning about the history of the property and it's various owners was particularly interesting, and our guide (Karen) did an outstanding job of sharing her knowledge with us in a way that was unhurried and easy to take in. A very satisfying experience - highly recommended !
Written 17 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoPlaces32202832012
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Friends
We were looked after by knowledgeable and committed volunteer guides. We loved seeing the house and hearing about the life its residents. Its well-tended and original garden provides a peaceful oasis that I’d heartedly recommend. We got a great education about the history of colonial Hobart, with a bonus generous morning tea featuring freshly made scones, cream and yummy home made jams.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpiddy
Brisbane, Australia14,646 contributions
May 2022
It is a little difficult to imagine Runnymede as it was, built in 1840 with views over NewTown Bay and extensive gardens, no water views any more. On the rainy morning of our visit, we had a delightful tour through this National Trust House for our small group of two. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories of the three familes which have owned and lived in the house over the years, quite diverse backgrounds. The rooms are well presented with the furniture, paintings, objects and decor of the day. Wear warm clothes on cold days as the house is not heated. Runnymede is located in suburbia, a fifteen minute drive from the centre of Hobart, street parking is available.
Online ticket purchase is recommended to avoid missing out.
Online ticket purchase is recommended to avoid missing out.
Written 29 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrwinoz
Melbourne16 contributions
Jan 2023
Hidden historic gem. As experienced TAS travellers we wondered HOW we had never happened upon this great site before.
Volunteer Sarah provided a fact-filled and animated tour of the house and the history of the three resident families (across time) and the life and times of early Hobart. Very entertaining and great interaction with our host.
The house is better equipped with early artifacts (including kitchen and scullery), and room restoration than many others that we have seen from the early colonial period.
Also a great hideaway from the summer heat on weekend day.
Visit site by car or Uber etc, a few minutes from CBD - tours on arrival !
Volunteer Sarah provided a fact-filled and animated tour of the house and the history of the three resident families (across time) and the life and times of early Hobart. Very entertaining and great interaction with our host.
The house is better equipped with early artifacts (including kitchen and scullery), and room restoration than many others that we have seen from the early colonial period.
Also a great hideaway from the summer heat on weekend day.
Visit site by car or Uber etc, a few minutes from CBD - tours on arrival !
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Carol,
We no longer have a cafe on site, but offer tea/coffee currently to guests who join us on a tour. There is the Track's cafe a short walk up the street from us if you are after more substantial fare.
Warm regards,
Chandra
Written 6 March 2019
How do I get there by public transport?
What are the opening times?
Written 27 October 2016
Runnymede is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4pm
and on Sunday's from 12 noon to 4 pm.You are welcome to
visit during these hours and can have a guided tour as well.
If coming by bus from Hobart GPO take bus 560 and ask the
driver to let you off in Risdon Road. A short walk from there.
Written 27 October 2016
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