Runnymede

Place TAS

Beautifully preserved 1840 whaling captain's house and gardens.

Just 8 minutes’ drive from central Hobart, Runnymede has a rich collection of maritime artifacts that belonged to Captain Charles Bayley and his family, who made it their home for over 100 years. Named after the Captain’s favourite ship, Runnymede now promotes marine conservation.

The house was built for Robert Pitcairn, one of the first lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Van Diemen’s Land and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts.

There are also historic artworks and possessions of the house’s other owner,  Francis Nixon, Tasmania’s first Anglican bishop.

 

***Runnymede is currently closed for the months of July and August***

Regular guided tours are available and you can also find out about the restoration of the house with a behind-the-scenes tour and morning tea with a curator. Or you can even can ‘Take Tea with Harriet’ – a theatrical journey with the Captain’s daughter (scones and tea included).

Runnymede is available for hire for private events such as weddings,  conference cocktails or corporate dinners; and there are a variety of special events throughout the year including an annual Art & Antiques Fair, High Teas and the Spring and Autumn Plant Sales.

One-hour school tours are also offered (see links below).

 

 

Address:

61 Bay Road, New Town, Hobart 7008 TAS

Open:

Open from September to June
Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Sundays – 12 noon to 4 pm.

Closed:

Saturdays, Mondays, and Public Holidays.
Closed July and August.

Phone:
(03) 6278 1269
Email:
runnymede@nationaltrusttas.org.au
Website:
https://nationaltrusttas.rezdy.com/
What we offer:

"Enjoyed a fabulous house tour of Runnymede which was very informative and relaxed, followed by afternoon tea with 'Harriet'. Super special day."

One of many 5 star TripAdvisor reviews

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Tours & Experiences

Explore the house and gardens with guided tours, or go back in time with a theatrical afternoon tea.

Find out more & book!

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School Tours

This one hour guided tour helps students learn about the social and cultural traditions of the 19th century, the role of servants, and the workings of a self-sufficient estate.

Find out more

Private Functions

Runnymede house and gardens are also available for private events.
"The venue is gorgeous, the staff are amazing and they will bend over backwards to make sure that your event runs brilliantly."
Enquiries to: runnymede@nationaltrusttas.org.au

Conference & Business Events

From ‘Captain’s Cocktails’ to private sit-down dinners or high teas, this very special venue can accommodate up to 50 in the drawing room, or up to 150 in a marquee in the historic gardens. Add-on tours and theatre experiences also available.
For an info pack, email: sophie.bleach@nationaltrusttas.org.au

See Runnymede listing with Business Events Tasmania

Three Favourite Things

Seaweed patterns such as the one shown on this Chamberlains Worcester dinner service (c. 1830) were once very popular and graced Tasmanian homes from the 1820s. This service was purchased by the National Trust but coincidentally, after it had been put on display at Runnymede, one of the volunteer gardeners found a small shard of seaweed pattern china in the garden.

Three Favourite Things

This pair of elegant bamboo and cane arm chairs, dating from the early mid-19th century, were brought to Tasmania by Captain Bayley. The Bayley brothers, Charles and James, sent their ships to trade in China and regularly brought back furnishings and decorative objects to furnish their homes.

Three Favourite Things

Made from sandalwood overlaid with a micro mosaic of ivory, mother of pearl, ebony and cut steel, this work box dates from the mid-19th century. It was imported into the Van Diemen's Land colony from Western India as part of the Anglo Indian trade. Inside a lady could place all her cottons, threads and small pieces of needlework.

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