This beautifully preserved 19th-century whaling captain's elegant homestead is just an eight-minute drive from the Hobart CBD (on route to MONA). It is owned and operated by the National Trust.
Now dedicated to marine conservation, Runnymede has a rich collection of artefacts related to the maritime interests of Captain Charles Bayley, who named the house after his favourite ship.
The house was built around 1836 for Robert Pitcairn, one of the first lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court in the Van Diemen's Land colony and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts from Britain. It was also home to Bishop Francis Nixon, Tasmania's first Anglican bishop.
Access to the house is by guided tour or events only, book online. These include: Captain's House and Garden Tour, Runnymede Conservation Tour (includes morning tea) and 'Take Tea with Harriet' strolling theatre from the creators of the award-winning 'Louisa's Walk' (includes light afternoon tea).
Bookings essential for 'Take Tea with Harriet' and 'Runnymede Conservation Tour' and strongly recommended for the 'Captain's House and Garden Tour'.
Closed June and July, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day....
