Discover the Sand House

The Sand House and its tunnels were unique. They may have disappeared, but the clues to their former existence are still there to be found.

This is a walking tour of the locality of the former Sand House led by Richard Bell, a direct descendant of the Sand House's creator, Henry Senior. With the help of old plans, historic images, and Richard's commentary you will discover how the house developed and where it and its tunnels once lay in relation to the modern layout. You will stand directly above the Elephant and Mahout carving, which is the iconic image of the Sand House. At the end of the walk there will be an option to visit the grave of Henry Senior in the adjacent Hyde Park Cemetery.

Please note that the walk takes place entirely at ground level and does not enter any tunnels (other than passing through a modern subway!).

The number of attendees is limited for safety reasons. The walk takes approximately 90 minutes Anyone turning up on the day without having pre-booked will not be able to take part in the guided walk, unless the maximum number of people permitted on the walk has not been reached. If places are available on the day, they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The walk begins in the car park of Silverwood House, at the junction of Elsworth Close and St James Street (postcode DN1 3RN). Silverwood House is a 17-storey block of flats and stands apart from the other high-rise blocks that are on the same housing estate. It stands alongside the Carr House Road dual carriageway and opposite Hyde Park Cemetery.

The route of the guided walk for wheelchairs and mobility scooters is slightly longer than for those on foot, but time will be allowed for everyone to gather at each stopping point before the commentary continues. The total distance covered by the walk is less than half-a-mile. There are no toilets on site. If the weather is hot, visitors are advised to bring water with them.

The full ticket price, except for Eventbrite fees, goes to The Sand House Charity to support its ongoing educational activities.