organised by County: Sussex, Kent,
Surrey
The following is a selection of buildings and gardens open to the
public in reasonable reach of Frant; other suggestions welcome -
just fill in the form. Distances
shown are the shortest route from the centre of Frant; further details [location
plans, opening hours and entrance fees] can be found by clicking
on the links or by going to one of the following sites:
National
Trust
English
Heritage
Hudson's Guide
Sussex
Country - Wealden District Council site
National Gardens
Scheme for private gardens open in the region
Index
of Historic Parks and Gardens in East Sussex
For tourist suggestions, organised by distance - click
here
Sussex Go
to Kent, Surrey
ALFRISTON CLERGY HOUSE The Tye Alfriston [18 miles]
Bought in 1896 for the princely sum of 10, this was the first building
to be acquired by the Trust. A 14th-century timber-framed and thatched
hall house, it is little altered and characteristic of the Wealden
vernacular style. The interior contains a fine medieval hall and
exhibition and there is a charming cottage garden, with many typical
countryside flowers, once common but rarely seen today
ANNE
OF CLEVES HOUSE Lewes [17 miles]
A 16th century timber-framed Wealden hall-house that formed part
of Anne's divorce settlement from Henry VIII in 1541. The house
contains wide-ranging collections of Sussex interest, including
Sussex pottery, and the bedroom and kitchen are furnished to reflect
an earlier period. Other displays feature Lewes from the 16th century
to the present day and the Wealden ironwork gallery has artefacts
from firebacks and cannon to boot-scrapers and chimney backs, illustrating
this influential Sussex industry
ASHDOWN FOREST CENTRE Wych
Cross, Forest Row [16 miles]
The Forest Centre acts as both an information centre for visitors and also an
office for the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. The Information Centre often has
exhibitions of all sorts including local artists, photographers and other events.
BATEMAN'S Burwash [7 miles]
The home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902-36, the interior of this beautiful
Jacobean house reflects the author's strong associations with the
East. There are many Oriental rugs and artefacts, and most of the
rooms - including his book-lined study - are much as Kipling left
them. The delightful grounds run down to the small River Dudwell,
where there is a watermill, and contain roses, wild flowers and
herbs. Kipling's Rolls-Royce is also on display
BAYHAM ABBEY RUINS Lamberhurst [8
miles]
These riverside ruins are of a house of the White Canons, founded
c1208 and preserved in the 18th century, when the surroundings were
landscaped to provide a delightful setting. Tel: 01892 890381 for
opening times
BEWL
WATER [10 miles]
This reservoir is the largest area of open water in south east England.
Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the
High Weald, Bewl Water is host to a huge variety of wildlife and
is one of the region's most popular attractions
The reservoir boasts many features for visitors
BLUEBELL RAILWAY - Sheffield Park [15 miles]
The Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger
railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of
the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then
it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in
Sussex, yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation
for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches
and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices
BODIAM CASTLE Bodiam [15 miles]
One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam
was built in 1385, both as a defence and a comfortable home. The
exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically
above the moat below. Enough of the interior survives to give an
impression of castle life, and there are spiral staircases and battlements
to explore. An audiovisual presentation and small museum provide
social and historical background
BORDE HILL
GARDENS Cuckfield [21 miles]
Borde Hill is a garden of contrasts that captures the imagination
and delights the senses. It is set in 200 acres of a traditional
country estate in the area of outstanding natural beauty lying between
the town of Haywards Heath and the village of Cuckfield in mid Sussex.
CHARLESTON
Lewes [20 miles]
Charleston was the home and country meeting place for the writers,
painters and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Group. The interior
was painted by the artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, and together
with their collection of post-impressionist art, forms a unique
example of their decorative style. The house is open to visitors
and hosts the annual Charleston Festival
FIRLE
PLACE Firle [17 miles]
Firle Place is a large Tudor house behind facades remodelled in
the 18th century. The principal rooms are grouped around a square
outer courtyard. At the back is the Hall and behind this is a smaller,
inner courtyard with the family rooms and kitchens set around it.
The Hall is still the home of the Gage family and its great treasure,
Sir Anthony Van Dyck's group portrait of Count John of Nassau-Siegen
and his Family. The south side overlooks wooded slopes that rise
to Firle Beacon. The parkland surrounding Firle Place is set in
an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the foot of the South Downs
FISHBOURNE
ROMAN PALACE [57 miles]
A military supply base established at the time of the Roman Invasion
of Britain in AD43, the Roman Palace is one of the most important
British archaeological discoveries of the last century
GLYNDEBOURNE
[15 miles]
Glyndebourne, one of the most famous opera houses in the world is
now in its sixtieth year and the performances still retain their
very high standard. Set in the glorious English countryside it is
the perfect setting for some of the most moving and passionate pieces
of classical music. The usual festival itinerary includes arriving
a couple of hours early, setting up a picnic rug or table and enjoying
the delights of the grounds before the performance starts. It gives
you the opportunity to chat to like-minded music lovers, inspect
the programme or even visit the shop.During the Festival season,
evening dress (black tie/long or short dress) is customary. If you
wish to change, there are facilities available in the Plashett Building
at the foot of the car park. For further information : 01273 815
000 or E-mail
GLYNDE
PLACE [26 miles]
A magnificent Elizabethan manor house set in the heart of the South
Downs. Glynde Place was built in 1589 from local flint and stone
from Normandy and extensively added to in the 18thC. There is a
collection of Old Masters, family portraits, furniture, embroidery
and silver all belonging to the family who has lived there for over
400 years
GREAT
DIXTER HOUSE & GARDENS [18 miles]
The Manor of Dixter is first noted in 1220 and structural additions
were made again in 1464. In 1910 the English architect Edwin Lutyens
restored Great Dixter and designed the gardens. Today, the gardens
are cultivated by author and lecturer Christopher Lloyd. The garden
is composed of a series of small gardens including a fine topiary
garden, rose garden, kitchen garden - an attractive mingling of
vegetables and flowers - a large orchard with many pockets of wild
flowers and a magnificent herbaceous border in summer, truly a joy
for any gardener to visit
HAMMERWOOD
PARK East Grinstead [18 miles]
Hammerwood built in 1792 as an Apollo's hunting lodge by Benjamin
Latrobe, architect of The Capitol and The White House. Hammerwood
represents a landmark in both English Greek Revival and American
architecture. Owned by Led Zeppelin in the 1970s and rescued from
dereliction in 1982
HASTINGS  [21
miles]
Known world-wide as the site of the Battle of Hastings 1066. William
the Conquerer's victory over the English King Harold at Hastings
changed the entire course of history of Britain. This south-east
coastal town, population 84,000, boasts over a thousand years of
this history. The town offers plenty for the visitor - shops, restaurants,
historic buildings - particularly in the Old Town, a ruined castle,
pier and - of course - the sea
Kent
& East Sussex Railway  [51 miles to Bodiam Stn]
Travel in Edwardian style by steam train through Weald and Marsh.
From the ancient market town of Tenterden to the magical castle
at Bodiam
LAMB
HOUSE, West Street, Rye [25 miles]
A delightful brick-fronted house, dating from the early 18th century
and typical of the attractive town of Rye. This was the home of
writer Henry James from 1898 to 1916, and later of author E. F.
Benson. Some of James's personal possessions can be seen, and there
is a charming walled garden
LEONARDSLEE
GARDENS Horsham [29 miles]
The many miles of walks provide never ending delights and a changing
landscape throughout the seasons. There are plenty of quiet spots
where you can sit and enjoy one of England's greenest and most pleasant
landscapes. The walks extend round the peaceful lakes and waterfalls
where wildlife thrives.
LEWES
CASTLE [17 miles]
From its high towers visitors can see both the town and the distant
views of downs, river and forest. The best way to appreciate this
view is to visit Barbican House Museum first and watch 'The Story
of Lewes Town', a sound and light show based on a scale model of
the town. The castle was begun soon after 1066 by William de Warenne
as his stronghold in Sussex but not completed until 300 years later
with the building of the magnificent Barbican
MARLIPINS
MUSEUM Shoreham [31 miles]
Housed in one of the oldest and most attractive lay buildings in
Sussex. Its distinctive chequer board facade is well loved by artists
and shows that cross Channel links are nothing new, as it blends
Sussex flint with Norman Caen stone. Inside, museum displays show
the history of the area, from prehistoric burials to the dashing
early aviators of Shoreham Airport. The old clock from St Mary's
ticks away beside displays of Sussex pottery and wartime papers,
or records of Charles II's escape from Shoreham to France after
his defeat in 1651
MERRIMENTS
GARDENS Hurst Green [11 miles]
The garden at Merriments is approximately 4 acres (1.7 hectares)
and occupies a gentle southerly slope. This garden is made up of
a series of borders each of which reflects a different aspect of
the garden, or is itself themed for colour or texture. It is laid
out in such a way that each themed area blends into the next to
create satisfying and harmonious whole
MICHELHAM
PRIORY [14 miles]
Boasting England's longest medieval water-filled moat, Michelham
Priory's "Island of History" reflects its nearly 800 year existence.
The house dates back to 1229 when the Priory was founded and was
lived in by Augustinian canons until the Dissolution in 1537. After
this time, the Church of the Holy Trinity was destroyed and the
house underwent various transformations including the addition of
an extensive Tudor wing. The range of furniture and artefacts on
display trace the property's religious origins through its life
as a working farm and its development as a country house. Exhibits
include tapestries, furniture (including some made in the 1920's/1930's
specifically for the then owner), kitchen equipment and a fully
furnished 18th Century child's bedroom
MONK'S HOUSE, Rodmell, Lewes [21 miles]
A small weather-boarded house, the home of Leonard and Virginia
Woolf until Leonard's death in 1969. The rooms reflect the life
and times of the literary circle in which they moved
NEWHAVEN FORT
Newhaven [26 miles]
Newhaven Fort was built in the 1860's to deter invaders. Today it
offers a warm welcome to anyone looking for a totally different
and fascinating day out. The massive walls, ramparts and guns and
many other original features all fire the imagination with other
exciting glimpses into England's dramatic wartime past. To really
get to grips with the times, sights, sounds and even smells of the
period you'll find a host of displays, exciting 'real-life' sets
and audio-visual presentations.
NYMANS
GARDEN Haywards Heath [25 miles]
One of the great gardens of the Sussex Weald, with rare and beautiful
plants, shrubs and trees from all round the world. Walled garden,
hidden sunken garden, pinetum and laurel walk. Library, drawing
room and forecourt garden also open
PASHLEY
MANOR GARDENS Ticehurst [10 miles]
The Gardens offer a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative
plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds.
This is a quintessentially English Garden of a very individual character
with exceptional views to the surrounding valleyed fields. Many
eras of English history are reflected here, typifying the tradition
of the English Country House and its garden
THE
PRIEST HOUSE West Hoathly [17 miles]
Standing in the beautiful surroundings of a traditional cottage
garden on the edge of Ashdown Forest, the Priest House is an early
15th century timber-framed hall-house with a dramatic roof of Horsham
stone. It was probably built for the Priory of St Pancras in Lewes
and in Elizabethan times was modernised into a substantial Yeomen's
dwelling. It is now a museum containing a fascinating array of domestic
country furniture, kitchen equipment, needlework and household items.
Outside there is a formal herb garden containing over 150 culinary,
medicinal and folklore herbs
RYE
[25 miles]
The ancient Cinque Port Town of Rye sits on a sandstone hill commanding
breathtaking views of Romney Marsh and the sea, guarding the coast
from foreign invasion for centuries. Originally granted to the Abbey
of Fecamp in Normandy in 1027, Rye was finally reclaimed by Henry
III in 1247 in exchange for other lands. Incorporated into the confederacy
of the Cinque Ports in 1289 and once a sea port, the town played
a vital role in both the defence against invaders and as a trading
centre. Its cobbled streets and medieval houses once echoed to the
sounds of smugglers and revenue men and fine trading vessels were
to be found unloading at the warehouses on the quay.
SAINT
HILL MANOR East Grinstead [18 miles]
A late Georgian house (1792) with a Victorian garden - loggia, terrace,
rose garden, lawn, a lake and woods.
SHEFFIELD PARK GARDEN, Sheffield Park [15 miles]
A magnificent landscape garden, laid out in the 18th century by
Capability' Brown and further developed in the early years of this
century by its owner, Arthur G. Soames. The centrepiece is the original
four lakes, linked by cascades and waterfalls. There are dramatic
shows of daffodils and bluebells in spring, and the rhododendrons,
azaleas and stream garden are spectacular in early summer. Autumn
brings stunning colours from the many rare trees and shrubs
STANDEN East Grinstead [18 miles]
A family house of the 1890s, designed by Philip Webb, friend of
William Morris, and a showpiece of the Arts & Crafts Movement. It
is decorated throughout with Morris carpets, fabrics and wallpapers,
complemented by contemporary paintings, tapestries and furniture.
The house retains many of its original electrical fittings. The
beautiful hillside garden gives fine views over the Sussex countryside
and there are delightful woodland walks
WADHURST
CASTLE [click on this link - and then Search on the new site]
[5 miles]
A modest early C19 park of 58ha, accompanying a castellated villa,
built on the outskirts of Wadhurst.
WEALD &
DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM Singleton [54 miles]
Set in 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside is a fascinating
collection of over 40 historic buildings dating from the 15th century,
many with period gardens, together with farm animals, woodland walks
and a picturesque lake. Rescued from destruction, the buildings
have been carefully dismantled, conserved and rebuilt to their original
form and bring to life the homes, farmsteads and rural industries
of the last 500 years
WILDERNESS
WOOD Hadlow Down [4 miles]
Wilderness Wood is 61 acres of beautiful and peaceful woodland to
explore, with trails, playground, picnic places, exhibitions and
refreshments; great fun for children, and eye-opening for grown-ups.
It's a friendly and informal place , and there's something to enjoy
at all seasons, from bluebell time to the Christmas tree harvest.
You can buy garden products made from harvested wood and Sussex
garden furniture direct from the workshop. Open all year round from
10:00 to dusk
Kent
Go to Sussex, Surrey,
top
AGRICULTURAL
MUSEUM Brook Kent nr Ashford [38 miles]
A perfect example of a 14th century timber framed barn, housing
an extensive collection of agricultural machinery, tools and equipment.
The adjacent oast house, built in 1815, is possibly unique in having
four fireplaces; upstairs there is a large display of items used
in the past. Open 14:00 - 17:00 Wednesday & Saturday May to September.
Nearby is Brook Church - also well worth a visit with its medieval
wall paintings and cool white interior
BEDGEBURY
NATIONAL PINETUM Goudhurst [14 miles]
Bedgebury Pinetum has the finest collection of conifers in the world
providing enjoyment to visitors who come to appreciate the beauty
and tranquillity of this unique attraction, which nestles quietly
among lakes and valleys in the Kent countryside. Open 365 days a
year, there is plenty to enjoy around the seasons. A shop and information
centre is open daily and refreshments are also available
CHARTWELL
Westerham [22 miles]
The home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until the end of his
life. A delightful home, with stunning views over the Weald, which
became the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration. The rooms
and gardens remain much as he left them, with pictures, maps and
personal mementoes strongly evoking the career and wide-ranging
interests of this great statesman. The beautiful terraced gardens
contain the lakes he dug, the water garden where Sir Winston fed
his fish, and his garden studio in which many of his paintings can
be seen.
EMMETTS GARDEN Ide Hill, Sevenoaks [20 miles]
Influenced by William Robinson, this charming and informal garden
- with the highest treetop in Kent - was laid out in the late 19th
century, with many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across
the world. There are glorious shows of daffodils and bluebells,
azaleas, rhododendrons, acers and cornus in autumn and also a rose
garden and rock garden
FINCHCOCKS
Goudhurst [11 miles]
The fine early Georgian manor of Finchcocks is now a musical centre
of international repute. It was acquired in 1970 by Richard Burnett,
leading exponent of the early piano, and it now houses his magnificent
collection of nearly one hundred historical keyboard instruments
GROOMBRIDGE
PLACE Groombridge [9 miles]
A step through the door of the walled formal gardens at Groombridge
Place is a step back in time, back into the seventeenth century,
for much of what you see here today has been lovingly preserved
and maintained for over three hundred years. Along these very paths
wandered generations of families who created these exquisite gardens
and left them for you to enjoy
HALL
PLACE Bourne Road, Bexley [32 miles]
A fine Grade 1 Listed country house built in 1540 for Sir John Champneis,
a Lord Mayor of London, and extended in the 17th century. The house
is set in beautiful formal gardens on the banks of the River Cray.
Now owned by Bexley Council, some of its rooms are open to the public.
A magnificent Great Hall contains an 18th century chamber organ
built by George England. Hall Place houses Bexley Museum, galleries
that offer a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year.
The house is also the venue for concerts, lectures and private functions.
Open daily in summer and Monday - Saturday in winter
HAWKINGE BATTLE
OF BRITAIN MUSEUM nr Folkestone [46 miles]
Spitfires, Hurricanes, Messerschmidts, uniforms, flying kit displayed
in the original operations block, armoury and hangars. Over 600
display cases telling the stories of airmen from both sides. Tues
- Sun 10:00 - 17:00 Easter - September. Phone 01303 893 140
HAXTED
WATERMILL MUSEUM AND RESTAURANT nr Edenbridge [19 miles]
A unique combination of a working watermill with dynamic museum
of functional mill machinery with emphasis on the history, developement
and multiple uses of water power.
MILL OPENING HOURS Easter to October 31st Including Bank Holiday
Mondays Closed Mondays 1O:00 to 17:00
HEVER CASTLE
Hever [17 miles]
What the visitor sees today in the Castle and in the surrounding
gardens and grounds is the result of the wealth and imagination
of William Waldorf Astor, who bought Hever Castle in 1903. It was
he who restored the Castle, built the Tudor Village which lies behind
it and created the magnificent Gardens and lake. The Gardens as
we see them today were laid out in their entirety between 1904 and
1908. Although the work was completed by 1908, it is only now that
the Gardens have reached their full maturity. The Gardens at Hever
Castle are a delight at any season of the year
IGHTHAM MOTE Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks [20 miles]
A superb moated manor house, nestling in a sunken valley and dating
from 1340 onwards. A comprehensive ongoing programme of repair was
begun in 1988. The main features of the house span many centuries
and include the Great Hall, old chapel and crypt, Tudor chapel with
painted ceiling, drawing room with Jacobean fireplace, frieze and
18th-century wallpaper, and the Robinson Library. There is an extensive
garden and interesting walks in the surrounding woodland
Kent
& East Sussex Railway  [23 miles to Tenterden Stn]
Travel in Edwardian style by steam train through Weald and Marsh.
From the ancient market town of Tenterden to the magical castle
at Bodiam ; also
Col Stephen's Railway Museum in Tenterden
KNOLE Sevenoaks [20 miles]
One of the great treasure houses of England, set in a magnificent
deer park. The original 15th-century house was enlarged and embellished
in 1603 by the 1st Earl of Dorset, one of Queen Elizabeth's favourites',
and has remained unaltered ever since - a rare survival. The thirteen
state rooms open to the public contain magnificent collections:
17th-century royal Stuart furniture, including three state beds,
silver furniture and the prototype of the famous Knole Settee, outstanding
tapestries and textiles, and important portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough,
Lely, Kneller and Reynolds
LEEDS CASTLE
Leeds [27 miles]
Shrouded in mist, mystery and legend, Leeds Castle rises from its
own lake amidst one of England's most picturesque counties; the
survivor of 1000 years emerges into the 21st century pre-eminent
among the great buildings of the British Isles
MARLE PLACE Brenchley
[16 miles]
A peaceful, privately owned Wealden garden, ten acres of formal
planting and many more acres of woodland and orchard. Situated close
to Scotney and Sissinghurst Castles. It is a plantman and artist's
garden, featuring a Victorian gazebo, Edwardian rockery and walled
fragrant garden. A restored 19th century greenhouse with orchid
collection, a mosaic terrace and ornamental ponds. The 17th century
house with a massive chimney is of architectural interest, but not
open.
MINSTER MUSEUM - Craft
& Animal Centre [57 miles]
A splendid day out for all the family - in the Old Tithe Barn a
fine collection of agricultural machinery and domestic equipment:
a varied animal and bird collection - farm animals and exotics:
birds of prey - you can often see them fly. Extensive picnic grounds.
Open April - September - visit the website or phone 01843 822 312
for full details. Combine your visit with a walk round Minster -
Church and Abbey are both worth seeing
OLD
SOAR MANOR Plaxtol, Borough Green [20 miles]
The solar block of a late 13th-century knight's dwelling
PENSHURST
PLACE Penshurst [14 miles]
Set in the rural Weald of Kent surrounded by picturesque countryside
and ancient parkland, Penshurst Place and Gardens has changed little
over the centuries. This mediaeval masterpiece has been the home
to the Sidney family since 1552 and is an important part of the
nation's heritage
QUEBEC HOUSE Westerham [24 miles]
General Wolfe spent his early years in this gabled, red-brick 17th-century
house. The low-ceilinged, panelled rooms contain memorabilia relating
to his family and career and the Tudor stable block houses an exhibition
about the Battle of Quebec (1759)
The RED
HOUSE Bexleyheath [32 miles]
Commissioned by William Morris in 1859 and designed by Philip Webb,
Red House is of enormous international significance in the history
of domestic architecture and garden design. The unique building
is constructed of warm red brick, under a steep red-tiled roof,
with an emphasis on natural materials and a strong Gothic influence.
The garden was designed to "clothe" the house with a series of sub-divided
areas which still clearly exist today. Inside, the house retains
many of the original features and fixed items of furniture designed
by Morris and Webb, as well as wall paintings and stained glass
by Rossetti and Burne-Jones. Pre-booked guided tours only
SCOTNEY CASTLE GARDEN Lamberhurst [9 miles]
One of England's most romantic gardens, designed in the picturesque
style around the ruins of a 14th-century moated castle. There are
rhododendrons and azaleas in profusion, with wisteria and roses
rambling over the old ruins. Wonderful vistas and viewpoints abound,
and there are beautiful woodland and estate walks
SISSINGHURST CASTLE and GARDEN: Sissinghurst [18
miles]
One of the world's most celebrated gardens, the creation of Vita
Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson. Developed around
the surviving parts of an Elizabethan mansion with a central red-brick
prospect tower, a series of small, enclosed compartments, intimate
in scale and romantic in atmosphere, provide outstanding design
and colour through the season. The study, where Vita worked, and
Long Library are also open to visitors
SMALLHYTHE PLACE Smallhythe, Tenterden [24 miles]
An early 16th-century half-timbered house, home of the Victorian
actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928, and containing many personal
and theatrical mementoes. The charming cottage grounds include her
rose garden and the Barn Theatre, which is open most days by courtesy
of the Barn Theatre Society
SPA
VALLEY RAILWAY Tunbridge Wells [8 miles]
Trains run from the West Station [Sainsburys] to Groombridge,
calling at High Rocks, through picturesque countryside. Full service
details on the website; trains are normally steam-hauled with a
few diesel operated - all by volunteers. Services start in
March and build up to peak levels in August, then falling to the
end of October; a special timetable operates in December
SPRIVERS GARDEN Horsmonden [12 miles]
A small formal garden with walled and hedged compartments, herbaceous
borders and a rose garden
WORKING HORSE TRUST Forge Wood Farm Eridge Kent [8
miles]
Open only occasionally - phone 01892 750 105 for details - the Trust
demonstraters and promotes the sympathetic use of Heavy Horses in
countryside management - to show how well Heavy Horses still fit
in with modern-day activities. As well as creating a productive
farm, activities include pond restoration, hedgerow & tree planting;
wildflower meadow creation; and woodland management and habitat
restoration
Surrey Go
to Sussex, Kent, top
POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, nr Dorking [40 miles]
In an exceptional setting on the North Downs, this originally Regency
house was extensively remodelled in 1906-9 by the Hon. Mrs Ronald
Greville, a well-known Edwardian hostess. Her collection of fine
paintings, furniture, porcelain and silver are displayed in the
reception rooms and galleries, as they were at the time of her celebrated
house parties. There are extensive grounds, a walled rose garden,
lawns and landscape walks. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The
Queen Mother spent part of their honeymoon here in 1923 |