Visitors can explore 19 acres of award-winning gardens and step inside a striking art deco mansion. The mansion was once a favored medieval palace and then a Tudor royal residence, and in the 1930s it was transformed by eccentric millionaires. Visitors can get a taste of the extravagant lifestyle of the former owners as they explore the unusual home, try on period costumes, follow a family trail, and admire the magnificent medieval great hall.
The gardens offer a quirky mix of medieval and modern features. Visitors can admire stunning herbaceous borders, walk through formal rose gardens, and relax in the Rock Garden with pools and cascades running down to the moat. There is also London's oldest working bridge and a playground inspired by the former owners' love of travel.
Visitors can save 20% on their walk-up ticket price by traveling to the Manor house and Gardens by train, tube, bus, or bicycle. By showing their bus or train ticket, tube ticket, or TfL Oyster and Contactless app at the point of purchase, visitors can receive the discount. Booking online in advance also ensures the best price and guaranteed entry.
The Manor house has a rich history, including being a royal palace for Edward II and hosting Byzantine emperor Manuel II Palaeologus. The palace was remodeled by Edward IV and later used as farm buildings before being leased by the eccentric millionaires who transformed it in the 1930s. The Great Hall survived incendiary bombs during the Blitz in World War II.
Members have access to the Members' area where they can view details of their membership and payments, request amendments, and book tickets. They can also explore the purpose-built heated home of the former owners' pet lemur and head underground to explore the basement used as a games room and bomb shelter during the Blitz. Members can enjoy unlimited access to the Manor house and Gardens.