Stanway House & Fountain
Discover Stanway House & Fountain, a historic Jacobean manor with the UK's tallest gravity-fed fountain, set in beautiful Cotswolds gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for fountain & gardens
Stanway House & Fountain
Best Time
Best for fountain & gardens
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Stanway House & Fountain, a historic Jacobean manor with the UK's tallest gravity-fed fountain, set in beautiful Cotswolds gardens.
"The fountain is nothing short of spectacular, the highest in the UK!"
Check Website for Hours
Limited opening days/times in summer. Always confirm online before you go! :calendar:
Wear Water-Resistant Gear
The fountain spray can be intense! Be prepared to get wet, especially on windy days. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The UK's Tallest Fountain
Water Gardens
Witness the awe-inspiring 300-foot gravity-fed fountain, the highest in the UK. A truly spectacular display!
Jacobean Manor House
Stanway House
Explore this beautifully preserved Jacobean manor, inhabited since 1533, showcasing centuries of history and charm.
Working Watermill
Estate
Discover a restored 13th-century watermill that still grinds corn, offering a fascinating glimpse into historical milling.
Tithe Barn
Estate Entrance
Marvel at the skill of this 14th-century tithe barn, a Grade I listed building with impressive architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Days & Times
Prepare for the Fountain's Spray
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Website for Hours
Limited opening days/times in summer. Always confirm online before you go! :calendar:
Wear Water-Resistant Gear
The fountain spray can be intense! Be prepared to get wet, especially on windy days. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
Steep Hill to Fountain
The walk to the fountain is uphill. Not ideal for strollers or those with mobility issues. :walking:
Enjoy Cream Teas
Delicious cakes and cream teas are available in the old stable block. :cake:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Website for Hours
Limited opening days/times in summer. Always confirm online before you go! :calendar:
Wear Water-Resistant Gear
The fountain spray can be intense! Be prepared to get wet, especially on windy days. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
Steep Hill to Fountain
The walk to the fountain is uphill. Not ideal for strollers or those with mobility issues. :walking:
Enjoy Cream Teas
Delicious cakes and cream teas are available in the old stable block. :cake:
Wind Can Change Spray
Be aware of wind direction; it can dramatically alter the fountain's spray. :windblowingface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Stanway House & Fountain for its spectacular UK-tallest fountain and the charm of its historic Jacobean manor and estate. The working watermill and tithe barn are also highlights, offering a rich historical experience. Some note the limited opening hours and the steep, potentially wet walk to the fountain.
"Lovely few hours at Stanway House and fountain. Only open Tuesday's and Thursday's during the summer months. You need to go on a sunny day. Good cake selection and plenty of outside seating. Great to see the fountain but you have to go up quite a steep hill to get close to it. Not easy with a buggy. They should open at weekends as well, would get more customers."
Jeannette Gibson
"Beautiful Tudor mansion with a fantastic great hall. The fountain is nothing short of spectacular set in a centuries old garden with fantastic old trees. Well worth a visit!"
PWF Rutten
"This is a great afternoon visit but is only open during the summer months from 2 to 5pm tuesdays & thursdays only, but check the website.
The house, tithe barn, gatehouse & landscaped gardens are all grade 1 listed. The church by the house which can be visited is Grade 2*.
The house is a Jacobean Manor built around 1580 & is the private home of the Earl of Wemyss & March & has some great pieces of furniture etc. The gatehouse by the house was built in 1630. The tithe barn by the entrance which you can also visit was built about 1370. The Estate also has a restored & working Watermill (13c) which has a 24 foot diameter wheel & grinds corn to make flower which you can buy at the mill which you can fully visit.
But the star of the show has to be the water gardens & the canal lake which was recently restored. Well for 2, 5 minute sessions during the afternoon I saw the fountain come on, this has the wow factor & 2 claims to fame, being the highest fountain in the United Kingdom & the highest gravity fed fountain in the world. The fountain is a new addition only being installed in 2004 & has a 2" nozzle & reaches a height of over 300 feet, but don't stand near it you may get wet.
This was only possible as a reservoir on Lincombe hill (ex waterboard) that contains 450,000 litres of water became available, a 30 cm pipe was fitted from the reservoir 2 kilometers away to the canal fountain. The cotswold escarpment at Lincombe hill is around 300 meters high (984 feet) & the canal around 100 meters (328 feet) so easily providing the head of pressure required for the fountain. It is hoped the cascade down the hill from the large folly will be restored at some point in the future.
But if this doesn't wet your appetite, cream teas, cakes drinks & ice cream shorly will in the old stable block."
Nick Lyles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stanway House is located in the Cotswolds. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with parking available on site. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving.
Yes, there is parking available at Stanway House for visitors.
While possible, it's challenging. Public transport to Stanway is infrequent. Taxis or ride-sharing services might be an option from nearby towns, but it's best to check availability and cost beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stanway House & Fountain typically opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer months, usually from 2 PM to 5 PM. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening days and times, as these can vary.
Admission prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Stanway House website for current ticket prices and any potential booking fees.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is often advisable, especially during peak season or for special events, to guarantee entry. Check the website for their ticketing policy.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or group rates is usually available on the official website. It's worth checking for any special offers.
Yes, the church adjacent to Stanway House is Grade II* listed and can be visited.
🎫 ⛲ Onsite Experience
The fountain operates for short sessions during opening afternoons. The exact schedule can vary, so it's best to inquire upon arrival or check the website for any published timings.
The path to the fountain involves a steep hill, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues or with strollers.
You can explore the Jacobean manor house, the 14th-century tithe barn, the gatehouse, and the landscaped gardens. The estate also features a restored working watermill.
Accessibility can be varied due to the historic nature of the site. Some areas like the house and gardens may have limitations. It's advisable to contact Stanway House directly to inquire about specific accessibility for wheelchairs.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but check for any specific restrictions, especially inside the house.
🍽️ 🍰 Food & Dining
Yes, Stanway House offers a selection of cakes, cream teas, drinks, and ice cream, typically served in the old stable block.
Information on bringing picnics is not widely available. It's best to check with Stanway House directly or assume that purchasing from their on-site cafe is preferred.
The food options usually include traditional cream teas, cakes, and light refreshments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1The working watermill is also a great educational point for children, showing them how flour was made historically. While the walk to the fountain involves a steep hill, which might be challenging with very young children or strollers, the overall experience of exploring the grounds and seeing the historic buildings can be very engaging. Pack snacks and drinks, as the on-site cafe offers refreshments but might not cater to all specific needs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Be mindful of the wind when photographing the fountain, as it can create unique patterns and effects in the water. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the textures of the stone buildings and the surrounding landscape. Remember to check any specific photography restrictions, particularly inside the house, to ensure you can capture the best angles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of the Fountain
Its operation is made possible by a nearby reservoir on Lincombe Hill, which provides the necessary water pressure through a 2-kilometer pipe. The significant elevation difference between the reservoir and the canal lake ensures a constant and powerful flow. Visitors should be aware that on windy days, the spray can travel considerable distances, leading to unexpected drenchings – a fun, albeit sometimes surprising, part of the experience!
While the fountain itself is a modern addition, its integration into the historic gardens and estate adds a unique dimension. The sight of this towering water feature against the backdrop of centuries-old trees and architecture is a memorable spectacle.
A Glimpse into History: Stanway House & Estate
The estate is rich with historical structures, many of which are Grade I listed. This includes the Tithe Barn, dating back to the 14th century, showcasing incredible medieval craftsmanship. The gatehouse, built around 1630, also stands as a testament to the architectural styles of its time.
Beyond the main house, the restored working watermill offers a fascinating insight into historical agricultural practices. This 13th-century mill, with its impressive 24-foot diameter wheel, still grinds corn, and visitors can purchase the flour. The entire estate provides a comprehensive journey through different eras of English history and architecture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit