Stonor Park
An 850-year-old manor house with opulent collections, set amidst stunning walled gardens and grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More house access
Stonor Park
Best Time
More house access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 850-year-old manor house with opulent collections, set amidst stunning walled gardens and grounds.
"A lovely place for a trip out for all the family, with brilliant gardens and a kids' adventure playground."
Check House Opening Times
House access is limited, often only one day a week. Plan ahead!
Cafe Closing Times
Beware: Pantry Cafe closes at 5 PM (last orders 4:30 PM). Not well signed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walled Gardens
Stonor Park Grounds
Explore beautifully maintained walled gardens with lovely views and peaceful spots to relax.
Tumblestone Hollow Adventure Playground
Stonor Park Grounds
A brilliant and popular adventure playground that kids absolutely love.
Historic Manor House
Stonor House
Discover opulent interiors and collections within an 850-year-old manor house.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
House Access & Garden Focus
Cafe Hours & Playground Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check House Opening Times
House access is limited, often only one day a week. Plan ahead!
Cafe Closing Times
Beware: Pantry Cafe closes at 5 PM (last orders 4:30 PM). Not well signed.
Playground Entry Fee
Tumblestone Hollow playground usually requires a separate ticket.
Parking Can Be Muddy
Parking can get chaotic and muddy, especially after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check House Opening Times
House access is limited, often only one day a week. Plan ahead!
Cafe Closing Times
Beware: Pantry Cafe closes at 5 PM (last orders 4:30 PM). Not well signed.
Playground Entry Fee
Tumblestone Hollow playground usually requires a separate ticket.
Parking Can Be Muddy
Parking can get chaotic and muddy, especially after rain.
Enjoy the Grounds
Even without house access, the gardens and grounds offer beautiful walks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Stonor Park's beautiful gardens and the excellent Tumblestone Hollow playground, making it a great family day out. However, some find the house opening times inconvenient and the cafe's unclear closing hours frustrating. Parking can also be an issue in wet weather.
"We enjoyed our visit to Stonor Park. We didn't buy a ticket to the house, but the gardens are nice. You do have to pay extra for the playground but it looked OK. However, BEWARE of the Pantry Cafe. It closes at 5 with last orders 4:30 and this isn't signed anywhere! We think they should put a sign in the visitor centre or outside the building. Overall, it's nice for a day out but things aren't very clear."
Patricia Clough
"A lovely place for a trip out for all the family. The gardens are really lovely and really well maintained. There's lovely views and plenty of places to sit and relax.
There's also a brilliant looking kids adventure playground which seemed to be very popular.
Food options are slightly limited. In the reception area there are just snacks and hot drinks. In the playground area There's a place selling freshly cooked pizza which was delicious. Although if you are just visiting the gardens you don't necessarily have access to the play area Although thankfully we were allowed access to get our pizza."
Hannah Wild
"Loved the Rolls Royce meeting.
Not much else there.
Tumblestone Hollow is no different to any local council park."
TheRobn007
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stonor Park is located in Henley-on-Thames. 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 Stonor Park. However, be aware that it can become very muddy and chaotic, especially after wet weather.
While cycling is possible, there are no specific cycle paths directly to Stonor Park. You'd be cycling on local roads. Check local cycling maps for routes.
Public transport options are limited. You may need to take a train to a nearby town and then a taxi or local bus service. It's best to check current bus timetables for the Henley-on-Thames area.
Stonor Park is well-signposted from the A4074. Use a GPS or mapping service for precise directions to the postcode RG9 6HE.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours vary, especially for the house. The gardens and grounds are generally open more frequently. Always check the official Stonor Park website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
It's often recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for special events like Stonor Park Christmas or Stonor Park Halloween, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you are visiting the house, gardens, or the Tumblestone Hollow playground. Check the Stonor Park website for current admission fees.
Yes, Tumblestone Hollow adventure playground typically requires a separate admission ticket, even if you have access to the gardens.
Yes, it's often possible to purchase tickets for garden-only access, which is a great option if the house isn't open or you're primarily interested in the grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Stonor Park offers a historic manor house, beautiful walled gardens, and the Tumblestone Hollow adventure playground. Special events like Stonor Park Halloween and Stonor Park Christmas are also popular.
Absolutely! The Tumblestone Hollow playground is a major draw for children, and the expansive grounds offer space to explore.
Yes, Stonor Park offers lovely walks around its grounds and gardens, providing beautiful scenery and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in the gardens and grounds. Check specific rules regarding photography inside the historic house.
The historic house at Stonor Park has very limited opening hours, often only one day a week. It's crucial to check the official website for specific dates and times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's the Pantry Cafe, which offers snacks and hot drinks, and a pizza place at the playground. Food options can be somewhat limited, especially if you're not accessing the playground area.
The Pantry Cafe closes at 5 PM, with last orders at 4:30 PM. This is not always clearly advertised, so be mindful of the time.
Picnic areas are usually available, but it's always best to check the park's specific policy on bringing outside food and drink. Some areas might be restricted.
Options can be limited. The pizza stall might offer vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check with the food vendors on the day or bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary needs.
Yes, there is a cafe located in the Tumblestone Hollow playground area that sells freshly cooked pizza.
📸 📸 Photography
The walled gardens offer beautiful floral displays and architectural elements. The grounds provide scenic vistas, and the historic house itself is a picturesque subject.
Professional photoshoots, including wedding photography, may require special permission and booking. Contact Stonor Park directly for their policies and fees.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic estates and private properties like Stonor Park to protect privacy and heritage. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Visitors often capture the beauty of the gardens, the architecture of the house, and family moments, especially at the playground. Special events like Christmas and Halloween offer unique photo opportunities.
The house is a prominent feature, and you can get good exterior shots from various points in the grounds. Interior photography rules apply when the house is open.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during Stonor Park Halloween or Stonor Park Christmas events for extra family-friendly entertainment. While the historic house has limited opening days, the gardens and playground offer ample enjoyment for a full day out. Be mindful of the Pantry Cafe's early closing time to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
While not a permanent exhibition, these events transform the estate into a vibrant hub for automotive appreciation. If you're a fan of classic cars, particularly Volkswagens, these specific dates are worth planning your visit around. The grounds provide a scenic backdrop for showcasing these vehicles.
🚶♀️ Garden & History Buffs
Be aware that the house has limited opening days, so check the schedule carefully if exploring its interiors is a priority. Even if the house is closed, the extensive grounds and gardens are well worth a visit, offering plenty of Stonor Park walks to enjoy the picturesque landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Stonor Family Legacy
While the house itself has limited opening days, the very fact of its continuous family ownership adds a special layer of authenticity to the experience. You're not just visiting a historical building; you're stepping into a place that has been shaped and preserved by the same lineage for nearly a millennium. This deep-rooted history is palpable as you wander through the grounds and, if you're lucky, the opulent rooms of the manor.
For those interested in genealogy or the history of English aristocracy, Stonor Park offers a fascinating case study. The presence of Lady Ailsa Stonor and the ongoing stewardship by the family ensure that the estate remains a vibrant part of the present, not just a relic of the past. It’s this blend of ancient heritage and modern life that makes Stonor Park a truly unique destination.
Seasonal Events: Stonor Park Christmas & Halloween
The Christmas season at Stonor Park typically involves festive decorations, Santa visits, and a charming atmosphere that appeals to all ages. These special occasions are a fantastic way to experience the estate in a unique, celebratory light. It's advisable to book tickets well in advance for these popular events, as they can sell out.
When planning for these events, consider that parking can be more challenging due to higher visitor numbers, and the atmosphere will be bustling. The Stonor VW events, while not seasonal in the same way, also bring unique gatherings to the estate, showcasing classic cars and attracting enthusiasts.
The Tumblestone Hollow Experience
While the playground itself is a significant attraction, it's important to note that access usually requires a separate ticket. This means that if you're visiting primarily for the gardens or the house, you'll need to decide if the playground is an additional experience you wish to pay for. However, the cafe within the playground area, selling delicious pizza, is sometimes accessible even if you're not using the play facilities.
For families, Tumblestone Hollow is a key reason to visit Stonor Park. It provides a dedicated space for children to burn energy and have fun in a safe environment, complementing the more serene attractions of the gardens and house. The positive feedback from visitors highlights its success as a family-friendly amenity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit