Parham House and Gardens
An elegant Elizabethan manor and stunning gardens set against the South Downs, offering history, horticulture, and a charming brick maze.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Parham House and Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant Elizabethan manor and stunning gardens set against the South Downs, offering history, horticulture, and a charming brick maze.
"Peaceful, scenic, and full of character—highly recommended for a relaxing day out in the area."
⏰ House Opens Later
Gardens open earlier than the house. Plan your visit to see both!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and outdoor areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Elizabethan Manor House
Main House
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved Elizabethan manor, featuring exquisite rooms and rare art.
The Walled Garden
Gardens
A four-acre paradise with herbaceous borders, a historic greenhouse, and a charming Wendy House.
Veronica's Maze
Gardens
Challenge yourself in this fascinating brick maze, a quarter-mile long and built with 5500 bricks.
The Historic Greenhouse
Gardens
A 'Ghibli movie' dream! This stunning glasshouse is filled with a variety of tender plants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Making the Most of Your Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ House Opens Later
Gardens open earlier than the house. Plan your visit to see both!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and outdoor areas.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of complimentary parking on-site.
🌿 Explore the Maze
Don't miss Veronica's Maze – it's a fun challenge!
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ House Opens Later
Gardens open earlier than the house. Plan your visit to see both!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and outdoor areas.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of complimentary parking on-site.
🌿 Explore the Maze
Don't miss Veronica's Maze – it's a fun challenge!
📸 Greenhouse Goals
The historic greenhouse is incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parham House and Gardens is widely praised for its stunning Elizabethan manor and beautifully maintained gardens, offering a peaceful and scenic escape. Visitors appreciate the value for money, especially with the on-site cafe serving good vegetarian options and the convenience of free parking. While some feel the garden alone might not warrant a visit, most agree the combination of house and grounds provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
"Parham House and Gardens is a stunning destination steeped in charm and history. The beautifully preserved house, magnificent gardens, dotted with intriguing sculptures, a picturesque 15th-century church perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the countryside.
Part of the National Trust, it offers reasonably priced tickets and excellent value. The on-site café serves delicious vegetarian dishes without the hefty price tag, and there’s the added bonus of free parking. A tranquil pond adds to the serene atmosphere—but perhaps best of all, it’s dog-friendly (in the gardens and outdoor areas, though woofers will have to skip the house interior).
Peaceful, scenic, and full of character—highly recommended for a relaxing day out in the area."
sasha s
"Wonderful place. the gardens are just beautiful. They have got plenty of flowers and the gardens and cafe opened from 12.00 or 12.30. The house doesn’t opens until 2.00 but lovely place to be the staff were helpful there"
Sam
"Impressive estate with a variety of garden areas and a couple of exquisite rooms in the house. Spent a leisurely two hours to see everything. Free with a Historic Houses membership and accessed easily by regular bus from Burgess Hill or Horsham."
Marques
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parham House and Gardens is accessible by regular bus services from Burgess Hill or Horsham. It's a convenient option for those without a car.
Yes, there is free parking available on-site, making it easy to visit by car.
Driving is a popular option due to the free parking. Public transport is also feasible via local bus routes.
While not directly adjacent, train stations in Burgess Hill and Horsham connect to local bus services that can take you to Parham House and Gardens.
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the South Downs and reach Parham House and Gardens. Secure bike parking may be available, so check on arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are approximately £17. Historic Houses membership grants free entry.
It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on booking requirements, especially during peak season or for special events.
The gardens typically open around 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM, while the house opens later, usually around 2:00 PM. Always verify current hours online.
Parham House and Gardens is part of the Historic Houses Association, not the National Trust, but offers excellent value.
Consider a Historic Houses membership for free entry. Check their website for any other potential discounts or special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the elegant Elizabethan manor, wander through the four-acre walled garden with its borders and greenhouse, and try to solve Veronica's brick maze.
Dogs are welcome in the gardens and outdoor areas, but not inside the house itself.
A leisurely visit to see both the house and gardens typically takes around two hours.
Key highlights include the stunning herbaceous borders, the historic greenhouse, the orchard, and the intriguing brick maze. 
Children often enjoy the brick maze and exploring the expansive gardens. The 'Wendy House' is also a charming feature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an on-site cafe serving delicious vegetarian dishes.
The cafe offers vegetarian dishes and is known for not being overly expensive.
Picnic spots might be available in designated areas of the grounds. It's best to check their policy upon arrival or on their website.
Yes, the cafe is noted for serving delicious vegetarian dishes.
The cafe typically opens around 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM, aligning with garden opening times.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the gardens. Inside the house, it may be restricted to certain areas or not allowed at all, so please check signage.
The historic greenhouse, the vibrant herbaceous borders, Veronica's Maze, and the exterior of the Elizabethan manor are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at historic houses and gardens to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. Always check their specific policy.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission and may incur fees. Contact the venue directly for details.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for the gardens, though access may be limited outside opening hours. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant colors of the flowers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
+1 Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vegetable garden and orchard, which demonstrate sustainable gardening practices. Keep an eye out for special plant fairs hosted at Parham, which are excellent opportunities to acquire unique plants and gain gardening tips. 🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Explore its elegant rooms, including the impressive Long Room, and learn about the estate's rich past. The house offers a tangible connection to centuries gone by, with its art collections and period features. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Gardens of Parham
+2Beyond the main walled garden, the estate offers further delights. Veronica's Maze, constructed from 5500 bricks, provides a fun and intriguing challenge for all ages.
Exploring the Historic Elizabethan Manor
+1While the gardens are a major draw, the house itself provides a rich historical context to the estate. The interior is meticulously maintained, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and period details. It's important to note that the house typically opens later in the day than the gardens, so planning your visit to encompass both is key to a full experience.
Events and Special Occasions at Parham
+1 These events offer unique opportunities to experience Parham in a different light and often draw larger crowds. Beyond these larger gatherings, Parham has also been a venue for art exhibitions, featuring local artists and their work, such as pressed flower and embroidery art.
The estate's picturesque setting makes it an attractive location for various community and private events. When planning your visit, checking the 'What's On' section of the Parham House and Gardens website is highly recommended to discover any upcoming events that might align with your interests.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit