Old Gorhambury House
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Gorhambury House

4.4
·57 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House and its beautiful estate, a site steeped in Tudor history and scenic countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Flower meadows are lovely

CrowdLow
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Old Gorhambury House

Gorhambury House

Best Time

Summer mornings

Flower meadows are lovely

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House and its beautiful estate, a site steeped in Tudor history and scenic countryside.

4.4
(57 reviews)

"A great day out with amazing grounds and an impressive old English Estate."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Times

Gorhambury House isn't always open; verify dates and times to avoid disappointment.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Enjoy the scenic walks around the estate and to nearby attractions.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old Gorhambury House Ruins

Old Gorhambury House Ruins

Estate grounds

Explore the atmospheric Tudor mansion ruins, once visited by Queen Elizabeth I. A glimpse into history.

Elaborate Entrance Porch

Elaborate Entrance Porch

Old Gorhambury House Ruins

Admire the cutting-edge Tudor design of this showpiece architectural element.

Gorhambury Estate Gardens

Gorhambury Estate Gardens

Gorhambury Estate

Stroll through beautiful grounds, including flower meadows and borders, especially lovely in summer.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Gorhambury House isn't always open to the public, so check their schedule before you go. Some visitors note it's 'not always open' and suggest checking for private function closures. Planning around these events ensures you won't have a wasted trip.

Embrace the Walk

Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk to Gorhambury House, often combined with visits to St. Albans' Roman theatre and museum. Consider comfortable footwear for the 'good 40 min walk each way' and enjoy the 'lovely countryside' surrounding the estate.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Flower meadows are lovely
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
More likely to be open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to St Albans city #foryou
@imznation
20.9K likes • 271.3K views

🎯 Check Opening Times

Gorhambury House isn't always open; verify dates and times to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Enjoy the scenic walks around the estate and to nearby attractions. InstagramReddit

Glorious Gorhambury house a few summers ago / my Klimt rug seen here amongst an array of beautiful objects collected & commissioned by Rosie ❤️ @gorhambury
sussycazalet
68 likes • 2.4K views
Queen Elizabeth the 1st visited old Gorhambury house on several occasions. on her first visit she wasn’t particularly impressed commenting to the owner, Sir Nicolas Bacon, “My Lord, what a little house you have gotten.” Nicolas was one of Elizabeth’s important Courtiers and was the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England and was one of the highest ranking legal and political officers in the realm...
evelynedwards1
360 likes • 5.3K views

🏛️ Combine with St Albans

Pair your visit with the Roman theatre and museum for a full day out. Reddit

📅 Book Special Events

Consider Head Gardener's tours or workshops for unique experiences. Instagram

Old Gorhambury House, Built 1568, St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK #englishheritage #englishheritagesites #stalbans #stalbanslife #hertfordshire #england #rural #rurallife #manor #castle #chateau #english #kingdom #country #countryside #oldstones
cinematic_trip_now
233 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Times

Gorhambury House isn't always open; verify dates and times to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Enjoy the scenic walks around the estate and to nearby attractions. InstagramReddit

🏛️ Combine with St Albans

Pair your visit with the Roman theatre and museum for a full day out. Reddit

📅 Book Special Events

Consider Head Gardener's tours or workshops for unique experiences. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(57 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Gorhambury House for its amazing grounds and impressive historical estate, often enjoying the scenic walks and the atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House. However, some express disappointment regarding inconsistent opening times and a perceived lack of public access to certain areas.

"What a great time! Amazing grounds, amazing staff and very nice private function with all the facilities and experience you could want from such an amazing and impressive old English Estate!"

Tony Stone

"Make a nice day out. Worth visiting together with the roman theatre and museum in St. Albans. Good 40 min walk each way."

IVAN YORGOV

"Looks pretty from the outside, but apparently is not always open"

Damian Leslie

What People Like

Amazing grounds
Impressive estate
Atmospheric ruins

What People Dislike

Inconsistent opening times
Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gorhambury House is located near St Albans. Many visitors opt for a scenic walk, described as a 'good 40 min walk each way' from the city center, often combined with visits to local Roman sites. Reddit Driving is also an option, with parking available on site for events. TikTok

While direct public transport to the house itself might be limited, St Albans is well-connected by train. From St Albans city center, you can then enjoy a walk or consider local taxi services. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy walking through the estate's grounds and exploring the ruins of Old Gorhambury House. Instagram+1 Combining this with a hike or a visit to nearby St Albans attractions enhances the experience. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Gorhambury House is not always open to the public. It's crucial to check their official schedule as it can be closed for private functions or renovations. Reddit

Admission prices can vary, especially for special events like Head Gardener's tours or workshops. It's best to check the official Gorhambury website for the most current pricing information. Instagram

Yes, the atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House are a key feature of the estate and are accessible to visitors. Instagram+2

Gorhambury offers various bookable events, including Head Gardener's tours and house art tours. Check their website for upcoming dates and booking details. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Highlights include the atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House, its elaborate Tudor entrance porch, and the beautiful estate gardens with flower meadows and borders. Instagram+1

The ruins offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the grandeur of the Tudor mansion built by Sir Nicholas Bacon. The elaborate entrance porch is particularly noteworthy. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The gardens, including flower meadows and borders, are described as 'lovely' and are particularly beautiful during the summer months. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially around the exterior ruins and gardens. Always check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit. Instagram

Gorhambury hosts a variety of events, such as Head Gardener's tours, flower arranging workshops, art tours, wellbeing days, and dinner party planning sessions. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information on on-site dining is limited. For events, catering is often provided. Visitors often combine their trip with St Albans for dining options. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, enjoying a picnic in the expansive grounds might be possible, especially during open days. It's advisable to check with the estate directly for their policy on picnics. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House, with their historical architecture, are a prime subject. The elaborate entrance porch and the picturesque gardens also offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+2

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical estates to protect the site and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the estate. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the ruins and gardens. However, daytime visits are also popular for capturing the full scope of the estate. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gorhambury Estate offers a fantastic opportunity for families to explore history and nature. The ruins of Old Gorhambury House are particularly engaging for children, sparking imagination about Tudor times and royal visits. Instagram+1 The expansive grounds provide ample space for kids to run around and explore, making it a great spot for a family picnic. Instagram

Consider planning your visit to coincide with one of the estate's events, as some might be more family-friendly. Combining the visit with St Albans' Roman theatre and museum offers a well-rounded educational and fun day out for the whole family. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For those who love to explore on foot, Gorhambury Estate and its surroundings are a dream. Many visitors enjoy the 'lovely walk' to the house, often described as a 'good 40 min walk each way' from St Albans. InstagramReddit The estate itself offers beautiful paths through its grounds, including flower meadows and borders, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Instagram

Beyond the estate, the area is crisscrossed with walking routes. Some groups organize longer hikes that incorporate Gorhambury, appreciating the 'nicest countryside ever.' Instagram Remember to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather, as the beauty of the estate can be enjoyed in various conditions, even under the rain. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

Gorhambury House is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The ruins of Old Gorhambury House, a significant Tudor mansion, offer a direct link to the Elizabethan era, including its association with Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Nicholas Bacon. Instagram+1 The architectural details, such as the elaborate entrance porch, provide insights into Tudor design. Instagram

Beyond the ruins, the estate's history extends to the 18th-century Gorhambury House and its continuous private ownership. Reddit The proximity to St Albans, with its Roman theatre and museum, allows for a deeper dive into the region's rich historical tapestry. Reddit Exploring the estate and its historical context offers a compelling journey through centuries of English heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Gorhambury

Gorhambury House has a rich and layered history, primarily centered around two significant structures: the original Old Gorhambury House and the later Gorhambury House. Old Gorhambury House was a grand Tudor mansion built between 1563 and 1568 by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal under Queen Elizabeth I. Instagram Queen Elizabeth I herself was a guest on several occasions, famously remarking on its size during one visit. Instagram This impressive estate was later owned by Sir Francis Bacon, the renowned philosopher and scientist. Instagram

The current Gorhambury House, a Palladian-style mansion, was built in the 18th century on the site of the original. While Old Gorhambury House eventually fell into ruin, its atmospheric remains are a key attraction today, offering a tangible connection to Tudor England. Instagram+2 The estate continues to be a private residence, managed by the Grimston family, and offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Reddit

Exploring the Gorhambury Estate

The Gorhambury Estate offers more than just historical buildings; it's a sprawling landscape designed for enjoyment and exploration. Visitors often highlight the 'amazing grounds' and the opportunity for walks. InstagramReddit The estate features beautiful gardens, including flower meadows and borders that are particularly vibrant during the summer months. Instagram These areas provide a serene backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful afternoon.

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the house, the estate is a popular destination for walkers. Many enjoy combining a visit to Gorhambury with longer hikes through the surrounding countryside, appreciating the 'nicest countryside ever.' Instagram The estate's proximity to St Albans also makes it convenient to link with other local historical sites, such as the Roman theatre and museum, creating a comprehensive day out for history and nature enthusiasts. Reddit

Events and Experiences at Gorhambury

Gorhambury Estate actively hosts a variety of bookable events, catering to diverse interests. These range from educational experiences like Head Gardener's tours, where visitors can learn about the estate's flora and horticultural practices, to creative workshops such as flower arranging. Instagram The estate also offers house art tours, providing insights into the collections and artistic heritage within the property.

For those seeking a more holistic experience, Gorhambury hosts wellbeing days, offering a chance to connect with nature and practice mindfulness within its tranquil setting. Instagram Additionally, they organize events like dinner party planning sessions, demonstrating the estate's versatility as a venue. These curated events provide a deeper engagement with Gorhambury, allowing visitors to experience its charm and history in unique and memorable ways. Instagram