Old Gorhambury House St Albans
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 16th-century Tudor mansion, accessed via a scenic 2-mile walk through Gorhambury Estate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & fewer crowds
Old Gorhambury House St Albans
Best Time
Lush greenery & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 16th-century Tudor mansion, accessed via a scenic 2-mile walk through Gorhambury Estate.
"A pleasant walk through parkland to a historic ruin, great for locals and a peaceful escape."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the ruins is about 2 miles each way. :athletic_shoe: Sturdy footwear is essential for the parkland path.
📚 Read the Info Boards
These boards bring the ruins to life, detailing the mansion's history and famous residents. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tudor Mansion Ruins
Explore the atmospheric remains of a 16th-century Tudor mansion, offering a glimpse into its grand past.
Scenic Parkland Walk
Enjoy a peaceful 2-mile walk through picturesque countryside with grazing sheep and cows.
Elaborate Entrance Porch
Admire the cutting-edge Tudor design of the mansion's impressive entrance porch, a key architectural feature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Scenic Walk to History
Understanding the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the ruins is about 2 miles each way. :athletic_shoe: Sturdy footwear is essential for the parkland path.
📚 Read the Info Boards
These boards bring the ruins to life, detailing the mansion's history and famous residents. :books:
🦅 Spot Red Kites
Keep an eye out for Red Kites soaring overhead; they are often seen in the area. :eagle:
🐄 Enjoy the Farm Animals
The walk takes you through fields with sheep and cows. :cow: A lovely rural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the ruins is about 2 miles each way. :athletic_shoe: Sturdy footwear is essential for the parkland path.
📚 Read the Info Boards
These boards bring the ruins to life, detailing the mansion's history and famous residents. :books:
🦅 Spot Red Kites
Keep an eye out for Red Kites soaring overhead; they are often seen in the area. :eagle:
🐄 Enjoy the Farm Animals
The walk takes you through fields with sheep and cows. :cow: A lovely rural experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the peaceful 2-mile walk through scenic parkland to reach the atmospheric ruins of Old Gorhambury House. The historical context provided by information boards and the presence of grazing farm animals are highlights. While the ruins themselves are modest, the overall experience is considered pleasant, especially for locals or as part of a longer walk.
"Parked near Verulamium in St Albans & headed towards entrance for Roman Amphitheatre.
There's a gate to side of office which allows you to pass through on to road.
Only people who live & work on Gorhambury estate can drive vehicles on this road so generally not that busy.
From this point its approximately 2 miles with gentle ups & downs.
The walk is pleasant through parkland with sheep & cows.
The old house is a ruin but information boards give you a good impression of its original size & its famous occupants."
Diane Chambers
"A very pleasant walk (approximately 2 miles) from the entrance to the Gorhambury Estate off the main road. The walk is part of the attraction, of course, along a quiet, private (gated) roadway through lovely countryside.
The ruin itself is small and safe to walk around. I wouldn’t recommend traveling miles to visit here, but great if you live locally."
David Simkins
"The house is now in ruins, but partial structures still remain, offering a glimpse of the once grand estate.
It cannot be reached by car, so visitors need to walk through the farm for around 10 minutes to access the site."
Patrick Ng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Gorhambury House is best accessed via a pleasant walk from the entrance to the Gorhambury Estate, near the Roman Theatre in St Albans. The route is approximately 2 miles along a quiet, private roadway through parkland. It's not accessible by car directly to the ruins.
No, Old Gorhambury House cannot be reached by car. Visitors need to walk through the estate for about 10 minutes to access the site.
The walk is generally considered easy, with gentle ups and downs. The path is paved, making it suitable even after wet weather and avoiding mud.
The Gorhambury Estate is a beautiful rural area with parkland, grazing farm animals like sheep and cows, and offers a peaceful countryside experience.
While you can't drive directly to the ruins, parking is available near Verulamium in St Albans, from where you can begin your walk towards the estate entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required for Old Gorhambury House. It appears to be freely accessible as part of the Gorhambury Estate walk.
As the site consists of ruins in an open estate, there are no specific opening hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours.
Information regarding entrance fees for the Gorhambury Estate is not readily available, suggesting it may be free to access for walkers.
The new Gorhambury House is a private residence. While it may contain pieces from the old house, it is not typically open to the public.
The ruin itself is described as small and safe to walk around, with partial structures remaining.
📸 📸 Photography
The atmospheric ruins themselves, especially the entrance porch, offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding parkland with grazing animals also makes for scenic shots. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Old Gorhambury House. Many visitors share their photos on social media.
Golden hour light, particularly in the late afternoon during autumn, can enhance the atmosphere and beauty of the ruins.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and any specific rules for the Gorhambury Estate before flying a drone.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and any private property.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can explore the atmospheric ruins of a 16th-century Tudor mansion, including its impressive entrance porch. Information boards detail its history and former occupants.
The walk is a key part of the experience, taking you through pleasant parkland with grazing sheep and cows on a quiet, paved road.
There are no specific facilities mentioned at the ruin site itself. Visitors should plan accordingly and may find amenities in nearby St Albans.
You can expect to see farm animals like sheep and cows in the fields. Red Kites are also frequently spotted in the area.
The walk to the ruins is about 2 miles each way, so allow at least an hour for the round trip walk, plus time to explore the site itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Old Gorhambury House
Over the centuries, the house fell into disrepair and eventually became the ruin that visitors see today. While much of the structure has crumbled, the remaining walls and the distinctive porch offer a tangible connection to its rich past. Information boards on-site provide further details about its history and the notable figures who lived there, allowing visitors to piece together its former glory.
The site is part of the Gorhambury Estate, which continues to be a working estate. The juxtaposition of the ancient ruins with the ongoing rural life adds a unique layer to the experience, making it more than just a historical site but a living landscape.
The Gorhambury Estate Walk
As you stroll, you'll be treated to scenic views of the Hertfordshire countryside. The path meanders through parkland where sheep and cows graze, adding to the idyllic rural atmosphere. The paved nature of the road makes it a pleasant walk regardless of recent weather, avoiding the muddiness often associated with country paths.
This gentle walk is not just a means to an end but an attraction in itself, offering a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the estate before reaching the historical ruins. It's an opportunity to appreciate the landscape that has surrounded the manor for centuries.
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