St Mary's House & Gardens Bramber
Step into centuries of history at St. Mary's House, a restored 15th-century monastic inn, complemented by surprisingly extensive and tranquil gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy shady gardens on hot days
St Mary's House & Gardens Bramber
Best Time
Enjoy shady gardens on hot days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into centuries of history at St. Mary's House, a restored 15th-century monastic inn, complemented by surprisingly extensive and tranquil gardens.
"The house is a marvel and the gardens are a surprise, far more extensive than you would expect."
⏳ Last Entry Alert
Be mindful of last entry at 4:30 PM for a 6 PM closure to fully explore .
🚗 Easy On-site Parking
Convenient parking is available right next to the house, making arrival hassle-free .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Medieval House
St. Mary's House
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 15th-century monastic inn, filled with historical artifacts.
Extensive Gardens
St. Mary's Gardens
Discover a surprising variety of garden spaces, including a tranquil secret garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Passionate Volunteers
Throughout the site
Engage with enthusiastic volunteers who share a genuine passion for the history and restoration of this heritage site.
Delightful Tea Room
Adjacent to the house
Enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and tea in a charming tea room, accessible even without house entry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Last Entry Alert
Be mindful of last entry at 4:30 PM for a 6 PM closure to fully explore.
🚗 Easy On-site Parking
Convenient parking is available right next to the house, making arrival hassle-free.
☕ Tea Room Access
The tea room is open to all, no entrance fee needed! Enjoy a treat before or after your visit.
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
An hourly bus from Burgess Hill/Horsham stops right outside, perfect for car-free visits.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Last Entry Alert
Be mindful of last entry at 4:30 PM for a 6 PM closure to fully explore.
🚗 Easy On-site Parking
Convenient parking is available right next to the house, making arrival hassle-free.
☕ Tea Room Access
The tea room is open to all, no entrance fee needed! Enjoy a treat before or after your visit.
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
An hourly bus from Burgess Hill/Horsham stops right outside, perfect for car-free visits.
GARDENERS WORLD 2-FOR-1
If you have a Gardeners World scheme card, you might get 2 for 1 entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently pleased with their effort to visit St. Mary's House & Gardens, praising the marvel of the restored 15th-century house and the surprisingly extensive gardens. The real treat for many are the incredibly friendly and enthusiastic volunteers who display a genuine passion for the site. The tea room also receives positive mentions for its pleasant offerings and accessibility.
"Was really pleased I made the effort to visit. The house is a marvel and I’m very thankful the current owners made the incredible investment and effort to restore this important piece of architectural heritage. The gardens are a surprise too, and far more extensive than you would expect. The real treat were the very friendly volunteers who I had a couple of conversations with and who displayed a genuine enthusiasm for this place. On the website it states that you need 2.5 hours at least to visit, which I would say is quite a leisurely estimation. I saw everything in about one hour and didn’t feel rushed, although be wary that last entry is 4.30 for a 6pm closure. Easy to arrive on the hourly bus from Burgess Hill/Horsham that stops right outside."
Marques
"We spent a wonderful summer afternoon at St Mary’s House. This beautifully preserved 15th-century house was built as a monastic inn for pilgrims - stepping inside feels like walking through centuries of history! Much of what’s on display is thanks to the restoration and incredible collection curated by Peter Thorogood and Roger Linton, whose 40 year dedication has brought the building to life.
We visited on a scorching hot afternoon, and the gardens provided a cool, shady retreat. Each area a joy to explore - don’t miss the tranquil secret garden, which felt tucked away. The volunteers were absolutely lovely and welcoming. The ladies inside the house were so friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the place, and as was the gentleman at the entrance to the secret garden. There’s a small, easy-to-find car park right next to house and a delightful tea room, where we enjoyed sandwiches, cakes, and a very welcome cup of tea. Highly recommended for lovers of history, heritage, and gardens !"
Andrew Loin
"Well worth going out of your way to visit. House is very old and retains many medieval features as well as displays of curiosities collected by the owners. Interesting gardens and a good tea shop. Easy onside parking. It's in the 2 for 1 Gardeners world scheme."
Nick Lake
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's House & Gardens is easily accessible by car with on-site parking available. For public transport users, an hourly bus from Burgess Hill/Horsham stops directly outside the entrance.
Yes, there is a small, easy-to-find car park located right next to the house.
Absolutely! The bus service from Burgess Hill and Horsham conveniently stops right outside the venue.
The postcode for St. Mary's House & Gardens is BN44 3A.
Yes, it's generally easy to find, especially with the bus stop directly outside and clear signage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The house and gardens are typically open from spring to autumn. Last entry is usually at 4:30 PM for a 6 PM closure, so check their official website for exact times.
Admission fees apply for the house and gardens. Check the official website for current pricing. There's also a 2 for 1 offer for Gardeners World scheme members.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred entry time.
Yes, the tea room is accessible from the street without needing to pay the entrance fee for the house and gardens.
Yes, the '2 for 1 Gardeners World scheme' is mentioned as a potential discount. It's always worth checking their website for any other special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors suggest at least 1-2 hours for a leisurely visit, though some have seen everything in about an hour without feeling rushed.
You can explore a beautifully preserved 15th-century house with medieval features and historical displays, as well as extensive gardens including a secret garden.
The gardens offer space to explore, and the historical house can be engaging for older children interested in history. It's a generally calm environment.
Typically, dogs are not permitted inside historic houses. Check the official website for specific policies regarding dogs in the gardens.
Originally built as a monastic inn for pilgrims in the 15th century, the house has undergone significant restoration thanks to the dedication of its current owners.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a delightful tea room on-site where you can enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and tea.
Yes, the tea room is accessible from the street without requiring an entrance fee for the house and gardens.
The tea room offers light refreshments including sandwiches, cakes, and tea.
While not explicitly mentioned, the gardens might offer pleasant spots for a picnic. It's best to check with the venue directly.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but tea rooms often have a selection of cakes and sandwiches that can cater to various preferences.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary in historic houses. It's advisable to check for any restrictions on flash photography or commercial use inside the house.
The medieval architecture of the house, the various garden vistas, and the tranquil secret garden are all excellent subjects for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. Always check the venue's policy.
The unique historical interiors and the beautifully maintained gardens, especially the secret garden, offer many picturesque opportunities.
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens and the house, offering softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Heritage Lovers
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History: St. Mary's House
Visitors often remark on the marvel of the house and are thankful for the restoration efforts that allow them to experience centuries of history. The volunteers, who are described as very friendly and enthusiastic, play a crucial role in sharing the stories and significance of the house with visitors.
Exploring the Tranquil Gardens
The gardens are a testament to careful curation and offer a peaceful contrast to the historical interiors. Whether you're a keen gardener or simply appreciate beautiful landscapes, the various sections of the garden are designed to be a pleasure to wander through. The volunteers also extend their warmth to the garden areas, with a gentleman at the entrance to the secret garden noted for his welcoming demeanor.
The Community Spirit: Volunteers and Tea Room
Complementing the volunteer experience is the delightful tea room. It's noted that the tea room is accessible to anyone from the street without requiring an entrance fee to the house and gardens, making it a convenient spot for a break.
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