Pencarrow House and Garden
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Pencarrow House and Garden

4.6
·981 reviews·Washaway, United Kingdom

A grand Georgian house and stunning formal gardens, offering art, antiques, and captivating history with a delightful cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Gardens in full bloom

CrowdLow
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Pencarrow House and Garden

Pencarrow House and Garden

Best Time

Spring mornings

Gardens in full bloom

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand Georgian house and stunning formal gardens, offering art, antiques, and captivating history with a delightful cafe.

4.6
(981 reviews)

"Wonderful afternoon spent in house and garden; the guide's knowledge was incredible!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book House Tour Ahead

Ensure your spot on the popular house tours by booking in advance. Guides are fantastic!

Wear Comfy Shoes

Garden paths can be steep in places. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Georgian House

The Grand Georgian House

Pencarrow House

Explore a stunning Palladian mansion filled with art, antiques, and centuries of family history.

Expansive Formal Gardens

Expansive Formal Gardens

Pencarrow Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens with ancient trees, rhododendrons, and a serene lake.

Engaging House Tours

Engaging House Tours

Pencarrow House

Discover entertaining and informative stories from knowledgeable guides about the house and its past.

Charming Cafe & Cakes

Charming Cafe & Cakes

Pencarrow Cafe

Enjoy delicious food and generous portions, especially the highly-praised cakes.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your House Tour in Advance

The guided house tours are highly recommended for their fascinating stories and knowledgeable guides. Booking ahead ensures your spot, especially during peak times, and makes for a more personal experience of Pencarrow House and Garden.

Garden Paths & Mobility

While the gardens offer beautiful walks, some paths can be steep. Consider mobility limitations before embarking on longer garden explorations. Comfortable footwear is a must for enjoying the grounds.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Gardens in full bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book House Tour Ahead

Ensure your spot on the popular house tours by booking in advance. Guides are fantastic! Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes

Garden paths can be steep in places. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Allow Ample Time

You'll want to explore both the house and gardens fully. Don't rush your visit! :clock1:

Dog-Friendly Grounds

Pencarrow is dog-friendly outside the house, perfect for pet owners. :dog:

Tips

from all over the internet

Book House Tour Ahead

Ensure your spot on the popular house tours by booking in advance. Guides are fantastic! Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes

Garden paths can be steep in places. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Allow Ample Time

You'll want to explore both the house and gardens fully. Don't rush your visit! :clock1:

Dog-Friendly Grounds

Pencarrow is dog-friendly outside the house, perfect for pet owners. :dog:

Picnic Potential

The gardens are ideal for a family picnic or a romantic spot. :sandwich:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(981 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Pencarrow House and Garden for its engaging house tours, beautiful gardens, and excellent cafe. The knowledgeable and entertaining guides are a major highlight, bringing the history of the estate to life. While the gardens are stunning, some paths can be steep, requiring a note for those with mobility concerns.

"Great house tour; the place has many stories to tell. Nice walks in the gardens up to the lake and back. Great tea room and cakes!"

Ant and Liz Hurrion

"Wonderful afternoon spent in house and garden. Our guide Susan has incredible knowledge of the history of the house and family going back to 17th century. Wonderful example of Palladian architecture with some parts of the building dating back to the Tudor period."

Simon Burgess

"Lovely place to visit! The gardens are beautiful for about an hour’s walk, surrounded by huge old trees and rhododendrons. Great for a family picnic or even a hidden romantic spot. The house is stunning inside and the guided tour is well worth it – full of fascinating and entertaining stories. The café serves tasty food with good-sized portions, and the staff are really friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend for a day out!"

Péter Gyurics

What People Like

Engaging house tours
Beautiful gardens
Excellent cafe

What People Dislike

Steep garden paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pencarrow House and Garden is accessible by car, with a long driveway leading to ample parking. The drive itself offers a glimpse of the estate's history, with mentions of an old Iron Age fort. Reddit

Information on public transport options is limited, so driving is generally the most convenient way to reach Pencarrow House and Garden. Check local bus routes if relying on public transport.

There is plenty of parking available in the courtyard upon arrival. An overflow parking area is also available if needed. Reddit

Cycling to Pencarrow is possible, but be prepared for potentially hilly terrain in the surrounding areas. The estate itself offers beautiful cycling paths within the gardens.

Yes, Pencarrow House and Garden is typically well signposted from the main roads, guiding you down the long driveway to the entrance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pencarrow House and Garden website for the most up-to-date information on opening times for both the house and gardens.

Yes, tickets are required for entry to Pencarrow House and Garden. You can purchase them at the reception/shop area upon arrival. Reddit

There is an entry fee for Pencarrow House and Garden. The cost covers access to both the house tours and the gardens. Specific pricing details can be found on their website.

While you can book house tours upon arrival, it's advisable to check the official website for any online booking options to secure your preferred time slot, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Information on discounts for groups, seniors, or children is usually available on the Pencarrow House and Garden website. It's worth checking for any special offers.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided house tours at Pencarrow typically last around 1 hour. Many visitors find the time flies by due to the engaging and humorous nature of the guides. Reddit

The Pencarrow Gardens feature beautiful walks with huge old trees, rhododendrons, and a serene lake. It's a lovely place for a stroll, picnic, or finding a quiet spot. Reddit

Yes, there is a play park at Pencarrow that is perfect for toddlers and younger children, making it a great family-friendly destination. Reddit

Some paths in the Pencarrow Gardens can be steep, so visitors with low mobility should be aware of this. It's advisable to inquire about the most accessible routes upon arrival. Reddit

Photography rules inside historic houses can vary. It's best to check with your guide or at the reception desk regarding restrictions on photography within Pencarrow House.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Pencarrow House and Garden has an excellent cafe that serves tasty food with good-sized portions, including beautiful cakes at good prices. Reddit

The cafe offers a selection of food, including coffee and delicious cakes. They are known for good-sized portions, making it a satisfying stop during your visit. Reddit

While specific menu details aren't always listed, cafes at attractions often have vegetarian options. It's recommended to check with the cafe staff directly for vegan choices.

Absolutely! The gardens at Pencarrow are a great spot for a family picnic or a romantic outing. Reddit

The cafe at Pencarrow is generally dog-friendly, with plenty of seating available both inside and outside. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The formal gardens, especially around the lake and amongst the ancient trees and rhododendrons, offer stunning photographic opportunities. The exterior of the Palladian house is also picturesque. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic houses and gardens to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official policy before flying a drone.

Photography inside historic houses like Pencarrow may be restricted to protect the delicate interiors and artifacts. It's best to confirm with staff on the day of your visit.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel in the gardens and around the house.

Visitors often highlight the beauty of the gardens, the grandeur of the house exterior, and the charming cafe as great photo subjects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pencarrow House and Garden is a fantastic destination for families. The play park is a major hit with toddlers and younger children, providing a dedicated space for them to burn off energy. Reddit While the house tour is engaging, parents might want to gauge their children's attention spans for the hour-long duration. The gardens offer space for kids to explore, though parents should be mindful of the steep paths in some areas. Reddit Packing a picnic is a great idea, as the grounds are perfect for a family meal, and the cafe offers kid-friendly options too. The dog-friendly nature of the grounds is also a plus for families with pets. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Garden Enthusiasts

For those who love gardens, Pencarrow offers a beautiful and mature landscape to explore. The formal gardens are a highlight, featuring huge old trees and a stunning array of rhododendrons that are particularly vibrant in spring. The walk around the lake provides a peaceful and scenic experience. Reddit Be prepared for some steep sections within the garden paths, so comfortable footwear is essential. Reddit The variety of plant life and the established nature of the grounds make it a rewarding visit for anyone interested in horticulture and landscape design.

🏛️ History Buffs

Pencarrow House and Garden is a dream for history enthusiasts. The guided house tours are exceptionally well-regarded, offering deep dives into the history of the house and family spanning centuries, with guides sharing fascinating and entertaining stories. Reddit The Palladian architecture of the house itself is a significant draw, showcasing Georgian design principles. Visitors will appreciate the art and antiques within the house, providing tangible links to the past. The estate's history also extends beyond the house, with mentions of an Iron Age fort on the grounds, adding layers of historical interest. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Gem: Pencarrow House

Pencarrow House is a magnificent example of Palladian architecture, showcasing a design that emphasizes symmetry, proportion, and grandeur. While parts of the building have Tudor origins, the house as it stands today largely reflects its Georgian development. Visitors are consistently impressed by the art and antiques that line its rooms, offering a glimpse into the lives of the families who have resided here for centuries. The guided tours are a standout feature, with guides like Susan and Anna praised for their incredible knowledge, entertaining delivery, and ability to make history come alive with fascinating and humorous anecdotes. Reddit This personal touch transforms a visit from a simple viewing into an immersive historical experience, making the hour-long tour feel far too short for many. Reddit

Beyond its architectural significance, Pencarrow House holds many stories. The journey to the house itself can be an experience, with visitors noting the drive down a long driveway that passes by the site of an old Iron Age fort. Reddit This layering of history, from ancient settlements to grand Georgian living, adds a unique depth to the estate. The house's interior is a treasure trove, with mentions of its Tudor period roots adding another layer to its rich past. Reddit

Exploring the Enchanting Pencarrow Gardens

The Pencarrow Gardens offer a delightful escape into nature, providing a beautiful setting for leisurely walks and quiet contemplation. Visitors rave about the huge old trees and vibrant rhododendrons that create a picturesque landscape, especially during spring. The gardens are extensive enough to offer about an hour's worth of walking, with a serene lake providing a focal point for many routes. Reddit It's described as a great place for a family picnic or even a hidden romantic spot, highlighting its versatile appeal. Reddit

While the beauty of the gardens is undeniable, it's worth noting that some paths can be steep. This is an important consideration for visitors with mobility issues, who might need to plan their route carefully or inquire about more accessible options. Reddit Despite this, the overall experience of wandering through the grounds, surrounded by mature trees and carefully curated flora, is consistently praised. The gardens are also noted as being dog-friendly, which is a significant bonus for visitors traveling with their pets. Reddit

The Culinary Delights of Pencarrow's Cafe

The cafe at Pencarrow House and Garden is a highly recommended stop, consistently receiving praise for its quality and value. Visitors often highlight the tasty food and good-sized portions, making it a satisfying experience for lunch or a snack. The cakes are particularly noteworthy, described as beautiful and delicious, making the cafe a destination in itself for those with a sweet tooth. Reddit

Beyond the food, the cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. It's also noted as being dog-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshments with their canine companions. Reddit The friendly and welcoming staff contribute to the overall positive experience, ensuring visitors feel well-cared for. Whether you're stopping for a coffee before a house tour or a more substantial meal after exploring the gardens, the cafe at Pencarrow is a delightful addition to the visit.

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