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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom

Pencarrow House and Garden
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand Georgian house and stunning formal gardens, offering art, antiques, and captivating history with a delightful cafe.
"Wonderful afternoon spent in house and garden; the guide's knowledge was incredible!"

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Georgian House
Pencarrow House
Explore a stunning Palladian mansion filled with art, antiques, and centuries of family history.

Expansive Formal Gardens
Pencarrow Gardens
Wander through beautiful gardens with ancient trees, rhododendrons, and a serene lake.

Engaging House Tours
Pencarrow House
Discover entertaining and informative stories from knowledgeable guides about the house and its past.

Charming Cafe & Cakes
Pencarrow Cafe
Enjoy delicious food and generous portions, especially the highly-praised cakes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your House Tour in Advance
Garden Paths & Mobility
Best Times
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!
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!
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a play park at Pencarrow that is perfect for toddlers and younger children, making it a great family-friendly destination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The cafe at Pencarrow is generally dog-friendly, with plenty of seating available both inside and outside.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Garden Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Gem: Pencarrow House
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. 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.
Exploring the Enchanting Pencarrow Gardens
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. 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.
The Culinary Delights of Pencarrow's Cafe
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. 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.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit