Penhallam Manor
Explore the grass-covered ruins of a 13th-century manor and its protective moat, set amidst a serene woodland trail. Free entry and dog-friendly.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Penhallam Manor
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the grass-covered ruins of a 13th-century manor and its protective moat, set amidst a serene woodland trail. Free entry and dog-friendly.
"Beautiful walk and area, a fascinating glimpse into history."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be muddy and uneven, especially near the ruins.
🚗 Free Parking Available
A small, free car park is available. Open the gate if closed on arrival.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
13th Century Manor Ruins
Central ruins
Explore the grass-covered remains of a Norman-era manor, a fascinating glimpse into history.
Protective Moat
Surrounding the ruins
See the remnants of the protective moat, a key defensive feature of the historical manor.
Woodland Trail
Path to the manor
Enjoy a pleasant walk through serene woods, often adorned with bluebells in spring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Repairs & Access
Dog Walking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be muddy and uneven, especially near the ruins.
🚗 Free Parking Available
A small, free car park is available. Open the gate if closed on arrival.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near the moat to avoid sludge.
ℹ️ Informative Boards
Information boards dotted around explain the manor's history.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be muddy and uneven, especially near the ruins.
🚗 Free Parking Available
A small, free car park is available. Open the gate if closed on arrival.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near the moat to avoid sludge.
ℹ️ Informative Boards
Information boards dotted around explain the manor's history.
🚫 No Facilities Onsite
Remember to bring your own water and snacks; no bins or toilets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Penhallam Manor for its free access, dog-friendly nature, and pleasant woodland walks. The historical ruins offer a glimpse into the past, though current bridge repairs limit direct access to the main site. Some visitors express disappointment over the ongoing repairs and lack of facilities like bins and toilets. +1
"Repairs to moat bridge still not been done. I’ve queried this with EH who say they haven’t the funds to do it. Been like this since well before Covid. Beautiful walk and area but sad to see it unrepaired. English Heritage have a lot to answer for generally as a lot of sites closed."
Jean Camp
"Good walk through woods which leads to the ruins of the De Cardinham Family residence which was built sometime around the Norman Conquest and lasted about 300 years. It was reclaimed by nature as the owner had no heirs and was only rediscovered in the 1960's . Unfortunately access to the ruins was closed on my visit due to repairs of the bridge which spans the small moat and was not accessible. Lots of photo opportunities. Not particularly wheel chair friendly as the access paths are typical forestry gravel. On my visit our dogs were off lead and as you approach the ruins there is a small stream dogs can access, which was great. More adventurous dogs can find themselves in the moats black, stinky sludge which was NOT so great. So you might want to keep dogs on a lead as you approach the ruins. There are no dog waste bins. The car park was free.
What 3 Words to car park typical.goat.riverbank"
David Foster
"A nice stroll to the Manor with a small gated carpark (free) if the gate is closed then just open it, no problem. Just close on exit if it's closed when you arrive. There are no bins or toilets here. Information boards are dotted around the grounds of the Manor but unfortunately the bridge was still out of action so I couldn't really see much of it, however, there are plenty of other interesting things to find if you look. Bluebells were still showing when I came and many others were putting in an appearance plus a small stream running by. There's also an eerie dark wooded area on the left of the track as you walk down with trees seemingly hanging in silence and cloaked in moss. Enjoy your walk!"
Carl Gamble
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Penhallam Manor is accessible by car, with a small, free car park available. The What3Words location for the car park is 'typical.goat.riverbank'.
Information on public transport options is limited, and driving is the most common way to reach the site.
Yes, the car park at Penhallam Manor is free. If the gate is closed upon arrival, you can open it and close it upon exit.
The site is located off the B3254 road, with signage often directing visitors to the car park.
Using the What3Words reference 'typical.goat.riverbank' is a reliable method for navigating directly to the car park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Penhallam Manor and its grounds is free.
As an open-air ruin, Penhallam Manor is generally accessible during daylight hours.
The site is an open ruin, so it's typically accessible year-round during daylight. However, access to the main ruins might be restricted due to bridge repairs.
There are no entry fees to visit Penhallam Manor.
While the grounds are generally accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the ruins.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the grass-covered ruins of a 13th-century manor and its surrounding moat. Informative boards provide historical context.
The access paths are typically forestry gravel, which may not be ideal for wheelchairs.
You can walk around the grounds, but direct access to the central ruins may be limited due to ongoing bridge repairs over the moat.
No, there are no toilet facilities available at Penhallam Manor.
The bridge spanning the moat is currently out of action due to repairs, limiting access to the main ruins.
📸 📸 Photography
The ruins themselves offer great photographic opportunities, especially with the surrounding woodland and moat. The woodland trail also provides scenic shots.
Yes, the atmospheric ruins and natural surroundings make Penhallam Manor a good location for photography, offering a sense of history and nature.
You can capture images of the ancient stone ruins, the moat, the woodland, and any seasonal flora like bluebells.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography at Penhallam Manor.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the ruins and woodland, while afternoon light can also provide good contrast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for a picnic, but remember there are no facilities like toilets or bins, so plan accordingly. The free parking is a bonus for budget-conscious families. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear as the paths can be muddy.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be aware of the moat's sludge and consider keeping your furry friends on a lead as you get closer to the ruins. There are no dog waste bins, so be prepared to take all waste with you.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Explorers
Even with the bridge repairs, the surrounding grounds and the atmospheric woodland offer ample opportunity for exploration and imagining the manor in its heyday. The site's rediscovery in the 1960s adds another layer of intrigue to its story.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of Penhallam Manor
The site features a protective moat, a common defensive element for manors of that era. While the main bridge providing access to the central ruins is currently undergoing repairs, the surrounding grounds still offer a tangible connection to its past. Information boards are strategically placed to help visitors visualize what the manor might have looked like in its prime.
The rediscovery in the 1960s highlights how easily historical sites can be lost to time and nature. The ongoing repairs to the moat bridge, though a temporary inconvenience, underscore the efforts to preserve this historical gem for future exploration.
Exploring the Grounds and Trails
For dog owners, Penhallam Manor is a highly recommended destination. Dogs can roam off-lead for much of the walk, and there's a small stream near the ruins that dogs can access. However, visitors are cautioned that the moat can contain black, stinky sludge, so keeping dogs on a lead as they approach the ruins is advised.
While the main ruins might have restricted access due to bridge repairs, the surrounding area offers plenty of interest. An 'eerie dark wooded area' with moss-covered trees is noted by visitors, adding to the atmospheric exploration of the site.
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