Stansted Park
The story of Stansted Park began with a hunting lodge in the Forest of Bere 800 years ago. Royal visitors have been recorded here from Henry II to the present generation.
Stansted Park is a friendly stately home on the South Downs overlooking the coast, within 1800 acres of ancient forest on the borders of Hampshire and Sussex. The House at the end of a two-mile beech avenue, its private chapel, splendid state rooms and the fully furnished servants' quarters below stairs are open to visitors from Easter to September. School visits and pre-booked group visits are always very welcome.
A fine collection of 18th century family portraits, fans, tapestries and Irish furniture 'Upstairs' in the delightful State Rooms illustrates the history of the Ponsonby family. In contrast are the fully furnished and extensive 'Downstairs' Servants' Quarters, rebuilt in 1901 and largely unchanged, which are a unique and evocative experience for many visitors, and a wonderful teaching resource.
Wildlife benefits as spring flowers such as wood anemone and primrose bloom in profusion on newly cut areas and foxgloves make a show in years two and three. Butterflies and other insects thrive in the newly created glades and birds find nest sites as the re-growth reaches a thicket stage.
Later when the canopy closes and less light reaches the woodland floor fungi find the damp conditions more suitable and specialist insects make use of the area.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Stansted House and the Chapel of St Paul are open to visitors from 1pm - 5pm (last admission 4pm) on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from June until the end of August.
From Easter to September we are open on Sundays and Bank Holidays 1-5pm.
FREE family quizzes for children and parents with House entry tickets on request - and look out for any Teddy Bears who are helping the Housekeeper in the Big House.
Plan your day at Stansted Park by reading about our other attractions (below) that open all year round. Free car parks are open 9-5pm with restricted access during the winter, and if events are taking place.
Admission to Stansted House & Chapel in 2010:
Adults £7.00 Concessions £6.00
Children £3.50 Family Ticket £17.00
Special opening times and prices will apply over event weekends
Address :
Stansted Park Foundation
Stansted Park
Rowlands Castle
Hampshire
PO9 6DX