aventuro Back to map A
Historical places #2 in Washington, West Sussex

Parham House & Gardens

4.6 · 483 reviews
A quiet, preserved atmosphere of domestic history
Parham House & Gardens, Parham Park, Storrington, Pulborough RH20 4HR, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The house was built by Sir Thomas Palmer, but he was forced to sell it due to debts shortly after completion.

2

The Long Gallery, measuring 157 feet, is one of the longest in the country and retains its original barrel-vaulted ceiling.

3

The estate grounds contain a 14th-century church, St. Peter's, which stands within the parkland near the manor.

4

The house served as a filming location for the 2004 movie 'Vanity Fair' and the 2017 'Goodbye Christopher Robin'.

5

The Great Hall features a rare collection of 16th-century 'pulpit' seats and extensive oak panelling.

6

The deer park is home to a herd of fallow deer that have occupied the grounds for several centuries.

7

The kitchen garden, enclosed by 18th-century walls, includes a functional greenhouse and formal flower beds.

Overview

Parham House is a preserved Elizabethan manor house completed in 1577, noted for remaining largely unaltered in its internal architectural structure. The estate is situated within an ancient deer park that dates back to the 14th century, housing a herd of fallow deer. The house contains an extensive collection of needlework, portraits, and fine furniture spanning four centuries. The surrounding pleasure gardens include a four-acre walled garden featuring a notable 1920s herbaceous border. The property has been under the private stewardship of the Pearson family since 1922. It serves as a rare example of a 'living' historic house, intentionally maintained to reflect domestic history rather than a formal museum display.

Photo spot

The view of the house exterior from the center of the walled pleasure garden.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes as much of the site involves uneven gravel paths and grass.

Check the official website for specific house opening days, as the interior is not accessible daily.

Bring binoculars for viewing the fallow deer from a respectful distance within the parkland.

What to avoid

Attempting to visit on weekdays during the off-season without verifying the current house opening calendar.

Good to know

Open seasonally from spring through early autumn; typically closed on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Etiquette

Photography is restricted inside the house; visitors must leave large bags in provided storage areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to view the herbaceous borders in full bloom.
Address
Parham House & Gardens, Parham Park, Storrington, Pulborough RH20 4HR, United Kingdom
50.920, -0.479
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits16th-century needlework, Elizabethan portraits, and long gallery architecture
Garden features4-acre walled garden and 1920s herbaceous borders

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to view the herbaceous borders in full bloom..

The view of the house exterior from the center of the walled pleasure garden.

Close by you'll find RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Arundel Castle, Sandgate Park.