Parham House & Gardens: Timeless Elizabethan Heritage in Sussex
Set within an ancient deer park below the South Downs, Parham is one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses. A well-loved family home since its foundation stone was laid in 1577, Parham has only ever been inhabited by three families, and its tranquillity and timeless beauty remain largely unchanged.
A House Steeped in Art and History
Inside Parham, visitors will discover a rare and precious collection of paintings, furniture, and needlework. The Pearsons spent more than 40 years filling the house with a carefully chosen collection of furniture, portraits, books, textiles, and clocks, alongside items historically associated with the house. Notable portraits and exquisite rugs and carpets enhance the sense of heritage, while the needlework collection created by Alicia Pearson stands as one of the finest in the country, featuring Stuart embroidered pictures, bed hangings, royal saddles, samplers, and more.
A tradition started by Alicia Pearson continues to this day, with flowers brought in seasonally and arranged throughout the house in harmony with each room’s décor. Guided tours can be arranged for parties of twenty or more, while room guides are always on hand to share insights with unguided visitors.
Gardens of Peace and Inspiration
Parham’s award-winning gardens include the beautiful Pleasure Grounds and a four-acre Walled Garden, complete with stunning herbaceous borders, a 1920s greenhouse, vegetable garden, orchard, and the charming Wendy House. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the Pleasure Grounds and lake, taking in the variety of wildlife and exploring the garden’s tranquil corners. The Walled Garden itself, with walls dating from the 18th century and a layout of crossed paths, reflects centuries of careful cultivation, much of it dating back to the 14th century.
A Living Heritage Experience
The estate’s balance of house, gardens, and parkland offers visitors a unique chance to experience English country life across the centuries. Parham’s combination of historic interiors, exquisite collections, and serene outdoor spaces ensures a memorable day out for history enthusiasts, garden lovers, and families alike. Recognised in Simon Jenkins’ England’s 1000 Best Houses, Parham is a celebrated treasure of English heritage.
Photo Credits: Sam Stephenson & Jonathan Wilson
| 5 Apr 2026 – 11 Oct 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday – Sunday | 12:00 | – 17:00 |
Parham has now closed for the winter. The House and Gardens will open again to visitors on Easter Sunday, 5th April 2026.
| Adult Gardens | £13.75 adult |
| Adult House & Garden | £18.15 adult |
| Child Gardens | £5.50 child |
| Child House & Gardens | £8.25 child |
| Season Ticket Adult | £38.00 per ticket |
| Season Ticket Child (5-15) | £10.00 per ticket |
| Season Ticket Two Adults/Double | £70.00 per ticket |
Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis and are inclusive of a voluntary gift aid donation of 10%.
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