Pashley Manor is a Grade I listed Tudor timber-framed former ironmaster’s house. It was built in 1550 although it has a Georgian rear elevation dated to 1720 that is dripping in wisteria. It is surrounded by Pashley Manor Gardens.
The history of Pashley Manor
The history of Pashley Manor dates back to the 13th century when the house stood on what is now a moated island at the bottom of the large lawn at the rear of the house.
It was owned by the Pashley family until the mid 15th century when it was bought by Sir Geoffrey Boleyn. Yes, that Boleyn, and Sir Geoffrey was the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn.
If you visit the moated island you will find a sculpture of Anne Boleyn by Philip Jackson.
As the Manor was handed down through the family, it is thought Anne visited often and that she would also have visited nearby Bolebroke Castle.
In 1540, the estate was sold to Sir Thomas May. He had made his fortune in the iron industry and built the house you now see. There seems to be a bit of a dearth of information about the Manor over the next few centuries but the current owners are the Sellick family who bought Pashley Manor in 1981. With the help of landscape architect Anthony du Gard Pasley, they have created the magnificent gardens you can visit today. The house is not open to the public but nonetheless, you can get pretty close as you explore the gardens.
Pashley Manor Gardens
The 11 acres of gardens are magnificent and all the more so when you learn that they have only been developed over the course of the last 40 years. They have won a number of awards including Christie’s Garden of the Year award in 1999, with different sections being developed over the decades. The gardens are now regularly described as “One of the finest gardens in England” and they are made up of a series of themed garden rooms, gravel walkways and arches, pergolas and ponds, walled gardens and a greenhouse.
The Walled Garden dates back to 1720 but had to be completely restored. There is a Rose Garden, fruit trees that carefully climb ancient walls, a Rose Walk, a Kitchen Garden and vast herbaceous borders with views across parkland. There is also a water fountain, pathways and little bridges, hidden corners and flower meadows all overflowing with a vast variety of plants. Make sure you equip yourself with the map from the shop when you enter so that you are sure not to miss anything.
Sculptures at Pashley Manor
Don’t be surprised to find a number of different sculptures tucked in and around the planting and gardens. Philip Jackson’s Dante greets you on the front lawn and hints at the journey of discovery you are about to go on. You will find the same sculpture in Midhurst in West Sussex.
Each year, the sculptures exhibited change and you’ll find works by both eminent sculptors and local artists. Some are whimsical, others are figurative and some are abstract but all are well placed and enhance their surroundings and all seem to have a sense of place.
Things to see at Pashley Manor Gardens
There are a lot of reasons to visit Pashley Manor. In late April / May, they host their stunning Pashley Manor Tulip Festival when 48,000 tulips flood the grounds with wave after wave of vibrant and exotic colour.
There is also a bluebell walk which takes you down to the stream. In June, look out for their Special Rose Week when abundant blooms burst with scented colour in the Rose Garden but also elsewhere in the garden. They also host a Kitchen Garden Week in July and Dahlia Days in late summer.
Coffee and cake
If you catch it at the right time of year, the back of the house literally drops in heady wisteria blooms so much so it looks almost like a fantasy home. Here you’ll find the Summer Tea Terrace where you can enjoy freshly made local produce as you look across at the moated island and the lake, complete with black swan, ducks and a water fountains.
Pashley Manor Gardens are an absolute delight to visit. Formal gardens give way to casual planting. Ancient brick walls provide a picturesque backdrop and parklands sprawl before you. Explore. Take stock and then explore again.
As always, check opening times and ticket prices. Parking is free.
If you have enjoyed this post about Pashley Manor and Pashley Manor Gardens, you may also like:
