Welcome to St Mary's, an enchanting historic pilgrim inn, c1450, in the downland village of Bramber, West Sussex. Many thousands of visitors admire its picturesque charm and enjoy its atmosphere of friendliness and welcome.

Still a lived-in home, the fine panelled rooms include the unique Elizabethan trompe l'oeil Painted Room. Intriguing literary connections with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, and the Sherlock Holmes story The Musgrave Ritual.

The five acres of beautiful gardens include an exceptional example of the prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba 'living fossil' tree, amusing animal topiary, and the 'Secret' Garden with original Victorian fruit wall and pineapple pits, beautiful rose garden, terracotta garden, King's Garden, unusual circular English Poetry Garden, Landscape Water Garden and Rural Museum.

Meet the owners and see them talk about their life at St Mary's and the restoration of the house & gardens: play video.

TRIP ADVISOR 2019 CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

FOR THE CONSISTENT ACHIEVEMENT OF HIGH RATINGS FROM VISITORS. Read reviews

One of 'England's Thousand Best Houses' (Sir Simon Jenkins)

'The best example of late 15th century timber-framing in Sussex.'

ST MARY'S HOUSE GARDENS ARE NOW OPEN

Public open days May - September: Sundays, Thursdays, BH Mondays, 2 - 6pm

We hope to be able to open the house in June, subject to government guidelines, so please check on this website for the latest information.

Private groups by appointment at other times, April - September  more info

National Garden Scheme (gardens only open): Fri 9 & Sat 10 July, 2-5.30pm more info

GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO ST MARY'S

You do not usually need to pre-book your visit on weekdays. However, at busier times, like weekends and school holidays, booking is recommended in order to guarantee your entry. Book your visit here.

Note that if you have not made a booking, you should still be able to visit the Gardens, but you may be asked to wait, based on visitor numbers and the need to maintain social distancing.

We request that face coverings are worn inside the tearoom when ordering takeaway as well as in the toilets.  

We respectfully ask that you do not visit the Gardens if you or a family member are feeling unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms, and that you postpone your visit until you are better.

Friends of St Mary's or Historic Houses members and Gardeners’ World 2for1 voucher holders: you will need to show your membership card on arrival.

Tickets cannot be exchanged, resold, transferred to another date or refunded.

Culture Recovery Fund grant to St Mary's House & Gardens   Read more >>

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