Stansted House - © Ben Shade
Stansted House is located within the historic Stansted Park located a few miles from Portsmouth in Hampshire. The Park stands within 1,800 acres of park and woodland and overlooks the south coast, this provides the historic house contained within the grounds of a fine setting and is a beautiful backdrop. The park attracts many visitors each year, the site has plenty of history and wildlife to visitors to see. The house is also well known for being the setting for a number of events such as open air theatre, garden shows and cricket which has been played here since the 18th century. The house also hosts corporate events and is a stunning location for weddings.
Overview & History
The history of Stansted House can be traced back some 800 years ago, when there was a hunting lodge here. Over the centuries there were a number of changes of owners of the property and in 1900 there was a fire that caused damage to the property. The property was rebuilt after the fire and the present mansion as it is seen today was established, the estate was known from 1924 as the home of the Earls of Bessborough.
The families of the 9th and 10th Earls stayed here and inside there are a number of family portraits that portray the house to be their family homes. Visitors can see the servant’s quarters downstairs and the upstairs provides a great collection of 18th century family pastel portraits and furniture.
From 1983 the House and the Estate have been owned by the Stansted Park Foundation, a charitable trust that was established originally by the 10th Earl of Bessborough. The 10th Earl was a prominent person having been a Minister of State, diplomat and a former Vice-President of the European Parliament.
Attractions
Stansted is known as among the most beautiful and attractive stately homes in the area. The house retains its character and old world charm, the house is a Grade II listed building reflecting the historical significance of the house. The house is characterised inside by the Carolean decor, the house is also well known for the fine collections and displays of paintings, porcelain and furniture. The walled gardens are also a much admired feature of the house along with the woodland walks. Visitors to the house can see a big contrast between the show piece rooms in the house namely the State Rooms and the modest Servant Quarters.
The State Rooms are a prime example of ornate design, the rooms are large and imposing with grand designs and fine furniture and very much at the heart of the house. In contrast the Servant Quarters are understated and modest giving visitors a great example of social history and protocol of an English County House.
The Chapel of St Paul, acted as an inspiration to the famous poet John Keats, is located on what was the site of the first house here. The park has much open land that is grazed by deer and sustains a range of wildlife. The environment and sustainability are taken seriously with chestnut coppicing from the forest being used to feed a bio-fuel woodchip boiler, this heats the house and the surrounding buildings making Stansted Park carbon-neutral. The park aims to conserve the wildlife in the park and pursues policies designed to ensure wildlife is protected here.
Other Attractions on site, include the Stansted Park Garden Centre offering a range of tools, furniture, plants and gifts. The Stansted Light Railway offers visitors the chance to see the park and grounds on a steam train offering an experience from a bygone era. For fans of chocolate a visit to the Le Salon du Chocolat is a must, here visitors can taste chocolate and learn more about chocolate making and moulding.
How to Get There
The house can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Stansted Park is located approx 70 miles from London, the journey time is approx 1 hour and fifty minutes. Visitors from London should take the A3 all the way until they see a sign on the left for Hambledon/Clanfield/Chalton and exit here. The road becomes Charlton Lane, then turn left at Dean Lane and then left again at Findean Road and right at Forestside, keep driving until the entrance on the left.
There is free parking on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is PO9 6DX.
By Train:
From London Waterloo & London Victoria Stations in central London trains are available to Portsmouth (stations are Portsmouth & Southsea & Portsmouth Harbour). The journey time is approx 2 hours and with Portsmouth station approx 6 miles from the site, visitors can get a taxi from the station.
Contact Details
Stansted House
Stansted Park
Rowlands Castle
Hampshire
PO9 6DX
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9241 2265
Fax: +44 (0)23 9241 3773
Website: Stansted House
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from Easter time until end of September:
From 13.00 until 16.00 (Sunday & Monday)
From 13.00 until 16.00 (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday during July & August)
NOTE: Other attractions on the estate are open year round.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
For the House & Chapel:
Adults: £7 approx, Children: £3.50 approx, Concessions £5 approx & Family Ticket: £18 approx
Facilities:
The Pavilion Tea Room serves a variety of refreshments and snacks.
For disabled visitors and those with special needs it is advised you contact Stansted Park before you visit to ensure you can make the most of your trip here. There is a wheelchair lift for access to the House.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Stansted House Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
When travelling follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times. Ensure valuables such as your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to the House and Park, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Find door to door directions using the journey planner to plan your trip. Check traffic information & updates before you travel.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
