Polesden Lacey

A National Trust property containing a regency house, formal gardens, and extensive woodland and farmland.

Polesden Lacey was the home of Edwardian hostess, Mrs Greville, known for her house parties attended by the celebrities of the day. The future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) spent part of their honeymoon here in 1923.

The house is lavishly decorated in the Edwardian style, full of treasures and bric a brac amassed by Mrs G on her travels. Parts are open to the public, the rest of the house is the National trust’s Regional HQ.

The gardens are very well kept, there are rose gardens, borders, lawns… all very pleasant to wander through, as well as a graveyard for Mrs Greville’s many dogs, and her own grave. There’s an outdoor theatre, and, tucked away and hard to find, a children’s playground.

There are lots of trails through the grounds and the outhouses have been converted to a shop and cafe.

It’s a really pleasant place to spend the day. The grounds and shop are open all year, but the house is closed from November to March. Check the website for details