Visit one of England’s oldest family homes – Stonor Park

Oxford City & Oxfordshire | Magazine 

Visit one of England’s oldest family homes – Stonor Park

Stonor Park has been the home of the Stonor family for over 850 years and the site of a prehistoric stone circle which dates back to the Stone Age. The lush parkland and elegant gardens provide a special experience for all guests to enjoy.

Exploring Stonor Park House and Gardens

Discover unique art and treasures from all around the world in each one of the manor’s extraordinary rooms, like the grand 17th century library and the medieval Chapel which hid Catholic martyr St. Edmund Campion. Some of this art includes Flemish stained glass made in the Early Renaissance and a collection of contemporary ceramics from all around the world including England, Denmark, Korea, and Japan. The pantry, located in the 13th Century Hall, provides coffee and tea accompanied with some delicious cakes and scones. Next to the pantry, you can find the gift shop. Inside, there are postcards, fragrant candles, tea-towels and Stonor honey made by their own bees.

The parkland of Stonor holds three fascinating gardens: the 17th Century Italianate Pleasure Garden, with its Japanese styled hideaway, the old Kitchen Garden designed by Lady Camoys herself and the incredibly diverse Arboretum. This 250 acres of natural beauty is home to one of the most ancient herds of deer in Britain, dating back to the medieval age.

Stonor Park was chosen as the site of the infamous Chapel because of the Stone Circle, which dates all the way back to the late Stone Age. This historic place of worship was actually built upon one of these mysterious stones and is only one of three British chapels to have always been Catholic. Inside the chapel, there is the most beautiful stained glass, which was created by Jozef Janas, a Polish prisoner of war in World War II.

Tumblestone Hollow

A magical adventure playground in an even more magical forest, Tumblestone Hollow is guaranteed to be a family experience you’ll never forget. The zipwire, slide, sandpit and rope bridges mean that there is something for kids of all ages to enjoy. After your children have exhausted themselves in the sandpit, the Rumble and Jumble Huts serve tasty wood-fired pizzas, ice creams and more.

Weddings & Filming

Being less than an hour from London, Stonor Park is the perfect setting for getting married. The 250 acres provide ample places to have your special day, including the Italianate Pleasure Garden and the front lawns. The website also suggests potential caterers, florists, accommodation, and transport to take your wedding to the next level.

Stonor Park has been used in many feature films, television products and commercials. It was used in the 1987 James Bond film “The Living Daylights”, with Timothy Dalton, and the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children book “Danny the Champion of the World”. It was also used in the 2021 series of “Antiques Roadshow” and the 2019 Disney/BBC production of “A Christmas Carol” starring Guy Pearce and Andy Serkis.

Events at Stonor Park

Stonor Park has many events for 2023. These include:

Medieval Jousting – 24th to 25th June. With Falconry displays, archery, foot combat with medieval weaponry and of course the jousting tournament, it would be a day to remember.

Giffords Circus – 13th to 24th July. Inspired by French Romanticism in the mid-19th Century, this magical circus houses highly talented acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians, dancers, and Tweedy the Clown.

Ibiza Orchestra Live – 11th August. Starting at 5pm, get prepared to dance to the incredible 30 piece “Ibiza Orchestra”, stunning vocalists and internationally acclaimed DJ’s, accompanied with a magnificent light and laser show.

Henley Country Craft Show – 25th to 28th August. With over 200 independent stalls, this makes it the UK’s biggest craft show where you’ll find handmade jewellery, artisan food and interactive workshops.

Stonor Park Opening Times & Prices

Access to Stonor House, Chapel and the gardens cost £10.50 per adult and £5 per child (additional charges if you want to visit Tumblestone Hollow). The house is open on every Sunday until the park closes at the end of September, with it also opening on Saturday and the occasional Friday in the summer months. You can access the house from 1:30pm to 5:30pm. For the gardens and Tumblestone Hollow, these are open from 9:30am to 5:30pm and stop being open from July.

Getting there is just over a 40-minute drive from Oxford. The address is Stonor, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6HF.

At Stonor Park, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time, whether it’s admiring the stunning gardens and pre-historic stone circle or having a fun family day out exploring Tumblestone Hollow.

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