St Mary’s House & Gardens

About the museum

St Mary’s House in Bramber was built around 1470 on land once held by the Knights Templar, and it was originally a pilgrim inn. The house has a long history of royal and literary associations, and a local connection is claimed with Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest.

By the 20th century the building had become derelict. In 1984 it was bought by Peter Thorogood and Roger Linton, who restored it and opened it to visitors. Both were later awarded MBEs. Peter Thorogood died in 2025, and the estate is now looking for new custodians.

Visitors can see fine panelled rooms, an Elizabethan trompe l’oeil painted room and a Victorian music room that is also used for concerts. The five-acre gardens include a ginkgo tree, animal topiary, a Victorian fruit wall with pineapple pits and several themed garden rooms. The Rural Museum is closed pending restoration.

Highlights

• Medieval timber-framed house from around 1470
• Elizabethan trompe l’oeil painted room
• Victorian music room used for concerts
• Five acres of gardens with topiary and a Victorian fruit wall

Permanent exhibition

• The house and its historic rooms – Panelled rooms, an Elizabethan painted room and a Victorian music room in a house built around 1470.

Founded

1500

Admission & discounts

Standard admission prices are not published on the website; contact the house for current rates. Special events such as the Halloween Pumpkin Trail are ticketed separately.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A small ramp gives access to the ground floor of the house only, as other areas are reached by stairs. For the gardens, visitors buy a ticket at the entrance kiosk and use the wooden gate at the far end of the car park; paths and lawns can be uneven. The tearoom is entered through the rear conservatory, and a toilet for wheelchair users is in the tearoom building. An access statement is available on the website.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

A Halloween Pumpkin Trail for families is held on Saturday 31 October 2026.

Getting there & parking

The house is about 1 mile east of Steyning, in Bramber village off the A283.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

St Mary’s Tearoom is closed out of season but may open for special events and bookings. The shop is next to the tearoom.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The house and gardens host civil weddings and civil partnerships, concerts, corporate events and private functions.

Plan your visit