Greys Court is an old family home in Oxfordshire now maintained by the National Trust. Being a local tourist in my own city has been made possible due to my membership to the National Trust. Though their are many things one can do in their own city that is free, visiting historical sites like Greys Court isn’t one of them. As a member of the National Trust I do not only get free access to most properties but free parking as well. Every weekend if I am not traveling I enjoy perusing the NT website for places I can explore.
Regular readers of A July Dreamer know of my intention to explore all the NT properties in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. If new to the blog, catch up on my latest local adventures including my visit to Blenheim Palace.
Greys Court #localtourist
Greys Court was a family home owned by Lord and Lady Brunner who bought the house in 1937 from Sir William Stapleton. Lady Brunner {nee Elizabeth Irving} is the granddaughter of the famous Victorian actor Sir Henry Irving. The Tudor country house has only ever had 5 families live in it with the Brunner family being the last. The house was then donated to the National Trust in 1969 but has been open to the public since 1950. Though it wasn’t until 2003 when lady Brunner died aged 99 that the National Trust fully took over. Since then the house is maintained by the National Trust and its army of volunteers.
Lord and Lady Brunner had four sons two of whom died recently and the other two are still alive; living in Oxford and London. Though the family does not maintain the house, they do take interest in how the house is managed. The house is located in Rotherfield Greys near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. It’s name is derived from the Grey Family who are descendants of the Norma Knight Ancheti de Greye.
Things to do @ Greys Court
Though from the outside it doesn’t look it, Greys Court has lots to offer its visitors. From exploring the magnificent house, touring the estate to enjoy the beautiful walled gardens. What I found interest was the fact that the house was built in 1573 but its current decorations are 1750 style.
Touring the house
National Trust offers guided tours to visitors at 11am and 12pm then from 1pm the house is open for free flow. The guided tours are given on a first come fist serve basis and last for 45 minutes. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to join either of the guided tour slots but enjoyed free flow. Even during free flow there are volunteers in each room giving you a brief history on the rooms. One thing to note is that pictures are NOT allowed inside the property which was a shame but understandable.
Shop the Woodshed
The property has one of the cutest gift shops ever, I was so mesmerized by it I ended up picking some items. There is so much to be beheld in the shop its a crime to leave without purchasing anything. You can purchase anything from guide books about the property and also history on the family.
Follow that trail
One thing I enjoyed very much about from touring the property was following the pre-defined trail. There is two options to choose from, a simple 10-15 minute or 30-45 minutes around the property. Obviously I chose the 10-15 minute trail, there loads of cows and sheep on the property which is fun for the children. The leaves on the trees have started to change colour giving a beautiful autumn look.
Eat and enjoy the tranquility and Peace
After following the simple trail, I headed for lunch in the Tea room called the cowshed which was beautiful. I loved how simple but creative there menu was, I opted for a bacon bap with a beetroot salad with walnut dressing. For dessert I opted for the Victoria sponge cake which was absolutely delicious.
After polishing off my meal I went off to check out the walled garden with its beautiful roses and wisteria. They have such a beautiful area where once can sit, no technology allowed and no talking. It’s such a tranquil place, the gardens where awesome to explore including the tower.
Things to know
- Car Park is two minutes walk from the estate, there is option to park closer for those with mobility issues
- Toilets are available outside the house next to the gift shop and close to the tea room
- Team room has both indoor and outdoor sitting area, high chairs for children are available.
- Admittance is free for National Trust members but guest have to pay
- There is a lovely picnic area close to the Visitor Reception.
- The area is family friendly.
Address: Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG
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Blair Villanueva says
I can imagine a pre wedding photo shoot here, or a runway fashion show. It is stunningly beautiful!
Lisa says
OMG this looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I would love to go it looks so enchanting.
Wandermust Family says
i love greys court. My lo loves hunting for fairy doors there!
Deborah Nicholas says
What a beautiful place to visit, the shop looks like a real treat haven too!
Lindsey says
Grey’s Court looks darling, a great day out for the whole family. The shop looks really nice as well as the grounds.
Stephanie (OurNextFewSteps) says
What a beautiful and relaxing place to visit! Looks like a lovely day out x
Newcastle Family Life says
This looks like a great place to visit, it looks such a beautiful house. I would love to visit myself one day x
Hannah Anderson says
Ah what a beautiful place! I think I may have to give it a visit one day 🙂
Lavanda Michelle says
Very nice! Kind of whimsical even. Thanks for the tour. I feel like I’ve been on a trip back in time.
Shannon Graham says
That looks like an amazing place for weddings. Even senior pictures.
Stella Kashmoney says
What a beautiful looking place. Looks amazing.
Dawn Wairimu says
what an interesting spot with so much to see. i would love to visit one day – it’s on the bucket list.
Jayne says
We love National Trust properties. Greys Court looks lovely and we will have to pay it a visit in the near future.
(hubby helping out)
Aishwarya says
At first, I thought it was some restaurant, but then I understood that it’s a tourist attraction!! It’s so amazing!! I live the look it has, kind off like a fort!
Clairejustineo says
What a beautiful place. I could just take a walk around here now and the gift shop looks beautiful. I could spend hours in here alone 🙂
Kara says
I love NT properties and Greys Court looks beautiful. Oxford is somewhere I have yet to explore
Lauren Porter says
I love exploring places like this – the garden trail looks wonderful x
Akamatra says
Imagine taking your kid there and explaining the history about lords and ladies. Priceless! My kid would flip!
Luciana Malanga says
Looks amazing sissy, next time please take me with you.
Anosa says
I will think about it hahahah
Latoyia Dean-Dennis says
This place looks beautiful! I would love a day or so…just relaxing and taking it all in.
Anosa says
Its totally gorgeous, I had to take a minute, sit down and appreciate the beauty around me
Andrea Broom says
What a beautiful place to explore. I love how vivid your pictures are they take you there. It looks like the perfect place to relax and just walk around. You could get lost here in a lazy Sunday afternoon for a while.
Anosa says
I honestly did get lost in a lazy Sunday early afternoon and just took it all in
Sandra Milena Crespo says
Greyscourt looks like somewhere we would love to visit! Ty for sharing these beautiful pics too!
Ana De Jesus says
Greyscourt looks beautiful and what a great way to explore the area. I like the sound of the tranquil cafe as well x
Sarah Bailey says
What a lovely looking place to get to explore, hands up I would love to nose around the gardens and check out that shop!
Amber says
This does look like a relaxing place. I’d enjoy walking those trails and just taking everything in.
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
All too often we forget that our own cities have aspects of them we do not appreciate or even know exist!!
Milton says
Wow I love your photos capturing the leaves turning orange – Autumn is such a beautiful time! 🙂
Tanya at Intimate Explorations says
I love the idea of being a local tourist. I don’t do that enough. The grounds here look absolutely beautuful.
Claudia Krusch says
I would love to go to Greys Court and explore. It looks so beautiful there. Old homes always have so much character.
Fi Ni Neachtain says
I absolutely love visiting old houses like this with beautiful gardens. I bet this place is even more stunning in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. Good luck with your plan to visit all the NT places in your local area 🙂
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
What a pretty home, I bet the inside was beautiful because the outside looks spectacular. It’s amazing the places you can find right in your own backyard when you look.
David Jack Taylor says
I love having a mooch around place like this. You find some cool places!
Anosa says
Thanks David, its always fun finding such places so close to home and so readily available to explore
Robin Rue says
What a cool place! I love finding little hidden gems like this! You go to the best places.
Anosa says
Aww thanks Robin, this hidden gem was definitely worth the find