Dorney Court

About

Dorney Court is one of the country’s finest stately homes and any visit is a fascinating and unique experience.

Built in the 15th Century, the Tudor Manor House has been lived in by the Palmer family who have passed this remarkable and characterful building from father to son over thirteen generations. Visitors will find rooms full of history. Oak and beautiful lacquer furniture compete for space with family portraits and treasures collected over six centuries. The adjacent 13th-Century church of St James the Less, with its Norman font and Tudor tower, are also open to the public.

“Dorney” is the ancient Saxon word for “island of bees” and the estate remains famous for its honey which is still produced to this day. The very first pineapple to be raised in England was grown at Dorney Court and presented to Charles II in 1661 and the spectre of a bald lady haunts the wood panelled hallways.

The Dorney Court Estate also hosts the renowned "Crocus at Dorney Court” garden centre in the old Walled Garden which offers high quality light lunches, cakes, cream teas alongside a range of wonderful plants and shrubs. The Walled Garden is a short walk from the House.

During 2019, the House is:

Open to the Public on 5/6 May; 26/27 May; and 1-31 August. Doors open at 1.30pm with the last tour at circa 4.15pm before the House closes at 5pm.

Open by Private Appointment at any time (subject to availability) for Group and Connoisseurs’ Tours