Greys Court is a Tudor country house and delightful gardens in the idyllic setting of the southern Chiltern Hills at Rotherfield Greys, near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. It is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.

From a Tudor show house to 20th-century family home, it has only been inhabited by five families in its long history. The mansion today is a patchwork of styles that hint at the various fortunes and tastes of the occupants.

The influential de Grey family held Greys Court when it was first recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086. At one time, a medieval manor sat across the upper lawn from the current house and was extended. In the 1450s, the Lovell family added a large timber-framed building on the house side of the oval lawn.

In the Tudor period, Sir Francis Knollys demolished many of the medieval buildings and built the main part of the present house, incorporating part of the 1450s building.

In later centuries, the Stapletons converted the house into the fashionable Georgian style, with romantic medieval ruins, followed by Victorian alterations. The last owners, the Brunners, renovated both the house and gardens, which is what can be seen today.

The gardens at Greys Court were virtually derelict when the Brunner family arrived in 1937. Lady Brunner, in particular, was keen to make a haven of tranquillity, which she wished to share with visitors. Other buildings from earlier eras include the Great Tower from the 14th century and a rare Tudor donkey wheel, in use until the early 20th century.

The house
Explore the country house originally built in the 14th century, with alterations over the centuries and views over the Chiltern hills. Here are some features to look out for:

• The 16th and 17th-century stained glass panels at the top of a plain pine staircase called Wappenscheib. 
• The 16th-century Swiss table in the entrance hall.
• The portrait of Greys Court on a summer afternoon in 1959, painted by Lady Brunner’s brother, Laurence Irving. 
• The very fine 18th-century plasterwork, perhaps by Roberts of Oxford. 
• The elegant classical drawing room, added in c.1750 by the Stapleton family, who owned Greys Court from 1724 until 1935.

Walled gardens
There’s something to see around every corner in the garden at Greys Court. Explore the charming series of walled gardens on a site with over 900 years of history, with seasonal highlights of wisteria, roses and spring bulbs.

Eat
Fresh and seasonal delights are served daily in our café. Why not take some time to treat yourself to a home-made cake, warming soup or delicious scone at The Cowshed café. Once home to Sir Felix’s and Lady Brunner’s herd of prize-winning Guernsey cows, The Cowshed is now a warm and cosy tearoom where you can enjoy a variety of food and drink during your visit.

Shop
Situated in the old Woodshed, our shop has a wide range of gifts available. From children’s books and plants to jewellery and beer, there is something for everyone! Outside the shop, there is a variety of plants available for purchase and some beautiful outdoor sculptures. You can also find seasonal produce to buy within the walled gardens and garden tools inside the shop! You can also buy seasonal plants, flowers and vegetables grown in the greenhouses, borders and kitchen garden. You can find them displayed near the greenhouse and outside the potting shed at the far end of the formal gardens.

The estate
Set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns, the estate grounds are full of glorious wooded parkland and rambling walks ready for you to explore. Enjoy a 3km Greys estate walk following the red arrows through the farmland and beech woods. Thanks to the wonderful work of the Chiltern Society this walk is now stile-free. The paths are uneven and may be muddy depending on the weather. Dogs must be kept under close control on this walk as you may come across different types of wildlife and grazing farm animals.

By train
Henley-on-Thames station is 3 miles away.

By road
West of Henley-on-Thames. From the Nettlebed mini-roundabout on A4130, take B481, and the property is signed to the left after approximately 3 miles. There is also a direct route from Henley-on-Thames town centre. Follow signs to Badgemore Golf Club towards Peppard, approximately 3 miles out of Henley. There’s free parking about 220 yards from Greys Court. The postcode for is Sat Nav: RG9 4PG.

On foot
It is possible to walk from Henley to Greys Court if you start at the Henley College fields and follow a public footpath shown on OS maps. It will take you past Lower Hernes towards Pinnards Woods, and you will arrive at Greys Court. Please be aware the last part of the walk leads you to the main road outside Greys Court.

By bicycle
You can reach Greys Court bicycle via the Oxfordshire cycleway. On arrivale, you can lock up your bikes next to the visitor reception.

Blue badge parking. Accessible toilet. Grounds are partly accessible. It is 250 yards from the car park to the gardens and house. There are stairs to the second floor of the house. Livestock in fields.

Prices

Adult – £16.00
Child – £8.00
One adult family – £24.00
Family – £40.00

Free entry for National Trust members. Become a member and discover more than 500 places.

Join

House – from 11.00am to 4.00pm
Garden – from 10.00am to 4.00pm
Tearoom – from 10.00am to 3.30pm
Shop – from 10.00am to 4.00pm

The last entry to the site is one hour before closing. The last entry to the house is 30 minutes before house closure.

Please check website for up-to-date opening hours and details of any planned closures.