West Horsley Place

Between Guildford and Leatherhead, just off the A246, here is an amazing hidden gem on your doorstep. For over 1,000 years West Horsley Place in Surrey was a privately owned home. However, the small independent charity who now own the manor house and estate are opening it up to the public.  

The fascinating building is on the Heritage At Risk Register and has layer upon layer of stories that are only just being uncovered. The first beams date back to 1382, Henry VIII is known to have dined there and Elizabeth I visited more than once. It is known, most famously, as the set for BBC comedy Ghosts which ran for five very successful series.  

If you haven’t yet discovered it, there are many ways to explore this charming place. Go along to an Open Day and wander around the main rooms at your leisure or, if you would like to hear more about the incredible history, book a full Nooks & Crannies Tour. If you are a Ghosts fan then sign up for a Friday Film Tour and you will not miss out on any of the areas used in the programme.  

Bamber Gascoigne, who inherited the estate in 2015 and gifted it to the newly formed charity, wanted the manor house to become a creative campus. There is a programme of events that include arts and crafts workshops, outdoor theatre, creative talks, book signings and more, for the whole community to enjoy. They also put on family activities such as trails, Father Christmas and historical re-enactment storytelling.  

The estate is around 400 acres and boasts ancient woodlands and meadows to explore. The Trust are starting to run wildlife walks, forest bathing and more wellbeing events outside in the landscape. 

To find out more about the charity, the house and all the events, head to westhorsleyplace.org