Loseley Park is one of those places that just makes you take a deep intake of breath. The house has been a family home for some five hundred years and four generations of the More-Molyneux family live there today. Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park is situated in the North Downs in Surrey and surrounded by ancient parkland.
Much of the house remains as it was in the 16th century albeit for minor internal alterations. Although a family home, Loseley Park is open to the public during the open season. Highlights include the Great Hall where you will find George IV’s coronation chair, panels carved for Henry VIII’s banqueting tents and work by England’s finest woodcarver – Grinling Gibbons. The Drawing Room ceiling was commissioned for a visit by James I, the fireplace is carved from a single block of chalk and the cushions on the maid of honour chairs thought to have been worked on by Queen Elizabeth I. Loseley Park is a treasure trove for anyone interested in furniture and history with every generation represented in art.
One of the things I adore about Loseley Park is the spectacular walled garden, two and half acres of pure joy. Divided into ‘rooms’, each has its own planting scheme and personality. From the award-winning rose garden with hundreds of old English bushes to the flower garden with a maze of pathways to the tranquility of the white garden. Admittedly visiting the gardens with a six year old in tow is not as calming as a grown-up wander but POD loves exploring the myriad of paths at Loseley Park. The magnificent Vine Walk especially was a huge hit.
The Loseley Park estate is open to the public from Sunday to Thursday. Loseley House is now closed until May with the grounds, walled garden, tea room and shop will open until the 28th September. I’m hoping I can sneak in another visit before then.
