The Manor

It was the home of Lucy Boston from 1939, and the setting for her Green Knowe children's books - so going round the house and garden visitors feel that they are walking into the books, as many of the toys and other features mentioned exist. The house is a magical place for children to visit. In the winter, Lucy Boston sewed exquisite patchworks. They form the only collection of this calibre worldwide which can be seen in the house where they were made. During the Second World War, Lucy Boston gave gramaphone recitals in the Music Room (which is virtually unchanged from when the house was built). The recitals were for airmen based locally and the old EMG gramaphone is played during the tour.

The 3.5 acre garden laid out by Lucy Boston, is bordered by a moat on three sides and the river Great Ouse on the other. It is approached by walking along the river towpath, where visitors get a glimpse of the long herbaceous borders filled with mainly scented plants of year-round interest. The garden contains coronation and chess topiary, as well as Lucy Boston's beautiful collection of old roses and award-winning irises. It is surrounded by a wilderness full of wildlife, and is a wonderful garden for accompanied children to explore.

HOUSE TOURS
The house is open all year round, but strictly by pre-booked appointment only. During May each year there are guided tours daily at 2pm, but booking is still adviseable. HOUSE AND GARDEN PRICES - Adults £6.00, Senior Citizens £4.50, Children £2.00.

GARDEN
Open daily all year round from 11am - 5pm (or dusk in winter). GARDEN ONLY PRICES - All Adults £3 - £1 (seasonal price variations), Children free.

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Opening details