Parham House

Parham House is an Elizabethan country house near Pulborough in West Sussex, set inside the South Downs National Park. Together with its gardens, parkland and fallow deer herd, it forms the Parham Park estate, one of the best-preserved historic seats in southern England.

What is Parham House?

Work on the house began in 1577 for the Palmer family, on the site of an earlier fortified manor. Henry VIII had granted the land to Robert Palmer in 1540, after it belonged to Westminster's monastery. The building follows the E-shaped plan typical of its era and is listed Grade I, the top heritage category. The park and gardens are registered Grade II*.

Clive Pearson bought the property in 1922. With architect Victor Heal he carried out a full restoration, and over four decades the family filled the rooms with furniture, paintings, books, textiles and clocks. During the Second World War the Pearsons took in 32 child evacuees.

What can you see inside?

The interiors showcase the Pearson collection. Highlights are the Great Hall and the Long Gallery, described as the third longest in England. The rooms are full of antiques, art and fabrics, so the visit suits anyone who prefers a lived-in house to an empty shell.

What are the gardens like?

The core is a four-acre walled garden with 18th-century walls, herbaceous borders, a vegetable garden and an orchard, plus a 1920s Wendy House. Beside it, the pleasure grounds hold a lake, specimen trees and a brick-and-turf maze. Beyond lie landscaped parkland and woodland, with fallow deer grazing at the foot of the Downs.

When can you visit?

Parham is open seasonally. One listing gives the 2026 season as 31 March to 13 October, Wednesday to Sunday and on bank holidays. Opening hours for the house and gardens vary between sources, with the gardens generally opening earlier than the house, so check parhaminsussex.co.uk or call 01903 742021 before you travel.

How do you get there?

The estate lies between Storrington and Pulborough. Driving is the easiest option. The nearest main railway station is Pulborough, a few miles away, so plan on a taxi or your own transport for the last stretch.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parham House open all year? No. The house and gardens open seasonally, roughly from spring to mid-October, on selected days of the week.

What is its heritage status? The house is Grade I listed, while the park and gardens are registered Grade II*.

What is the main attraction indoors? The Long Gallery, said to be the third longest in England, along with the Great Hall and the collection of furniture, paintings and clocks.

Are there gardens to explore? Yes: a four-acre walled garden, orchard, vegetable garden, lake, maze and a deer park.