Stanway House

Stanway House is a Jacobean manor in the village of Stanway, Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It holds Grade I status on the National Heritage List for England, and its gardens appear on the Register of Parks and Gardens. Visitors come above all for the water garden and its towering fountain.

What is the history of Stanway House?

For roughly 800 years the manor of Stanway belonged to Tewkesbury Abbey, and then for around 500 years to the Tracy family. Their descendants, the Earls of Wemyss and March, still own it. Sir Paul Tracy began the present house in the early 1600s, and building continued into the middle of the century. It is an L-shaped block of pale golden Cotswold stone. The Victorian architect William Burn altered it in 1859, and Detmar Blow made further changes in 1913.

What is there to see?

Inside, the Great Hall stands out for its broad bay window, glazed with tinted leaded lights made up of a great many small panes. Manorial courts met in this hall until about 1800. Outside, look for:

• the water garden, with a cascade and a long formal canal, restored from 1998;
• the pyramid at the head of the cascade, built in 1750 by Robert Tracy in memory of his father John, who died in 1735;
• the fountain in the canal, a single jet that rises roughly 90 to 100 metres;
• the parish church and the old tithe barn beside the house.

When can you visit?

The house and garden open to the public in summer only. According to the estate, that means Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm in June, July and August. The fountain plays twice each afternoon, weather permitting. Show times and ticket prices change, so check the official website before you travel. Outside the season the buildings stay closed.

How do you get to Stanway?

The village lies in the northern Cotswolds, not far from Tewkesbury, and the Cotswold Way footpath passes close to the estate. Driving is the easiest option. The village and church can be seen at any time of year.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stanway House open all year?

No. Tours of the house and garden run on selected summer afternoons, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays from June to August.

When does the fountain run?

On open days, twice in the afternoon, if the weather allows. The estate website lists exact times.

How old is the house?

It dates from the late 16th and 17th centuries and is Jacobean in style, with later alterations in 1859 and 1913.

How long should I plan for a visit?

Two to three hours covers the house, the garden and a fountain display.