Wiston House

Wiston House near Steyning in West Sussex is an Elizabethan country house from the later 16th century, protected as a Grade I listed building, the highest category in England. It sits inside the South Downs National Park at the foot of the chalk escarpment, at the heart of an estate of more than 2,400 hectares.

What is it and who built it?

The house dates from around 1576 and was built for Thomas Shirley (also spelled Sherley), a member of the local gentry. During the Civil War it changed hands between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. Afterwards it passed to the Goring family, who held it for generations. Parts of the original mansion were pulled down in the 18th century, and in the early 1800s the architect Edward Blore reworked the house and added new wings. What you see today is a Tudor core wrapped in later additions.

Can you visit Wiston House?

It is not a museum with regular opening hours. The house is the home of Wilton Park, an executive agency of the UK Foreign Office that hosts international policy conferences, so the interior is normally closed to the public.

Your best chance to get in is a National Garden Scheme open day. The latest one found ran on 12 July 2025, with the garden (a Victorian layout still being restored) and neighbouring St Mary's Church open. Tickets were about £10, children free, and booking was recommended. Check the National Garden Scheme website for the next date.

What else is nearby?

• St Mary's Church beside the house, which holds memorials connected with the estate's owning families.
• Wiston Estate, which runs a winery and a restaurant open to visitors. Confirm opening times before you go.
• Chanctonbury Ring, the hilltop crowned with beech trees planted in 1760 by Charles Goring, heir to the estate. It is a classic South Downs walk with wide views over the Weald.

How do you get there and when should you go?

Wiston lies close to Steyning, just off the A283. The nearest mainline station is Worthing, from where you need a bus or taxi. Walkers heading for Chanctonbury Ring usually start from the free car park near Washington, which is locked at dusk. Summer suits an open day; spring and autumn are better for hill walks, though the descent can be slippery after rain.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wiston House open to visitors? Not year-round. It operates as a conference centre, and public access is mostly limited to National Garden Scheme open days.

What is its listing grade? Grade I, the top tier of protection in England.

What is Wilton Park? A UK Foreign Office agency that runs international affairs conferences at Wiston House.

Is there a good walk nearby? Yes. Chanctonbury Ring is a popular South Downs hike. The climb is fairly steep but not extreme.