Friars Court
Friars Court, Clanfield, Oxfordshire, OX18 2SU
There is a wheelchair access lavatory. The gardens are level with a path leading around a majority of the grounds, although areas like the musuem are accessed over gravel.
The gardens of Friars Court are open by appointment only for visits by garden clubs, organisations (such as U3A, WIs), or groups of friends, from May to September, minimum of 12 people, maximum of 48.
Visitors can expect to enjoy a personally guided tour of the grounds, led by the owner of the estate, Charles Willmer. This 45-minute walking tour offers an engaging journey through the three-acre, part-moated gardens, following a level path along the banks of the 500-year-old moat. The route includes bridges crossing the water and explores a series of formal and informal garden ‘rooms’, featuring areas such as the Moat Ponds, willow tunnel, Rose Garden, yew arch, and the newly created Labyrinth Garden. Along the way, guests will hear fascinating anecdotes about the history of the house and the development of the gardens.
After the tour, guests are invited to enjoy a traditional homemade cream tea served in the spacious Garden Room.
A visit also includes access to the owner’s private museum, where visitors can view Roman and medieval artefacts discovered on the surrounding farmland, along with historical family photographs.
All visits, tours and teas, must be arranged in advance.
Please note: Friars Court is a private residence, and the house itself is not open to visitors.
There is a wheelchair access lavatory. The gardens are level with a path leading around a majority of the grounds, although areas like the musuem are accessed over gravel.
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