House in the Gothick style and home to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who occupied it until his death in 1892.
Bedbury Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle Of Wight, PO40 9PE
Facilities
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Accessible loos
- Accessible toilets
Farringford is a Grade 1 listed building that was the main residence of renowned Victorian Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson from 1853 until his death until in 1892.
Here he wrote some of his most famous works, including Maud and The Charge of the Light Brigade, as well as entertaining eminent artists and intellectuals of the day.
The estate remained a family home until eventually becoming a hotel in 1945.
More than half a century later this dramatic Gothic house has been meticulously restored and redecorated in a late 19th-century style that reflects the Tennysons’ tastes, interests and lifestyle, featuring personal artefacts and original furniture.
It is now open to the public as a heritage attraction. The extensive grounds have also been restored to their authentic Tennyson-era condition, including an enchanting walled garden with a planting scheme based on contemporary descriptions and artistic depictions by the poet’s friends.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Gardens (Self-guided Visit)
The gardens are open from 14 April to 31 October 2026, Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00am to 4:30pm. Last admission is at 3:30pm. The gardens are closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays, and remain closed during the winter months outside this season.
House Tours (Guided, Pre-booked)
Guided house tours are available from 28 April to 1 October 2026, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only. Tours depart at 10:15am, 12:30pm, and 2:45pm, with each tour lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Pre-booking is required.
Garden Restoration Exhibition
The exhibition is available during the garden season from 14 April to 31 October 2026, Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:30pm (last admission 3:30pm). It is also accessible to visitors following house tours.
Group Visits
Group visits are available for both the house tours and gardens during their respective seasons. House tour groups can visit Tuesday to Thursday (28 April to 1 October 2026), while garden groups are welcome Tuesday to Saturday (14 April to 31 October 2026).
What to See Throughout the Seasons
Spring (April onwards)
The gardens reopen in April with woodland bulbs and tulips still in flower. The Copse is an excellent spot to see naturalised bulbs and red squirrels during this season.
Summer
The walled garden borders reach their peak around July. The Plant Theatres are refreshed several times a week, beginning with auriculas (primulas) in spring and early summer, followed by sweet peas and other blooms throughout the season.
Autumn
The walled garden remains full of flower with foliage beginning to turn. Gardeners are busy harvesting fruit and vegetables grown over the summer months.
HOUSE TOURS
Adults: £14.50
Child (5-17 years): £6.00
Children under 5 go free
GARDENS ADMISSION
Adults: £4.00
Child (5-17 years): £2.00
Children under 5 go free
Groups may book tours. Please contact us for more information: 01983 752500 or [email protected]
We can give guided tours of the house and grounds for classes of up to 30 students, accompanied by school staff. We have a dining area on site that would be suitable for students bringing packed lunches.
We can adapt our material to suit different age ranges and topics (i.e. Tennyson’s life and work, Gothic architecture, a Victorian Christmas etc.). Regrettably, we cannot accommodate coaches on-site, only minibuses.
- Accessible toilets
Getting here
Bedbury Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle Of Wight, PO40 9PE
The main visitor entrance is at ///nibbled.waters.shred. What does this mean?
We are located in the village of Freshwater on the SW of the Isle of Wight. 0.8 miles from Freshwater Bay; 3 miles from the Needles on Alum Bay Old Road/Moons Hill; 3.5 miles from Yarmouth on A3054; 12 miles from Newport on The Middle Road.
Wightlink ferries run daily between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, Portsmouth and Ryde, and Lymington and Yarmouth. Red Funnel operates a car ferry and foot-passenger catamaran between Southampton and Cowes. Three bus services stop within a 10-15 minute walk of Farringford.
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