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
House Tours
28th April 2026 to 1st October 2026 (Tuesday to Thursday only)
Tours are available at 10:15, 12:30, and 14:45.
Note: One source indicates an opening date of 26th April 2026; please contact us to confirm the exact reopening date.
Gardens and Grounds
14th April 2026 to 31st October 2026 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Opening hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm (last admission 3:30pm)
Gardens are closed to the general public during winter months outside the open season. Cottage guests may access the grounds year-round.
Exhibitions
Both the House Restoration Exhibition and Garden Restoration Exhibition are included in the price of entry.
- House Restoration Exhibition: Open during house tour times (28th April–1st October 2026, Tuesday to Thursday, at 10:15, 12:30 & 14:45)
- Garden Restoration Exhibition: Open during garden opening times (14th April–31st October 2026, Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am–4:30pm)
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (April onwards): Woodland bulbs and tulips are in flower at reopening. The walled garden reaches its peak during spring and summer months.
Summer (July): Walled garden borders are at their peak.
Autumn (through 31st October): Gardens remain open to the public during the autumn season.
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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