Stonor Park: An Enduring Medieval Estate in the Chiltern Hills
Explore Stonor Park, an 850-year-old family home with medieval roots, ancient stone circle, and tranquil Chiltern Hills gardens.
Stonor Park, near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, is one of England’s oldest family homes, inhabited by the Stonor family for over 850 years. This historic country house features a unique blend of medieval, Tudor, and Georgian architecture, a 12th-century private chapel, and the remains of a prehistoric stone circle. The estate’s gardens and deer park offer tranquil natural beauty, while its rich history intertwines with the family’s steadfast Catholic faith during turbulent times.
A brief summary to Stonor Park
- Henley-on-Thames, Stonor, RG9 6HF, GB
- +441491638587
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the private Chapel of the Blessed Trinity to see the ancient stone foundation and learn about the Stonor family's Catholic heritage.
- Explore the Italianate pleasure gardens and enjoy views of the deer park where fallow deer roam freely.
- Take time to discover the historic interiors, including the 17th-century library and family portraits that chronicle centuries of history.
- Stop by the Stonor Pantry café for refreshments in a cozy setting dating back to the 12th century.
- Learn about Edmund Campion’s secret printing press hidden in the priest hole during the Reformation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Taxi
Travel by train to Henley-on-Thames station, approximately 4 miles from Stonor Park. From there, take a taxi for about 10 minutes; taxi fares typically range from £12 to £18. Note that no direct public transport serves the estate.
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Car
Drive via the M40 (junction 6) or M4 (junctions 8/9) to the B480 road towards Henley-on-Thames. Parking is available on-site free of charge. The drive from central Henley-on-Thames takes approximately 15 minutes. SatNav may add extra time if not using junction 6 on the M40.
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Walking
For active visitors, a scenic but moderately challenging 1.5-hour walk from Henley-on-Thames town center to Stonor Park is possible, involving country lanes and some uneven terrain. Suitable for those with good mobility and weather-appropriate footwear.
Stonor Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Stonor Park
Ancient Roots and Family Legacy
Stonor Park stands as a remarkable testament to continuity, having been the ancestral home of the Stonor family, Barons Camoys, for more than eight centuries. The estate’s name derives from the Old English 'Stanora Lege,' meaning 'stony hill,' referencing the prehistoric stone circle on which the house was built. The family’s documented presence dates back to the late 12th century, with Robert de Stanora as an early inhabitant. Over generations, the Stonors played influential roles as local sheriffs, parliamentarians, and royal servants, weaving their story deeply into English history.Architectural Evolution and Historic Interiors
Behind its warm red brick façade, Stonor Park is a complex of buildings reflecting centuries of architectural styles. The core dates from the late 12th century, with the private Chapel of the Blessed Trinity added in the 13th century, incorporating one of the ancient standing stones into its foundation. Around 1540, the house adopted its distinctive E-shaped Tudor layout. Visitors today can explore the grand Gothic revival hall, the atmospheric 17th-century library, and a long gallery that opens onto Italianate gardens. The interiors house a rich collection of family portraits, tapestries, bronzes, and ceramics gathered from around the world, each room telling stories of the family’s service and heritage.Faith and Perseverance Through Turbulent Times
The Stonor family’s unwavering Catholic faith shaped much of the estate’s history. During the English Reformation and subsequent centuries, they endured persecution and heavy recusancy fines for refusing to conform to the Church of England. The private chapel remained a sanctuary for Catholic worship and refuge for Jesuit priests, including Edmund Campion, who hid in the priest hole while secretly printing his famous pamphlet in 1581. Despite raids and imprisonments, the family’s commitment never wavered, allowing local villagers to attend Mass at the chapel and maintaining a rare continuous Catholic presence in the region.Gardens, Deer Park, and Natural Splendor
Set within the rolling Chiltern Hills, Stonor Park’s grounds include a private deer park where fallow deer roam freely, enhancing the estate’s serene atmosphere. The gardens, with origins recorded from the 14th century, feature a 17th-century Italianate pleasure garden with ponds and fountains, an old kitchen garden, and historic tree plantings. Over centuries, the gardens have evolved with influences from Victorian plant collectors and 20th-century restorations. The estate’s landscape invites visitors to experience a peaceful connection to nature amid ancient trees and sweeping views.Prehistoric Heritage and the Stone Circle
One of Stonor Park’s most fascinating features is the prehistoric stone circle that predates the house by thousands of years. The remains of this ancient henge are still visible on the grounds, with one stone symbolically embedded in the chapel’s corner. The stones, a mix of sarsen and puddingstone, were repositioned during 17th- and 20th-century landscaping efforts but remain a powerful link to the site’s distant past, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric ritual landscapes.Living History and Contemporary Stewardship
Today, Stonor Park remains a vibrant family home, stewarded by the Hon. William Stonor and Lady Ailsa, who continue the family’s legacy of preservation and public engagement. The estate welcomes visitors to explore its layered history, architectural marvels, and natural beauty. The on-site Stonor Pantry café offers a cozy spot to relax, while the estate’s ongoing care ensures that this extraordinary country house and its grounds endure as a living connection to England’s past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holy Well of St Anne
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Edward VII Statue
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Virgin Experience Days
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Maidenhead Railway Bridge
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Hilton Reading
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Bill Hill Bronze Age Barrow
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The White House
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Miniland
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LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
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Lily Hill Park
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The Brocas
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Sydney Camm Memorial
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Burning Bush
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Eton College
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River Thames Windsor
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Unmissable attractions to see
Warburg Nature Reserve Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
2.1 km
Explore the tranquil Chilterns sanctuary of Warburg Nature Reserve, a vibrant refuge for rare orchids, fungi, and wildlife amid ancient woodlands and chalk grasslands.
Fairmile Vineyard Henley-on-Thames
5.4 km
Award-winning English sparkling wines crafted in a scenic Chilterns vineyard near Henley-on-Thames, offering year-round tours and tastings.
National Trust - Greys Court
5.8 km
Explore centuries of history, enchanting gardens, and scenic Chilterns walks at the charming Tudor manor of Greys Court.
National Trust - Nuffield Place
6.0 km
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Henley Royal Regatta
7.0 km
Experience the world’s most prestigious rowing event on the scenic River Thames at Henley-on-Thames, blending sport, tradition, and elegant riverside hospitality.
Mill Meadows
7.5 km
Tranquil riverside park in Henley-on-Thames offering scenic walks, picnics, and community green space along the Thames.
River & Rowing Museum
7.6 km
Discover the heritage of the Thames and rowing in Henley’s striking museum, blending sport, art, and immersive family experiences.
Chilterns National Landscape
8.8 km
Explore 324 square miles of rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and historic villages in England’s tranquil Chilterns National Landscape.
National Trust - West Wycombe Park
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The Boot
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A beloved gastropub in Bledlow Ridge offering hearty British classics, a welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly outdoor spaces.
Dashwood Mausoleum
10.8 km
Historic 18th-century mausoleum with panoramic Chiltern Hills views, linked to Sir Francis Dashwood and the legendary Hellfire Club.
The Hellfire Caves
10.8 km
Explore the eerie 18th-century underground tunnels of The Hellfire Caves, steeped in mystery, history, and legendary secret societies.
CHILTERNS NATURE - CHINNOR CHALK PITS
11.3 km
Explore the serene and fossil-rich Chinnor Chalk Pits, a geological gem nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Hills.
Marlow Museum
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Higginson Park and Court Garden Leisure Complex
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Essential places to dine
The Restaurant at Danesfield House
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Vanilla Pod
11.3 km
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The Ivy Marlow Garden
11.5 km
Elegant British dining with Art Deco charm and a diverse menu on Marlow's historic High Street, perfect for special occasions and leisurely meals.
Miller & Carter Caversham
13.3 km
Savor expertly aged Black Angus steaks in a warm, inviting setting at Miller & Carter Caversham, Reading’s premier steakhouse destination.
The Botanist Reading
15.8 km
Experience live music and delicious dining at The Botanist Reading - where every visit offers something new!
Bill's Reading Restaurant
15.9 km
Elegant Georgian setting meets hearty British fare with all-day dining, private rooms, and a sunny terrace in Reading’s town centre.
Coconut Bar & Kitchen
15.9 km
A vibrant Pan-Asian hotspot in Reading blending bold flavors, crafted cocktails, and an industrial chic vibe for all-day dining and late-night fun.
London Street Brasserie
15.9 km
Elegant riverside dining in Reading offering refined British cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse - Reading
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Miller & Carter Oracle
16.0 km
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La table d'Alix at The Plough
16.0 km
Authentic French cuisine in a charming Oxfordshire village pub, blending rustic elegance with warm hospitality for memorable dining experiences.
Piwnica Restaurant
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Savor authentic Polish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in a charming Reading cellar restaurant.
The Herd Restaurant
16.2 km
Experience expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Pangbourne at The Herd Restaurant.
Harvester Mansion House Reading
17.1 km
Family-friendly British grill and bar in a historic setting with fresh salads and hearty meals in Reading’s Prospect Park.
The Shurlock Inn
17.6 km
A charming 17th-century English gastropub blending historic charm with modern British cuisine and a lively bar scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
John Lewis & Partners
10.8 km
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Ruby Moon
13.6 km
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Dolly Rose Vintage Shed
14.4 km
Discover rare vintage fashion treasures and timeless style at Dolly Rose Vintage Shed, Caversham’s beloved boutique for sustainable, curated clothing.
Sugarland uk
15.6 km
Discover a vibrant world of UK and American sweets at Sugarland UK, Reading’s beloved candy shop with pick-and-mix fun and next-day delivery.
Harris Arcade
15.6 km
Discover Reading’s elegant 1930s Art Deco arcade, home to quirky independent shops and a unique vintage shopping experience.
But Is It Art
15.7 km
Discover quirky, art-inspired gifts and British cultural charm at But Is It Art, Reading’s boutique for unique handcrafted treasures.
Inspiration
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Barbara's Antique and Bric a Brac Shop
16.1 km
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The Rhubarb Tree
16.2 km
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Well Cool Stuff
16.7 km
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Nicholsons Shopping Centre
17.0 km
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B&M Store
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Little Wren Collections
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Englefield Stores & Tea Room
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The Old Grain Barn Antiques, Berkshire
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Chilterns Fox
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The Botanist Marlow
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The Oarsman, Marlow
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The Old Brewery
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The Snug Bar High Wycombe
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Oakford Social Club
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Valpy Street Bar & Bistro
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Milk Bar Reading
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Wild Lime
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High Spirits Cocktail Company
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The Face Bar
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Hope & Bear
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The White Eagle
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The Purple Turtle
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Reading
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- LGBT Friendly
