The Manor at Hemingford Grey, Hemingford Grey

Nine hundred years of history can be found in what might be the longest continuously occupied house in the country. There is a warm welcome from the owner, daughter in law of Lucy Boston, who guides small groups through half a dozen rooms explaining the social and architectural history in an informative and engaging manner. A selection of Lucy's patchwork quilts are on display, each shown by the owner to help the visitor appreciate the work involved and story behind them. Outside, one can wander the large, but not extensive, grounds and gardens and stroll the riverside walk. Good food is available a few minutes walk away at The Cock.

A beautiful garden to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility in and a stunning house full of history and atmosphere. An experience not to be missed. Such an interesting guide who,is also the owner, told us such a lot of the history of the house and grounds. A wonderful day out in a beautiful village and thoroughly recommend a visit. SandiAl.

I visited the manor in 2011. The grounds and the house are absolutely lovely, and the owner is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the building, the life and works of L.M. Boston, and the Greene Knowe stories that are based there. The tour was detailed but not too long or overwhelming. I loved seeing the music/story room, and my mother (a quilter) loved getting a close look at the quilts Mrs. Boston stitched. When train/bus schedules from London made us early for our tour, the owner graciously offered us a cup of tea from her kitchen and allowed us to look around the grounds on our own before the tour started. We also enjoyed the gift shop, which was full of interesting quality items. Our visit was one of the highlights of our UK trip and I would recommend a visit to anyone!

My 9-year-old daughter and I visited The Manor at Hemmingford Grey in 2003 as a highlight of a week-long London visit. We took the train, then a bus, to the village of thatched-roof houses and then a short walk to the Manor. It looked exactly as I'd always imagined having read and re-read the magical children's books, "The Children of Green Knowe" written by its previous owner, Lucy Boston and illustrated by her son. Our gracious hostess for touring the house was Lucy's daughter-in-law who still owns this ancient Norman manor, and keeps its marvelous topiary garden (that comes alive, in one of the books). The child's bedroom at the top story is kept just as it was described in the books, with many keepsakes that figure prominently in the stories, in which children slip in and out of ancient times and adventures. The stories belong on the shelf with Narnia, Oz, and Harry Potter -- the house and grounds have a timeless quality even if you haven't read the books but do read some before you go! Lucy Boston also collected and made quilts and much of her collection also is preserved and displayed at the house. At the edge of the garden runs a quiet river with swans drifting past the hanging willows. Lunching on its bank, my daughter and I felt we had slipped into another world, one more peaceful and closer to magic than our everyday lives. It was a respite from the bustle of London and a "forever memory."

Lovely garden, welcoming owner