Things to see & do
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The house
The house
Step into another world and explore this magical sixteen-sided house inspired by the adventures of two spinster cousins, Mary and Jane Parminter around Europe. Discover their beautiful craftwork, from walls decorated with feathers and shells, to pictures made from seaweed and sand.
© NTPL/David Garner
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The Shell Gallery
The Shell Gallery
Get closer than before to the unforgettable Shell Gallery, a seashore grotto covered in as many as 25,000 shells arranged in intricate patterns. The largest and most intact example of its kind, the loving detail of the gallery will take your breath away.
© NTPL/David Garner
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The garden and grounds
The garden and grounds
There is something for everyone in our garden and grounds, from croquet on the lawn to soaking up the beautiful scenery with a delicious cream tea. Test your skills with our wide range of outside games or go on a stroll around our wildflower meadow and see what you can find with our nature spotters.
© Colin Searle
The house
The Shell Gallery
The garden and groundsActivities
From playing a game of croquet or snakes and ladders on the lawn to dressing up as a Victorian, there is plenty to do at A la Ronde.
Events
We run events for all ages. Learn how to weave with willow on an art and craft workshop or go exploring on a safari bug hunt. You can also go behind the scenes and discover how we preserve this unusual house..
Don't miss:
- Be amazed and inspired by the decorative wow factor
- Discovery Room with dressing up, silhouette and shell activities
- Wild life brass rubbing and spotter sheets in the grounds
- Enjoy free garden games-croquet, snakes and ladders and more
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Art exhibitions
Boats at Sidmouth by local artist Yvonne Taylor
© Yvonne Taylor
Local artists showcase their work fortnightly at A la Ronde. We feature painters, photographers, sculptors and a wood turner. Entry to the exhibitions, which are in the stable and on occasion also in the tea-room, is free.
Group visits
A la Ronde is a small house. For groups of more than 15 people we ask that you let us know before visiting.
Prizes to be won
Have a go at our regular raffle and see what you could win. The money raised goes back to supporting A la Ronde.
Second hand books
From vintage novels to modern classics, what will you find browsing our second-hand bookshop? The money raised goes straight back into supporting this unique house.
Our photo gallery
Take a look at our photo gallery of A la Ronde, a magical house and quirky house unlike anything you've ever seen.