What to expect on your visit

The house, gardens and estate at Polesden Lacey are open and you don't need to book your visit in advance. Our busier times are at weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

Illuminated mushrooms on the Ignite at Gibside trail

Visiting during Ignite 

Polesden Lacey was once the home of Edwardian society hostess, Margaret Greville. She loved to surprise and delight her visitors and we hope Ignites continues that tradition. If you are planning on visiting Polesden Lacey during the day or coming to Ignite, find out what to expect here.

What to expect
A family on the South Lawn at Polesden Lacey

Parking

Parking is free for National Trust members, non-members can pay on arrival. We have designated blue badge holder parking close to our main entrance. Campervans that are used for transport are welcome but are not permitted to stay overnight. We’re unable to welcome caravans and coaches at the moment.

The gold saloon at Polesden Lacey

Visiting the house 

At present, only the rooms on the ground floor are open and we hope to have upstairs rooms open from the spring in 2022. There's no need to book a ticket to see the house, just join the queue outside the front door.

Discover the house
A boy eating a scone

What's open

The house, gardens, wider estate, café, coffee shop and toilets are open. There is kiosk where you can buy a small selection of drinks and ice cream near Admiral's Walk. Inline with government guidance we have lifted social distancing rules and other COVID restrictions. However, the safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority so have retained some safety measures alongside maintaining our high standards of cleanliness. Please be mindful of each other when visiting our properties.

An unusual planter, a toilet basin filled with flowers

Facilities

The main toilets are opposite the coffee shop as you walk into Polesden Lacey from the main car park. There are baby change facilities and disabled toilets here.

Beautiful Autumnul tree with a couple walking their dog

Visiting with a dog 

We welcome dogs in most parts of the grounds, except for the formal gardens and the south lawn which is in front of the house. You can download our map to see where dogs are welcome in the grounds. Our 1400-acre estate is the perfect place for a pooch to explore. You are free to go where you like on the estate, but please remember that we do have working farms. Please keep your dog on a lead if livestock are in the field, but we recommend that if cattle approach you, let your dog off the lead.

Download the map
A group of walkers at Polesden Lacey

Visiting Polesden Lacey with your group 

We welcome pre-booked schools or groups to Polesden Lacey and it couldn't be easier to organise. Guided tours, education tools and food and beverage can be arranged as part of your visit. To make any enquiries or to make a provisional booking please email us at polesdenlacey@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01372 452048. 

More about group bookings
A row of wheelchairs

Accessibility

Most of the new garden route follows hard-standing paths which are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Please check with staff on arrival if you have any concerns. If you would like to use a mobility scooters or buggy service please pre-book. You can email us: polesdenlacey@nationaltrust.org.uk or give us a call: 01372 452048.

An arrow pointing left on slate in front of leaves

Staying safe

We’ve removed our one-way system around the gardens. However, please be mindful of other visitors, staff and volunteers. If you’re showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you've been in contact with anyone that has the virus in the last 14 days, please don’t visit.

Map image of Polesden Lacey

A map of the property 

You can download a small map of the gardens at Polesden Lacey here. You'll be able to pick one of these up at reception when you arrive, with more information on what you can see and do on your visit.

Download here