This summer, we are delighted to welcome you to the home of Alfred Lord Tennyson and his family. Come and see the desk at which he composed some of his best works, and the rooms in which he and Emily hosted long evenings of poetry and laughter for some of the greatest minds of their century. Picture Tennyson, not just as a poet, but as a father, a husband, and a friend, in the house where he spent so many happy years.
Using the extensive inventories and diaries kept by Emily Tennyson during her time at Farringford, as well as evidence uncovered during the eight-year restoration, we have returned the house to the welcoming family home it once was. Our immersive audio tour experience will guide you through each of the eleven rooms, introducing you to the poet, his family, and his lively social circle, to the accompaniment of poetry and music.
Having had a taste of Farringford, you will not want to leave and may, like many of our guests, return year on year to soak up more of the history, poetry, and beautiful art and antique furniture with which the house is filled.
So, what can you expect from your visit?
We run tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:15, 12:30, and 14:45. There are 16 spaces available on each of these tours, and they are extremely popular, so make sure to book ahead!
On the day of the tour, you will enter Farringford through our award-winning walled garden, giving you a chance to enjoy the exquisite planting and stunning views on your way up to the property. Please allow at least fifteen minutes for this walk to give yourself plenty of time to get to the house.
The tour begins as you are welcomed through Tennyson’s front door by one of our guides. We will offer you the option to leave your baggage securely locked away in our cloakroom, to ensure your comfort during the tour experience. Please note that photography is not permitted in the house, and you will be asked to put any cameras, as well as water bottles, in one of our lockers.
We will then show you to the Tennysons’ music room, for a short talk offering a brief overview of the house’s history, and instruction on how to use the audio guides. As you move through the house we encourage you to focus on what it is that interests you. In addition to the audio guides, and written information in each of the rooms, you will be accompanied by our team of guides who are all passionate about the house and will be more than happy to answer your questions.
It is important to note that the house contains many steps and staircases, some of which are very steep and do not have bannisters. We do provide chairs for you to sit on in most of the rooms, however it is important to consider whether you will be able to manage before you make your booking, as we want you to have the best experience possible at Farringford.
The tour lasts approximately an hour and thirty minutes. After you have enjoyed all that the house has to offer, please make sure to visit the beautiful gardens, and restoration exhibition. On your way out, feel free to browse the selection of books and postcards available for purchase from the ticket office.
We do not have a tearoom at Farringford, however there are several excellent cafés nearby, such as The Piano Café and Dimbola Tea Rooms.
Before planning your visit, please make sure to read our Access Statement.
Dogs are allowed on a lead in the garden and restoration exhibition; however, dogs are not allowed in the house (except for assistance dogs). If you are planning to bring an assistance dog, please phone ahead to Reception at 01983 752500 to make us aware of your intention.
Thank you for reading. We look forward to welcoming you to Farringford this summer.