Described as one of the UK’s most haunted houses, Brighton’s Preston Manor is set to reopen with a new tour which takes groups on a Downton Abbey-style experience set in 1912.
Once a symbol of early 20th-century luxury, the manor house will reopen on 5th April 2025, telling the stories of its former inhabitants, Ellen and Charles Thomas-Stanford, the wealthiest family in Sussex at that time. It also offers a glimpse into the lives of their large number of servants and beloved pets.
This will be the manor’s first public opening since before the pandemic. A new audio trail brings the house to life, allowing visitors to hear from its historical residents, including Lady Ellen and Maurice Elphick, the devoted butler.
Afternoon tea and group benefits
For the first time, a tearoom will be available within the house, offering groups the chance to enjoy a traditional Edwardian cream tea. Groups of 12 or more benefit from discounted admission, with one in every 16 going free. Coach parking is available on-site for pre-booked groups.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museum, said: “We’re thrilled to reopen Preston Manor after five years, offering visitors a fresh new, immersive experience. The house provides a unique opportunity to journey back in time to the grandeur of early 20th-century aristocratic life, exploring the upstairs-downstairs lives of the eminent Thomas-Stanford family.
“Fans of historical dramas like Downton Abbey will love this engaging journey into the world of the Edwardian upper class.”
A ghostly tour
Beyond its striking exterior, hidden gardens, large chandeliers, intricate woodwork and elaborate furnishings, ghostly sightings plague the manor, with tales of ‘The White lady’, mysterious shadows, phantom hands, ghostly children and even ghostly dogs which many have claimed to see.
Special guided tours will be available throughout the season for pre-booked groups that not only cover the history and ghosts of the house, but also offer an exploration into the exquisite walled gardens that back onto Preston Park. As well as unusual planting, visitors can explore an extensive pet cemetery which includes 16 dogs and four cats.
Hedley Swain added: “The manor is steeped in ghostly mystery, with spine-chilling hauntings and tales of eerie sightings and unexplained incidents. It has become an iconic destination for those seeking supernatural thrills.”
The Edwardian estate is located on the outskirts of Brighton, around two miles from the city centre and next to Preston Park train station.
For more information about groups visits to Preston Manor, click here.
