Greys Court near Henley in South Oxfordshire is an intimate family home and peaceful estate set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns. Glorious walled gardens are a colourful patchwork of interest set amid medieval ruins.
Soak up the beauty of the dahlias and abundant kitchen garden in the mellow September sun , and it’s open for free until the 19th September as part of the Heritage Open Days.

England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days, is back between 12th and 21st September. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the festival allows organisations to highlight the history, heritage and culture of places and communities across the country. As part of the festival each year, many National Trust places throw open their gates to give everyone free access on select days. It’s a great opportunity for those who have not visited their local National Trust place before to experience their nature, beauty and history.

In Medieval times houses like this often played host to the monarch and other important guests as they toured around England. Recent archaeological digs at Greys Court, which I was lucky enough to visit have revealed at arcade between the main house and guest quarters so that their important guests could reach the main house without getting their finery ruined by the vagaries of the English weather.

For more information about Grey’s Court, please check out the National Trust website

Images (c) Hugh Mothersole