When it was announce we would be visiting the manor house in Avebury rather than walking round the stones I was quietly unimpressed. I like the stone you see, not because I believe in fairies, or cause I think crystals have energy or even because I wear a cape and call be self a witch.... lol But because they are old, mysterious and a wonder of primitive man (Constructed around 2600 BCE,[1] during the Neolithic Age)... Anyway i digress...My Amazing lady friends parents wanted to see the Manor. I grinned and agreed. It was fun tho. Its not a real lived in manor, the BBC moved in and revamped the place and each room is a designed around the people and the ages of the house. This means to can play with things, sit in the chairs, lay on the bed, get involved. There was even real whiskey in the Art Deco esq living room... honestly there was... hic.I did have fun, its no mysterious ancient monument but its certainly good fun.
Just had the most wonderful time at Avebury Manor today. The manor was all decked out for Xmas with different rooms representing different time periods from Tudor through to 1930. It was fantastic for the kids as the whole manor is very hands on and the kids were encouraged to touch, explore everything, dress up in costumes and even jump into the wonderful high, draped, 4 poster beds - even under the covers! On top of this there were little sugar mice to find in each room which gave the kids a mission to accomplish. The guides in each room were lovely with the kids and helped to make this manor house visit a highlight of our stay in the area. Avebury Manor would be beautiful at any time of year but really shines in the festive season.
Very interesting site. It's age alone is amazing. The Manor house is worth a visit too. Wear decent footwear as it can be muddy.
We found this a very interesting experience. It was good how everything was touchable. I particularly liked Alexander Keillers sitting room.
Avebury Manor is originally Tudor but has been much extended by various owners over the centuries. However, what makes it so much fun is the restoration of the interior carried out for the BBC series 'To The Manor Reborn' in 2011, with each room decorated and furnished to reflect a different era in the life of the manor. The volunteer stewards are very friendly and, because much of the interior is a beautiful interpretation rather than ancient original, you can touch, sit or even lie on some of the exhibits and furniture. The gardens are beautiful too and I was particularly struck by the beautiful afternoon tea we enjoyed in the library, the first time I have been moved to take a photograph of a National Trust tea room. As well as all this, the walk from the car park to the manor takes you past some of the Avebury prehistoric monuments, among them sheep were grazing. A really lovely afternoon.
We had visited Avebury Manor Gardens on our only previous visit six years earlier, but the house wasn't open then. We had wanted to return ever since and an overcast November Monday seemed the perfect opportunity, particularly as the house was open, unlike many that had already closed at the end of October.The lady in the reception building was pleasant and the one who greeted us at the house could not have been more friendly and welcoming. She explained a little about the house and the BBC project and did not overwhelm us with information as some NT stewards do. All her colleagues were equally friendly and all clearly loved the house.The 1930s parlour was wonderful, as were the billiard room, the Tudor bedroom and the downstairs corridor and display cabinet.The grounds were beautifully kept and the kitchen garden a real bonus. We also visited the nearby church, which had an interesting screen and First World War Memorial project.
Nice to see that the house has been preserved and will continue to be looked after, although it's presentation is not exactly what we would expect from a Trust property. Still worth a visit though.
This Tudor Manor house in the care of the National Trust is a bit different in as much as it has been in the possession of many people since it was first built. For this reason there is no original furniture or possessions left belonging to families who have lived here.The Trust have ,therefore ,cleverly furnished each room according to it's association with a period in it's life - Tudor ,Queen Anne , 1930s Art Deco, First World War period etc.Volunteer room guides were without exception ,enthusiastic,articulate,friendly and well trained in the history of the house and estate.The Keiller Museum which covers the history and archeology of the surrounding henge is well worth a visit. Both house and museum are " child friendly", and the cafe in the stable area is excellent.
As National Trust members we expect a certain standard at its properties. Avebury Manor was exceptional. Visitors were quite simply allowed the run of the house with virtually no restrictions. We were encouraged to sit on the chairs, lie on the beds, and even use the billiards table if we wanted. The staff at the Manor went out of their way to be friendly and help us understand the house, the history and the previous occupants. They really made the Manor live. A great visit, and thanks and congratulations to the staff for making it so.
We have visited many National Trust properties, but this excels itself in that the staff in every room were chatty and happy to talk about the room you were in, rather than just sit/stand there and wait to be asked. We felt this really bought the place to life and made it more memorable.