The Priest House - East Grinstead

The Priest House: A Hidden Gem in West Hoathly, United Kingdom

Located in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, East Grinstead, RH19 4PP, United Kingdom, The Priest House is a unique museum and tourist attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into the social history and domestic life of the past. This charming house, which dates back to the 15th century, is not only a treasure trove of historical artifacts but also boasts a beautiful informal garden filled with herbs, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and nature.

Main Services

• Guided Tours: The Priest House offers guided tours of the house and garden, led by knowledgeable curators who are passionate about sharing their expertise with visitors.
• Museum Exhibits: The house is filled with a wide range of exhibits showcasing social history and domestic items from various periods, including furniture, textiles, and household artifacts.
• Informal Garden: The beautiful garden, which is home to many herbs, is a peaceful oasis that provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation.
• Special Events: The Priest House hosts various special events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and re-enactments, which add to the richness of the visitor experience.
• Group Visits: The house is well-suited for group visits, with facilities available for corporate hire, filming, and weddings.
• Discounts and Offers: The Priest House offers discounts for kids, families, and students, making it an affordable destination for families and educational groups.

Location and Access

The Priest House is situated in the heart of West Hoathly, a charming village in the county of East Sussex. The house is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site. Public transportation options are also available, with regular bus services connecting West Hoathly to nearby towns and cities. Visitors can also walk or cycle to the house, which is situated in a picturesque rural setting.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Architecture: The Priest House is a rare example of a 15th-century timber-framed house, which has been beautifully restored to its original charm.
• Unique Collection: The house boasts a unique collection of social history and domestic items, including furniture, textiles, and household artifacts from various periods.
• Beautiful Garden: The informal garden, which is home to many herbs, is a peaceful oasis that provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation.
• Knowledgeable Curators: The curators of The Priest House are passionate about sharing their expertise with visitors, providing a unique and engaging experience.
• Special Events: The house hosts various special events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and re-enactments, which add to the richness of the visitor experience.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The Priest House is open Tuesday to Sunday, with guided tours available throughout the day.
• Admission: Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and type of visit, with discounts available for kids, families, and students.
• Accessibility: The house is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts providing easy access to all areas.
• Facilities: The house offers a range of facilities, including toilets, cafes, and parking.
• Getting Here: The Priest House is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site. Public transportation options are also available, with regular bus services connecting West Hoathly to nearby towns and cities.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Many visitors have praised The Priest House for its unique collection of social history and domestic items, as well as its beautiful informal garden. The knowledgeable curators have also been praised for their passion and expertise, providing a engaging and informative experience for visitors. Some reviewers have noted that the house is not too large, making it an ideal destination for a half-day visit. Overall, The Priest House has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars on Google My Business.

👍 Reviews of The Priest House

Ruth R.

5/5

Great little museum of all sorts of social history and domestic items, from different periods. Plus a beautiful informal garden with many herbs.

Tim W.

5/5

You probably won't want to spend more than an hour here but it is a really interesting house to visit. The Curator lives in part of the house and is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Fascinating history. Please note that you need to park about 200m away so may not be as accessible as you'd like if you have walking difficulties

JMcH

5/5

Visited here on spur of moment, had just come out of Wakehurst after seeing the garden and passed a small sign for this place. Well worth the visit. Curator is full of information and the small house is crammed with artifacts. I love seeing 17th & 18th century samplers and there's lots on the walls here. Not a big place and no on-site cafe but it has a particular charm. Parking is a short 5 mins or so walk away further on from the house in the playing fields car park (around the corner from the bowls club car park) and is free. If you have a well behaved dog, you can take it into the garden but not the house. Fair enough. The place is like a pomegranate full of pips. A little gem of a find. Recommended.

John C.

5/5

Very interesting museum with a huge range of domestic exhibits from history. Friendly curator with a knowledge on the history of the house as well as the exhibits on display. Well worth a visit

Graham B.

5/5

A hidden gem....no there's not a cafe, but there is parking round the corner. The custodian "lives in" and nothing is too much trouble. He and his family were bought up in the village, and it appears that there is nothing he doesn't know about the place and its exhibits. A place that really deserves more visitors than it gets.

Natasha C.

5/5

A real hidden gem of history. Small but worth a visit - the smell of the wood and the fabulous garden is so immersive. Amazing and Knowledgeable curator. A Glorious place!

Barry L.

5/5

Absolutely fantastic. Brimming with history which is supported by hundreds of relevant artifacts. Brilliant curator, brings the building and it's previous occupants to life. My wife particularly wanted to see the beautiful suffragette handkerchief. Stunning. Lovely garden, bought a couple of plants to remind us of our visit. Highly recommended.

simon B.

5/5

A truly wonderful place! A group of fifteen of us had a talk and tour given by Antony the Custodian of the Priest House. Antony is very knowledgeable, so friendly and helpful, it was such a pleasure to hear his talk. The house is very interesting, well kept and full of very well-displayed artefacts. The house and gardens are beautiful, highly recommended.