Dorney Court

About

The history of Dorney Court

Dorney Court is one of England’s finest stately houses.  Grade 1 listed and renowned for its architectural importance and historical significance, any visit is a fascinating and unique experience.

Built in the 15th century, the Tudor Manor House has been home to the Palmer family for more than 450 years – this remarkable and characterful building has been passed from father to son over thirteen generations.

“Dorney” is the ancient Saxon word for “island of bees” and the Estate remains famous for its honey which is still produced to this day. The very first pineapple to be raised in England was grown at Dorney Court and presented to Charles II in 1661 though the King showed more interest in the lady of the house, making Barbara Palmer (nee Villiers) his mistress gaining her notoriety and power in the process while her husband was exiled to Constantinople as Ambassador to the Ottoman Court. Spookily, a spectre of a bald lady haunts the wood panelled hallways.

Dorney Court remains very much a family home and visitors will find that the House and Grounds have an easy charm and a warmth of welcome that reflect continuing family use and the passion and love of everyone involved with the Estate.

Dorney Court has featured as a film and TV location since the 1970s.  The House and Grounds appearing in a wide range of productions including Bridgerton, The Sandman, The Essex Serpent, 24, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, Inspector Morse, Poirot and many more.

Visitors will find rooms full of history alongside the tell-tale signs of continuing occupation, not least the sight of an occasional rogue child or spaniel.  Oak and beautiful lacquer furniture compete for space with family portraits and treasures collected over six centuries.

Furniture at Dorney Court

If you have an interest in furniture and its history, you will be intrigued by the pieces at Dorney Court.

The great majority of it dates from the Restoration but look in the Great Hall and you will see a massive table, created from one piece of oak, bearing the notches and scars that suggest it dates from a much earlier period in history.

Four poster beds, lacquer cabinets and contemporary designs all found favour for practical purposes.  Few were collected simply for their aesthetic quality.  The imposing bed in the Great Chamber is of the tester style not just to offer privacy but more importantly to provide a waterproof canopy as protection from a leaking roof. The lacquer furniture was used on campaign by Palmers serving on Eastern fronts, particularly by Field Marshall Sir Donald Stewart, and the modern pieces show the determination of the Palmer family to make use of wood from the Estate.

Artwork at Dorney Court

Each of the thirteen generations of the Palmer Family is represented in the wonderfully complete catalogue of family portraits that tell a most compelling and intimate story of a redoubtable family that has epitomised the English squirearchy.

Paintings by Lely, Kneller, Janssen and others cover the walls.  In the Parlour you will discover the Palmer Needlework depicting the achievements of 17th-century Palmer triplets and which has been described as “one of the rarest in England”.

Dorney Court Park, Gardens and Church

The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and acres of mature parkland.   The lawns are divided by ancient yew hedges and herbaceous borders.

The adjacent 13th-Century church of St James the Less, with its Norman front and Tudor tower, are also open to the public.

Dorney Court 2025 opening times

Dorney Court is open to the general public on both Bank Holiday Mondays in May (Mondays 5 and 26 May 2025), the August Bank Holiday (Monday 25 August 2025) and every afternoon in June from 12.30 - 4pm.

Throughout the rest of the year, groups of 20 or more are welcome by appointment on Private Tours and Connoisseurs‘ Tours.

We can accommodate smaller groups but a minimum charge will apply.

Dorney Court refreshments: where to enjoy food and drink

Crocus at Dorney Court, a high quality garden centre situated next to Dorney Court, serves breakfast, lunches and afternoon teas in its cafe throughout the year.