Stansted House: Celebrating the 1920's
Saturday 10th October 2026
11am-3pm (last admission 2pm)
Stansted Park, South Entrance (PO9 6DU)
In 1924, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough purchased Stansted Park as his family home.
The family regularly entertained guests at Stansted Park in the 1920s, and during this decade, the 9th Earl established the Stansted Theatre, where family and friends performed three times a year to raise money for local charities.
During your visit to Stansted House, you will be welcomed in as if you were a guest of the Bessborough's in the late 1920s. As the sound of the Music Room piano fills the State Rooms, you will see what life was like at Stansted House. Discover more about the famous guests of the Bessborough's as well as the wider Ponsonby family, including Loelia Ponsonby, one of the Bright Young Things of the 1920s and later the Duchess of Westminster, following her marriage in February 1930.
Once you have finished exploring the magnificent State Rooms, you will move downstairs to the Servants Quarters. As you walk around the extensive Servants Quarters, you will discover what it was like to be a servant at Stansted Park, and the incredible amount of work that went into hosting guests for the weekend.
You will also experience the fun side of servant life, with drop-in Charleston workshops in the Servants Hall; bringing to life the space where staff met, gossiped and partied.
Included in the ticket:
Free-flow visit to Stansted House, with our knowledgeable stewards available to provide more information and to answer any questions
Archival and collection items to see, which are not usually on public display
Children's trail around Stansted House and activities
Piano performances in the Music Room
Drop-in Charleston workshops in the Servants Hall
Exhibition on the Stansted Theatre
Talks programme throughout the day- subjects tbc
Ticket Prices
Adult- £12.50
Child (5-16)- £7.50
Concession- £10.00
Family (2 Adults & 3 Children)- £35
Friends of Stansted Park- Free
Carers- Free
Parking
South Entrance Car Park, PO9 6DU
FAQ
Q: Can I buy a ticket on the door?
A: Pre-booking is advised for this event but a limited number of tickets will be available to buy on the door.
Q: Are dogs allowed inside Stansted House?
A: Unfortunately only assistance dogs are allowed inside the House and the Chapel of St Paul.
Q: Can I take photographs inside the House?
A: Photographs without the use of flash may be taken inside of the House. Tripods are not allowed inside the House. Please note that drones are not allowed anywhere on the Estate without prior permission from the Stansted Park Foundation.
Accessibility
Accessible parking spaces are available in the Garden Centre Car Park. A buggy service runs between the House, Chapel of St Paul, and the South Entrance Car Park during House opening and can accommodate up to five passengers, including one wheelchair user.
A step-free visitor route is available around the House via two lifts. Please note that due to the size of one of these lifts, we may not be able to accommodate some motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Two wheelchairs are available in the House on a first come, first served basis.