Manderston
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Palmer family
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Manderston, Duns TD11 3PP
Telephone 01361 883450
Manderston is an Edwardian country house often described as the last of the great classical houses built in Britain. Reviewers reserve their strongest praise for the guided tours and the guides who lead them, and several say the stables and the laundry are unlike anything they have seen elsewhere. The gardens, lake, terrace views and a cricket ground with its pavilion make the grounds a good spot for a walk or a picnic.
Worth the trip
The guided tour - reviewers repeatedly credit the guides with turning a complicated house history into a captivating story.
Before you go
Reviewers stress that opening days are limited, so check before travelling, and one advises there is no catering on site - bring a picnic if you plan to stay a while.
The guided tour draws the strongest praise, with one guide in particular named repeatedly for bringing the history of the house to life, and reviewers single out the stables and laundry rooms as unlike anything they had seen elsewhere. The gardens, lake and the cricket ground with its pavilion are also well liked, and several mention picnicking in the grounds. Practical warnings recur: reviewers stress that opening is limited and the website should be checked before travelling, and one states there is no catering on site and advises bringing a picnic. One visitor suggests a few more seats for tired or less mobile guests. A dissenting one-star review reports being turned away because only cash was accepted, with no warning of this on the website, and being unable to enter even the gardens while waiting for the next tour.
Edwardian country house often described as the last of the great classical houses built in Britain.
“Tour of the house was excellent. Fascinating history of a grand 20th century Manor House brought alive by Edward - our guide.”- Michael Lucas, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We arrived hoping to visit a house and a man in the carpark kept talking with us on the phone instead of managing tickets for us.” - Pawel Bartczak
- Guided tours
- “Fascinating history of a grand 20th century Manor House brought alive by Edward - our guide.” - Michael Lucas
- Facilities
- “The gardens are great for walking around and having picnics, which many, including us were doing, in April.” - Mark Graham
Common questions about Manderston
Where is Manderston?
Manderston is in Scottish Borders, Scotland, at Manderston, Duns TD11 3PP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Manderston?
Yes - Manderston is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Palmer family. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Manderston?
Yes - Manderston offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Manderston?
The guided tour - reviewers repeatedly credit the guides with turning a complicated house history into a captivating story.
Is Manderston a ruin or still intact?
Manderston is largely intact - Edwardian country house often described as the last of the great classical houses built in Britain.
