Preston Manor has reopened with a revamped visitor experience, offering a glimpse into life in 1912. The immersive experience brings the voices of Preston Manor’s upstairs-downstairs world to life, once home to Ellen and Charles Thomas-Stanford, the wealthiest family in Sussex. Guests will step into the grandeur of early 20th-century luxury while uncovering the lives of the Thomas-Stanfords, their extensive household staff, and their beloved pets.
For the first time, Preston Manor will offer a tearoom where visitors can indulge in a classic Edwardian cream tea.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museum says, “Preston Manor is now open, offering visitors a brand-new, immersive experience that transports you straight into the world of early 20th-century aristocratic life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a Downton Abbey fan, you’ll be captivated by this fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Edwardian elite. But that’s not all – the manor is also steeped in eerie intrigue, with ghostly hauntings, mysterious sightings, and unexplained phenomena lurking around every corner. It’s a place where history and mystery collide.”
Preston Manor is managed by Brighton & Hove Museums and is open to visitors every weekend from 10am to 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 5 April to 31 October 2025. For tickets and more information on the opening celebrations visit brightonmuseums.org.uk.
