Preston Manor in Brighton is re-opening its grand doors and will offer a unique insight into the people who lived there, its architecture and why it’s known as one of the UK’s most haunted houses
Preston Manor Reopens: History, Hauntings & High Tea
After five long years, Brighton’s historic Preston Manor is finally reopening its doors, inviting visitors back into a world of Edwardian grandeur, fascinating history, and chilling ghostly encounters.
Preston Manor, one of the UK’s most haunted houses, is to reopen this April with a brand new visitor journey that takes visitors on a Downton Abbey-style experience set in 1912, featuring the house’s upstairs-downstairs voices.
Once a symbol of early 20th-century luxury, this grand manor tells the stories of its former inhabitants, Ellen and Charles Thomas-Stanford, the wealthiest family in Sussex at that time. It also offers a glimpse into the lives of their large number of servants and their beloved pets.
Beyond its stunning architecture, hidden gardens, magnificent chandeliers, intricate woodwork, and elaborate furnishings, ghostly sightings plague the manor, with tales of ‘The White Lady’, mysterious shadows, phantom hands, ghostly children, and even ghostly dogs- reinforcing the building’s status as one of the most haunted houses in Britain.
This will be the Manor’s first public opening since before the pandemic. Set in 1912 – the year of the Titanic’s sinking and the setting of Downton Abbey’s first episode – Preston Manor presents an intriguing new visitor experience. A captivating audio trail brings the house to life, allowing guests to hear from its historical residents, including Lady Ellen and Maurice Elphick, the devoted butler.
For families, there will be a children’s trail and interactive activities throughout the house, including dressing up and special sound installations. For the first time, a tearoom will be available within the house, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a traditional Edwardian cream tea. The tearoom will be run by Café Rust, which also operates a café at Hove Museum of Creativity, another Brighton & Hove Museums site.
Special guided tours will be available throughout the season that not only cover the history and ghosts of the house, but also offer an exploration into the exquisite gardens that back onto Preston Park. As well as unusual planting, visitors can explore an extensive pet cemetery which includes 16 dogs and four cats.
Dan Cox on Ghosts, Glamour and the Manor’s Grand Reopening
Dan Cox, head tour guide and a Brighton & Hove Museums expert for nearly a decade, reveals what makes this iconic landmark so extraordinary, what’s new for visitors, and of course, the eerie tales that have cemented its reputation as one of Britain’s most haunted sites.
Preston Manor is reopening for the first time since before the pandemic. What does this moment mean for you and the team?
It’s incredibly exciting! Preston Manor is one of Brighton’s hidden gems, and after five years, we’re thrilled to finally welcome people back. The team has worked tirelessly to create an immersive experience that blends history, storytelling, and atmosphere, and I think visitors are going to love it.
This reopening comes with a fresh new approach to exploring the house. What can visitors expect?
This time around, it’s all about the people who lived here and not just the grandeur of the house. Previously, the focus was more on antique furniture and architecture, but now visitors will truly step into the lives of the Thomas-Stanford family and their servants. Imagine two aristocrats, Ellen and Charles Thomas-Stanford, being served by 17 staff members! It’s a stark contrast that reveals so much about Edwardian society. We’ll bring these stories to life, walking visitors through a ‘day in the life’ at Preston Manor, including a séance – just as they held in 1896 with a famous medium.
There’s also a new tearoom inside the house. Why was this an important addition?
The Edwardian period was all about elegance and tradition, and afternoon tea was a huge part of that. We wanted to give visitors the full experience of stepping back in time and then enjoying a classic cream tea in a beautiful historic setting. Ellen, the lady of the house, was extremely particular about tea, she actually locked it away in a caddy and rationed it out daily. Now, people can sip tea in the former dining room and experience a bit of that upper-class indulgence for themselves. Café Rust, who also run the café at Hove Museum, will be serving up the perfect period-inspired refreshments.
Preston Manor is one of the most haunted houses in Britain. What are some of the most chilling ghost stories?
Once a familiar presence, The White Lady was often seen gliding through the house – without a doubt she is the most famous spirit of them all. She was spotted by many over the centuries, but most notably by Ellen’s half-sisters, Diana and Lily, in the late 19th-century. The White Lady was a nun from the church next door, who became involved in a forbidden affair with a priest. When the scandal was exposed, she was cast out and denied a proper burial. In 1903, workers discovered her skeleton, but the vicar refused to allow her burial in the churchyard. According to legend, the staff broke in under the cover of night to give her a secret resting place. Since then, she hasn’t been seen, leading some to believe she’s finally at peace.
Then there are the mysterious shadows, phantom hands touching visitors, ghostly children playing in the corridors, and even an angry spirit that growls in people’s ears. Staff working at Preston Manor have experienced unexplainable things – some have even been shoved! It’s not for the faint-hearted.
You’ve been working with Preston Manor for 10 years this October. What’s your favourite part of guiding visitors through the house?
For me, it’s watching people react when history comes to life. I love seeing their faces when they hear some of the wild stories – it’s incredibly rewarding. Being a good tour guide means telling a story in the right way, and when you get it right you can transport people back in time.
Do you have a favourite hidden gem in the house or gardens?
The pet cemetery is always a highlight. People are surprised to find it tucked away in the gardens, with gravestones for 16 dogs and four cats, including George, the Royal Pavilion cat. It’s a touching reminder of how much the family loved their animals.
The grand reopening on 5th April promises to be quite the celebration. What can visitors look forward to?
We’re going all out! There will be guided tours, games, storytelling, live music, and of course, plenty of tea and cake. It’s going to be a proper Edwardian-style celebration. Whether you’re a fan of period dramas, a history buff, or just looking for a unique day out, this is the perfect way to step into history.
Finally, what do you hope visitors take away from their time at Preston Manor?
I hope they leave with a sense of connection to the past, to the stories, and maybe even to something a little more supernatural. Preston Manor is a special place, and whether you come for the history, the ghosts, or the cream tea, I guarantee you’ll leave with a story to tell.
