Antony House and Garden

Overlooking the beautiful tidal Lynher River this grand 18th-century mansion is nestled in parkland and stunning gardens.

Visit this family museum and follow the fascinating history of the Carews back to Domesday when they lived nearby in a 15th Century manor. They built the present house in the early 1700s. Antony's formal courtyard, terraces and ornamental design were a result of the Restoration that provoked a surge of more elaborate and formal garden designs. A sketch of the front of the garden, done by Edmund Prideaux in 1727, shows the original design and walled garden. It also shows a dovecote that still remains to be seen here today. Explore the interior of the house, adorned with paintings, furniture and textiles collected by the Carew family over almost 600 years.

In a fine landscape created by the long lived Hon. Reginald Pole Carew and Humphry Repton (one of the great landscape gardeners) in the 1790s, it comes as a surprise to find an explosion of radiant blooms gushing from the enclosed summer garden, the knot garden and the summer borders. This really is a spectacular hotspot on the specialist horticultural trail that has been developed throughout the magnificent grounds and includes the National Collection of over 600 types of daylilies (Hemerocallis).

Explore the rainbows of this family friendly garden with the children in tow, and watch their glee as they are captivated by the cacophony of colours, the fairytale Japanese pond, the 10 metre Yew Cone and the fascinating modern sculptures decorating the soft, green lawns. If the sun hasn't got its hat on then not to worry, you can lead them on an adventure through the incredible interior. And make sure you take a well-deserved break in the excellent café that caters for all.

National Trust Members may visit the adjacent Antony Woodland Garden for no extra charge on days when Antony House is open.

For six weeks from 1st September 2008 Antony House turned into a film set as over 400 cast and crew from London and America flocked to the site to film important scenes for Disney’s remake of ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

The Tim Burton directed film stars Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway and is due for release in 2010 but why not visit Antony House now and see the places used to recreate the much-loved Alice story.

Throughout 2010, the little-known Antony House near Plymouth will be transformed by the National Trust into a fabulous, surreal setting. Renowned British film director, Tim Burton, shot much of Disney’s forthcoming movie, Alice in Wonderland, inside the eighteenth century house, and within the confines of its atmospheric grounds.
Tim Burton’s magical and imaginative Alice in Wonderland is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass”. The film is causing great public interest, and there are a number of related media opportunities, photo-opportunities and ‘newshooks’ throughout 2010. If you are interested in covering any aspect of the Alice in Wonderland Experience at Antony House, contact us using the details on page 3.
The inspiration for transforming Antony House lies in Lewis Carroll’s original, dream-like stories. To recreate that vision, the National Trust commissioned internationally renowned company, Dodgy Clutch, champions of transformation tableaux and theatrical installations. The company has created a unique and enchanting family-friendly visitor experience, based on the key elements of the Alice stories. Strange and surreal sculptures will dot the landscape, from a giant caterpillar with a hookah to a Cheshire Cat, a ‘potion tree’ to a White Rabbit Trail. With extended opening hours, fascinating events and unique, giant installations in the gardens, staff and volunteers at this glorious house are anticipating a busy year.

From Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March, every weekend and Bank Holidays: Mad Hatter’s Tea-Parties
On weekends and bank holidays, children of all ages can take part in the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Starting with trails around the garden involving cards, keys, gloves and butterflies, party-goers will have lots to do, from workshops and games to dressing up. In fact there will be so much going on, that there will hardly be any time for ‘tea’ itself – served in the tea-party marquee on the Cork Oak lawn. Places on the tea parties are limited, so advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Call 01752 812191. Normal admission prices apply, plus an additional £5 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult).