This is a wonderful place to visit if you have any interest in George Washington. See the home of the beginning of the Washington family. The gardens, while small, are lovely and demonstrate an English garden. Every hour on the hour, there is a 10 minute introductory talk and then you are free to explore the house on your own. There are interactive children activities in each room, even dress up! There is ample parking and small gift shop that sells homemade sweets. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable.

I took the train to Banbury to visit Sulgrave Manor. You then need to take a taxi to the manor. Lawrence Washington, George's 5 times great grandfather, built this house in 1539. It was restored and opened to the public as a symbol of Anglo-American friendship in 1921. The Washington family coat of arms, displayed above the main entrance, inspired the first American flag. Two large rooms of the original house remain. You can see the Great Hall on the ground floor. Every hour on the hour, there is a 10-minute talk about the house. Upstairs is the Great Bedchamber. The bed covering is beautiful, but not original. In 1995, New Elizabethan Embroideries in the UK and USA created the modern bed hangings with symbols from both countries. It took ten years to complete. Sulgrave Manor also had later additions, such as a kitchen from the late 1600s. The house is surrounded by lovely gardens. Usually the house and gardens open in April, but this year they opened a month earlier. In the old stables, they had an exhibition about George Washington. A bust of Washington stands in the garden that was created for the U.S. bicentennial. I spent several hours at Sulgrave. I wish the weather had been better, but it was a lovely day out.

This house is connected to George Washington (yes that US George Washington) and has very pleasant gardens, friendly employees and amazing cakes to enjoy outside or inside in a cool, little room set up with tables, a sofa and even some books for children. To really get the most out of your visit make sure you join the free talk from the very knowledgable guide, before you walk around on your own. There are a number of activities for children in the house, and also in the room near the courtyard, where children (and adults) can dress up and measure their height against George Washington. The gardens are lovely, and there are picnic tables, as well as lawned areas. I'd like to have gone back for the musical event they had planned, as it seemed like a perfect setting for such an event! There is free parking on site, coffee and drinks available from the entrance/gift shop which will be brought to you if you are sitting in the 'tea room' or outside, once ordered.

Interesting visit to Sulgrave Manor, Northamptonshire, the ancestral home of George Washington. Informative guides with additional information boards around the house and interesting exhibition detailing the life of George Washington. Simple cafe and shop. Well tended gardens. Satnav made it a little difficult to find - follow the signposts for Sulgrave! See website for opening times and ticket purchasing.