Review by L Wilson on 25th July, 2009

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We used to come to Rousham with our young children before the current diktat against them, and they thoroughly enjoyed it and behaved well. But they probably did run a bit - though never into people or onto the flower beds- and also called out. Presumably they were an offence to those people who hate looking at children at all, and to whom anything other than total silence on their part counts as an offence. Though it's a beautiful garden, I wouldn't come here again, I don't believe in apartheid. I'm also horrified by some of the complacent comments on this review site by child-haters. Why ARE Brits so hostile to children?

Date visited: 25 July 2009

Review by Kelly on 29th October, 2008

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One of the most wonderful places in England I've seen. I loved the tree walks and the follies. The cold pool with all the laurel is one of my favorite places and everyone comments on the photo I have of it. It's a peaceful beautiful amazing place and I hope to go back soon.

Date visited: July 2004

Review by Jo on 17th August, 2008

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This is a magical place. I've been meaning to visit ever since driving past and being intrigued by the 'no children under 15' sign... finally managed it today when we were visited by some friends we met travelling. The garden is perfect and peaceful and beautifully maintained and totally unspoilt. There are a million places you can go with children, this is a place to hang out in splendid grown up isolation. I highly recommend it, and wish I'd taken the 'bring a picnic' advice. I'd also have brought a novel and a blanket!

Date visited: 17/08/08

Review by D Jones on 24th June, 2008

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It was wonderful to see a sign saying no dogs and no children. Of course, many children are well behaved but there is an unacceptably large minority who are inadequately controlled by parents in shops, gardens and other public places. The garden was recently described by Monty Don as the best in Britain. I do not agree with that judgement but it is a very fine garden with landscape elements, a walled garden and numerous interesting sculptures and structures. There seem to be relatively few visitors and one gets one's ticket from a machine. I enjoyed the peace and tranquillity and a picnic lunch. I hope to return one day to view the house as part of a group.

Date visited: 23.06.08

Review by Kathie on 20th May, 2008

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This was our second visit to Rousham Gardens and we think it is a really beautiful place, in a wonderful setting. We bring our picnic and feel totally at peace sat down by the river or in the superb gardens. Do go and try it for yourself.

Date visited: 12th May 2008

Review by Seb King on 2nd September, 2007

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No idea what it's like behind the walls. We arrived to see signs stating no children, so left in disgust. It may well be a nice garden but a large proportion of the population will miss out and children loose out a learning experience. Our money stayed in our pockets and I can't bothered to wait eleven years until we can go as a family. There are plenty other places to visit that don't think kids are the enemy - welcome to the 21st Century, times have changed since your house was built.

Date visited: 1/9/2007

Review by Brian Jarvis on 25th August, 2007

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This really is the most quality 'country house' venue one could wish to visit - if you value English history, landscaping, beauty, peace,and a chance to 'find yourself again' - much away from the madding crowd. As the leaflet says, uncommercial, unspoilt, and deliberately: no tea-room and no 'shop'. Jane and I said: if you want to spend a few hours in tranquility, after seeing rare long horn catle on your approach,then exploring well-cut lawns, short wooded paths opening to memorable views, and large goldfish pond, walled garden with careful, so welcoming traditional layout, including tall brick-built pigeon house - be careful,it is unusual in that its grateful inhabitants are in occupancy, in numbers and their 'presence is naturally smellful. We went with a boisterous modern grandson, and, while we hoped he enjoyed and appreciated our non-insistent but continuous 'running commentary' appreciating this fine English site, we believe Rousham Park House has an opportunity it should not miss: around the House internally (which we've 'done' before, not this time: HE is at the bottom of the scale in 'appreciation')is fine, help those with over-15s in tow appreciate 'the passing scene' externally : Rousham grounds ARE peace and quiet, even a river at the bottom of the garden, and of course let nothing change that; however, consider these few points. Your main aim is to keep status quo, the property in the family remit - and it does seem a remit responsibly undertaken; you long ago decided not to "become commercial"; good for you. Your are 'educational' in leaving well alone; however society needs you, in a way more than you need society: our grandson is a fine young chap, no great intellectual, tied up with a bit or sport and a bit of this and a bit of that: slightly too early to say 'where he is aiming'. We realise HE and those like him are not 'your problem'; but, somewhere, in your thinking ahead, remembering your ancient responsibility, there is the land eternal and the present peasants visting. I of course, easy for me, believe, you can have your cake and eat it, your can somehow, in modern day communication terms, discharge your prime duty, to ensure continuance of this 'patch of earth', this England as an enclave, yet this 'enclave' as a modern communications opportunity. No, I am not after anything: I am a journalist, PR man retired; I just care. About how my grandson can come to appreciate more; you are keeping this site alive, good on you ! Brian Jarvis

Date visited: 25 Aug 2007

Review by anita l. dormer m.d. on 18th June, 2007

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My husband is Arnold Robert Dormer III and we would appreciate a tour of your home. The family geneologist has tracked his family to yours and to the surrounding areas. I found it particularly interesting that my husband has a passion for greek and roman history for previously unexplained reasons. We live in New York City but come from the south. We will be at a conference at Oxford and then hoping to get a tour.We will call but you can email me if you receive this for available times and perhaps further details on the Dormer that went to America. Thank you very much in advance.

Date visited: july 6 and on

Review by Judy Fleming (nee Mist) on 5th June, 2007

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Judy Fleming (nee Mist) 05-Jun-2007 19:23 Hello, We hope very much to visit Rousham House before long. We have just verified that one of my ancestors, Sarah Mist, was the wife of Charles Bridgman, Master Gardener to King George II. Charles Bridgman created some of the s landscape designs for Rousham House among a long list of gardens. He invented the idea of the Ha Ha. Charles died in 1738, and we have a number of wills related to this branch of my family which confirm his relationship. Sarah was the sister of John Mist, who was a paviour in London in the early 1700's, with a sucessful business and many contracts mentioned in British History Online. I would enjoy hearing from the archivist of Rousham House. Best wishes, and thank you for the lovely photos. Judy Fleming (nee Mist) Thornhill Ontario Canada

Date visited: before long

Review by Peter Henfield on 26th March, 2007

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I visited Rousham on a number of occasions while studying architecture at Oxford Poly in the late 70's. It is a lovely place !. I thought it would be great to take my partner and our 7 year old daughter to visit the gardens. I know that my daughter would love it. I note that children under 15 are banned. It is a shame that you appear to take such a misanthropic view of children.

Review by Ralf Eller on 8th November, 2006

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We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Congratulations to all who are involved in the upkeep of this magical place! Will come again in the summer and make an appointment to visit the house as well. I have one question: What breed are the cute little speckled chickens with feathery legs just in front of the house?

Date visited: 04/11/06