Stanmer House by Tugce

Looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of university life? Look no further than Stanmer Park, situated right next to the campus.

With its picturesque views, it provides the opportunity to relax, whether you want to sit down and take in the view or go for a walk. From woodlands and fields to grazing sheep and cows, the park’s natural beauty is captivating.

This time of year, with summer arriving, there are a lot of flowers out, including bluebells and daffodils, making it a colourful landscape. If you follow Stoney Mere Way up from University Way, you get to Stanmer House (pictured). Stanmer House is a historic mansion, dating back to the 18^th century. With it’s elegant Gregorian architecture and attractive looks, it is often used for events such as weddings.

The first time I spotted Stanmer House was a memorable moment for me. I had been in Stanmer Park many times, but had never noticed it. I happened to stumble across it one day and was just captivated by how grand it looked.

If you carry on towards Stanmer Village, you pass by the church- St. Nicholas Church. This is a historic, traditional, English church featuring architectural elements such as a bell tower and stained-glass windows.

Continuing your journey through the village, you arrive at the tearooms. Coming across the tearooms was so fun for me because I’d never have expected it to be there. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is also situated at a point where you want to stop and sit down. Being tucked away far into the park, it feels peaceful here. They serve hot drinks and food and stopping here is a very enjoyable break from walking.

Nearby there is also a garden centre, offering a wide range of plants, flowers, gardening supplies, and outdoor décor. Whether you want to buy anything from there or not, it is really nice to just walk through and look around.

Whilst a visit to Stanmer Park is always worthwhile, it also often hosts events like festivals, runs, and the Christmas market. Visiting these events can be great fun and its wonderful seeing the community coming together.

As the weather gets better and the days grow longer, Stanmer Park is an ideal place to go if you want a break from the studies, particularly with assignment deadlines and exams coming up. Whether you would like a leisurely stroll, a glimpse into history or simply a moment of tranquillity, Stanmer Park has something for everyone.

Tugce studies Psychology with Neuroscience. She enjoys going for walks in nature and attending dog-walking society at uni.