The Stately HomesA list of every visitable house in the United Kingdom

Lamb House

East Sussex, England

4.4 / 5 · 406 Google reviews


Lamb House

Key facts

Operator
National Trust
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed
Entry pass
National Trust Explorer Pass

Pinpoint

National Trust - Lamb House, West St, Rye TN31 7ES

Telephone 01797 222909

More houses in East Sussex →

Possible Opening Hours*

*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lamb House is a Georgian house in Rye, East Sussex, home first to writer Henry James and later to E.F. Benson - a smaller National Trust property whose modest scale reviewers say works in its favour, with a cheaper ticket and a garden that's a genuine surprise in the middle of Rye. Staff are consistently praised as friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions in depth. It's pitched squarely at fans of the two authors as much as general visitors.

Worth the trip

The literary connection to both Henry James and E.F. Benson, which reviewers say makes it a must-see for fans of either writer.

Before you go

It's a small property relative to other National Trust houses, which reviewers note keeps the ticket price down and the visit manageable in under an hour or two.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.4 / 5 across 406 Google reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the garden at Lamb House as the standout feature, describing it as surprisingly large for a property tucked into the middle of Rye and beautifully maintained, in one case by the same gardeners who look after Sissinghurst. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are mentioned repeatedly, and the house's literary connections to E.F. Benson and Henry James are noted as a particular draw for fans. Its small scale compared to other National Trust properties is seen as a positive by some, keeping ticket prices lower. There is no tea room on site, though reviewers note Rye itself has plenty of options nearby.

Georgian house in Rye, home of writer Henry James and later E.F. Benson

“An exquisite house, beautifully presented and with a stunning garden. A must see for fans of EF Benson and Henry James.”- Claire, visitor review

Practical notes from visitors

Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.

Facilities
“No tea room but there is no shortage of those in Rye.” - Emma C

Common questions about Lamb House

Where is Lamb House?

Lamb House is in East Sussex, England, at National Trust - Lamb House, West St, Rye TN31 7ES.

Do you need a ticket to visit Lamb House?

Yes - Lamb House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.

What is the highlight of visiting Lamb House?

The literary connection to both Henry James and E.F. Benson, which reviewers say makes it a must-see for fans of either writer.

Is Lamb House a ruin or still intact?

Lamb House is largely intact - Georgian house in Rye, home of writer Henry James and later E.F. Benson.