Name: A La Ronde
Rating: 5.0

A La Ronde

Summer Lane, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BD, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

A la Ronde this unique 16-sided house was described by Lucinda Lambton as having 'a magical strangeness that one might dream of only as a child'. Due to its fragility there is no physical access to the Shell Gallery. To view it up close with a virtual tour go to 'Things to see and do' section on the website.

It was built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century. It contains many objects and mementoes of their travels. Outside, there’s a sense of harmony around the orchard, hay meadow and colourful borders, and views over the Exe Estuary.

Price starts from £12.00 for Adults(18 years and over), £6.00 for Children(5-17 & under 5s free) and £18.00 for Family(1 adult up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: Engage with the house's history through touch-screen displays that bring the fragile interiors to life.
Sensory Spaces: The Room of Discovery offers a sensory encounter with the house’s unique beauty in an accessible, modern way.
Educational Day Out: Gain insight into 18th-century life, travel, and the immense dedication required to create the house's intricate decorations.
Garden Walks: Explore the surrounding grounds and meadow walk, which provide space for children to stretch their legs after viewing the interiors.

What to See

The Octagon Hall: The heart of the house, this 35-foot-high central space connects the rooms and features a unique "undersea cave" atmosphere.
The Shell Gallery: View the famous 360-degree interactive touchscreen of this upper gallery, decorated with up to 25,000 shells.
The Music Room: Take a seat and play a tune on the baby Boudour grand piano, a highlight for musically inclined visitors.
Cabinet of Curiosities: Located in the library, this cabinet is packed with souvenirs like ancient Egyptian artifacts, semi-precious stones, and delicate beadwork.
The Feather Frieze: Marvel at the intricate wall decorations in the drawing room, a testament to the Parminter cousins' artistic skills.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets are available on-site with baby-changing facilities.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available in main ground-floor rooms; due to the historic nature of the house, some areas have narrow stairs or uneven terrain.
Food Options: Regarding an on-site cafe; local shops and cafes are a short drive away in Exmouth.

Pro-Tips for Families

Check Before Visiting: As the house is historic and small, check the National Trust website for any specific tour requirements or closures.
Wear Comfy Shoes: The meadow walk and garden paths are grass and can be uneven underfoot.
Travel: Parking is available, but the site is a short drive from Exmouth town centre—plan your travel to arrive with enough time for a relaxed visit.

Targeted FAQs

Is the house worth it for toddlers? A La Ronde is better suited for older children (ages 6+) who can appreciate the history and delicate interiors, though the surrounding garden and meadow are fine for younger children to explore briefly.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1.5 to 2 hours is the ideal amount of time to explore the unique interior rooms and the garden at a relaxed pace.
Where is the best place to park? There is dedicated parking on-site for visitors at A La Ronde, making it straightforward to access the house directly from your car.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The "quirky" and unique design of the house keeps children interested compared to standard stately homes.
The interactive screens make the history accessible for school-aged children.
Friendly staff and volunteers are often praised for their willingness to share the cousins' stories.

What Visitors Don't Like

The rooms are small, which can feel crowded during busy school holiday periods.
The historic nature of the house means access to upper levels is limited for some visitors.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The house contains a vast collection of items that defined the cousins' lives:
18th-Century Silhouettes: See original portraits of family members from the era.
Italian Gouache Paintings: Souvenirs from the cousins’ travels across Europe.
Hand-crafted Shell Mosaics: Detailed artwork using shells, mica, and even pottery fragments.
Beadwork Jewellery: Delicate items collected during the Parminter travels.
Votive Statues: Small religious and decorative figures from their Grand Tour.
19th-Century Maps: Historic surveys showing the early layout of the Devon estate.
Sand and Seaweed Pictures: Unique artwork created by the cousins themselves.
Period Furniture: Historic items reflecting the lifestyle of two independent women in the 1790s.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The site is situated perfectly for further exploration of East Devon:
Exmouth Beach: A vast sandy beach ideal for family picnics and coastal fun.
Exe Estuary: A nearby hub for birdwatching and cycling trails.
Point-in-View Chapel: The adjacent historic almshouses and chapel built by the cousins.

New for 2026

The house continuously updates its displays to offer new perspectives:
Grand Tour Exhibition: A temporary exhibit focusing on the specific journey the cousins took in 1784 that inspired their home.
Virtual Access Updates: Enhanced digital tools allowing visitors to explore the upper floors and delicate galleries virtually.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

House and grounds:

Adult (18+): £13.20 with Gift Aid & £12.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17) under 5s free: £6.60 with Gift Aid & £6.00 without Gift Aid.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £33.00 with Gift Aid & £30.00 without Gift Aid.
Family (1 adult up to 3 children): £19.80 with Gift Aid & £18.00 without Gift Aid.

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/a-la-ronde#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently list commercial birthday party packages. For information on private educational or group visits, please contact the property via the official website. Direct Inquiries: Visit the official National Trust contact page for A La Ronde.

House: 10:30 - 17:00 (Last admission 4pm)

Address: Summer Lane, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BD, UK

Post Code: EX8 5BD

Council: East Devon

County: Devon

By road: 2 miles north of Exmouth off A376.
On foot: East Devon Way alongside. South West Coast Path 2 miles.
By train: Lympstone village 1 mile; Exmouth 2 miles.
By bus: Exeter to Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, Number 57 bus stops within ½ mile at Courtlands Cross, the junction of Exeter Road (A376) and Summer Lane.
Cycling: National Cycle Network Route 2 is a route between Exeter and Exmouth, alongside the Exe Estuary. Towards the Exmouth end of the route is a turn up towards A la Ronde. At the top you will need to cross the main road at the crossing and make your way left towards Courtland Cross. Summer Lane is on the right by Haldon Motors.
Parking: Free Caravans and trailers telephone in advance. Two hard surface blue badge parking spaces.