David Parr House — Attraction in Cambridge

I did a virtual tour of the David Parr House while Sydney was in lockdown, and it was definitely one of the highlights of this very strange time we're living through. The other people on the tour were all in the UK, and there was time to have a bit of a chat before we got going through the house, which was really nice. The guides were just lovely and very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and approachable - it was great that before the tour started, they asked us what we were all interested in and could tailor the tour to suit. The tour itself was really fascinating - the house is wonderful and surprising, and it's fantastic that it's there for all of us to marvel over. There was time for questions afterwards, so it all felt very personal and individual. The whole experience, I have to say, was very emotional - at the time, I couldn't even travel to some other parts of Sydney but for a very happy hour one evening, I was in another part of the world entirely. Having access to the virtual tour for a day or two after the guided online tour was a bonus - lots of very interesting videos to watch and other bits and pieces to explore. I'd recommend this tour to everyone, whatever your interests are - it's a really special experience. And I can't wait to visit the David Parr House in real life once international travel...

If you love old houses, old things, or just stories about interesting people, you MUST visit the David Parr house. A true hidden gem - behind a totally unassuming 'regular' facade lies a hand-painted interior unchanged for over 100 years. A testament to the search for beauty in an everyday life. So wonderful just to be able to see it (massive thank you all the people who saved it for the rest of us), but our guide Jen was absolutely superb; she kept apologising for being over-enthusiastic, and I say there is no such thing in a tour guide! Wonderfully knowledgeable and charming, she gave us a fantastic two-hour step back in time and really brought the whole thing to life. I will be back, and will be telling everyone I know to book tickets when they can, because I know they will love it. Highly, highly recommended if you are anywhere near Cambridge, or can get there...

When I visited Cambridge for the first time before Lockdown I discovered the house, but our short visit wasn't on opening days, so this return trip I made a point of booking months ahead. We were not disapponted. It's incredible & an absolute gem if you love Arts & Crafts design & social history. Our guide Penny & her colleague were enthusiastic & knowledgable; they gave us an engaging tour that was just the right length. The small group size makes for a personal tour, like the owners showing round friends, & this adds to the specialness. I was wowed by David Parr's ambition, intensity & skill in handpainting his home over decades. And hearing his grand daughter's story and seeing how she lived was fascinating. I'm so glad it was discovered by accident in the noughties & not swept away by a developer. I'm recommending to friends & will...