David Parr (1854-1927) was a workman for the Cambridge firm of artworkers, F R Leach & Sons. David was employed by the Leach Firm to paint schemes in houses and churches created by some of the best architects and designers in the country. 

In 1886, David bought 186 Gwydir Street and over 40 years, he transformed his terraced home. Guided by lamps and candlelight, David decorated his home in the style of the grand interiors he worked on every day. Following his death in 1927, the home was preserved by his granddaughter, Elsie Palmer for over 85 years. 

David Parr House is located at 184/186 Gwydir Street, Cambridge, UK, CB1 2LW. Please ring the doorbell at 184 Gwydir Street on arrival and we will welcome you inside.

Our Shop and Studio Space is open Thursday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm. We open at other times for special events and bookings. You can see our latest events here.

You can visit the house or book a house tour via our Visit page here. Advanced booking for tours is required. If you have any issues booking online, please call 01223 311 680 or send us an email at info@davidparrhouse.org.

Tours typically last about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes time after your tour to browse our shop, archive area, and gardens.

Due to the fragile nature of the interior, we cannot admit children under the age of 12. Young people aged 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. We cannot accept babies on a tour, even in a baby carrier. 

Yes, we have an on-site shop which is open 10am-5pm Thursday - Saturday. You can also shop online here.

We do not have a cafe but there are many places to eat and drink close to us on Gwydir Street and Mill Road.

Photography is not permitted in the House during a house visit or a guided tour. You are welcome to take photographs in our garden, Shop and Studio Space.

Photography is permitted in the house if you are visiting an exhibition, or if you are taking part in a workshop. 

Yes, group tours can be arranged. Please contact us directly for more details and to arrange a group visit at info@davidparrhouse.org

Paid parking is available for four hours in Gwydir Street Car Park, which is about 50m from David Parr House. Payment can be made by the Just Park app.

If you have a Blue Badge your first 3 hours are free. There is one disabled parking bay in this car park.

Dogs, other than support dogs, are not permitted inside David Parr House. If you have a guide or support dog, we would be delighted to welcome you on a tour by arrangement. You can bring your dog to our Shop and Studio Space.

Unfortunately, due to the historic nature and layout of the house, it is not wheelchair accessible. Our Shop and Studio Space is partially wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at info@davidparrhouse.org to discuss specific access needs.

The house aims to accommodate all visitors as much as possible. Visitors with disabilities are encouraged to get in touch at info@davidparrhouse.org to discuss their needs and any assistance required. You can find more accessibility information here.

Yes, we host various events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. See what's on here.

Please see our Terms and Conditions before making a booking. Bookings are non-refundable and may not be exchanged or transferred.

We host private events and offer venue hire. Visit Venue Hire or email us at info@davidparrhouse.org to find out more.

You can support us through one-off or regular donations, purchasing in our shop, attending an event, following us on Instagram and Facebook or volunteering.

Visit Support to find out more.

You can contact us via email at info@davidparrhouse.org or by phone at 01223 311 680.

Yes, you can subscribe to our newsletter in the footer of this page to receive updates on tours, events, and news.