A nursery with a story: the magic behind Grace Dieu Manor Park

When families visit Grace Dieu Manor Park Nursery for the first time, one of the first things they notice is how beautiful the setting is. Rolling green spaces, mature trees, and historic buildings create a peaceful, inspiring environment for children to explore. But did you know that our nursery sits on land with a story stretching back hundreds of years?

Grace Dieu Manor Park is built on a 66-acre estate in Thringstone, Leicestershire. At the heart of the grounds stands the manor house, which dates back to 1833. With its grand architecture and picturesque surroundings, it’s easy to see why this special place captures the imagination of children and grown-ups alike.

Long before the manor house was built, the land was home to something even more historic, Grace Dieu Priory, a religious house founded in the 13th century. The priory was once a peaceful community of nuns, living, working, and worshipping on the very grounds where our children now play and learn. It’s incredible to think that centuries ago, this land was already a place of care, community, and learning -  values we still hold close today.

In the 1530s, during the closure of the Monasteries, the priory was closed and the land changed hands, eventually becoming part of a private estate. Over time, the manor house was built nearby, shaping the landscape into the beautiful park we see today.

More recently, the building served as Grace Dieu Manor School, welcoming students for many years before the school closed in 2020. Today, the site has been lovingly reimagined into a vibrant community space,  and we’re proud that Grace Dieu Manor Park Nursery is part of its next chapter.

For our children, this rich history isn’t just a fun fact - it’s part of their everyday experience. Forest School sessions take place among ancient trees, outdoor adventures unfold across historic grounds, and curious little minds grow in a place that has been nurturing communities for generations.

We feel incredibly lucky to call Grace Dieu Manor Park our home - a setting where history, nature, and childhood wonder come together beautifully.