Willistead Manor Gears up for July Summer Tours and the 5th Annual High Tea and Garden Party

Willistead Manor’s 2025 At the Manor event offerings continue with the return of July summer tours of the manor presented in partnership with the Friends of Willistead, and the 5th Annual High Tea and Garden Party presented in partnership with Thyme To-Go. The 36-room mansion sits within the 15-acre Willistead Park. Built in 1906, the manor was briefly the home of Edward Chandler Walker and his wife, Mary. Today, this cultural gem in Windsor is the perfect location for tours, weddings, receptions, meetings, performances and special events. Willistead Manor was recently recognized in the 10th Annual Best of Windsor-Essex Awards with the “Best Attraction – Historical” award for the second year in a row. Experience Willistead Manor this summer in the city of Windsor.

July Summer Tours 

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2025: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Sundays, July 6, 13 and 20, 2025: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prices: $6.75 adults, $5.75 students and seniors, $3.25 children 12 and under

Public tours of Willistead Manor are offered throughout the months of July and December each year. Summer is the ideal time to visit and see the building in its natural beauty. Tours of the manor include stories provided by the Friends of Willistead, and access to the Coach House Historical Exhibition, which tells the story of Hiram Walker, the Walker family and legacy, the formation of Walkerville, Edward and Mary Walker, the construction of the manor, and more. After exploring the exhibition, head across the parking lot to Willistead Manor for a tour of the grand estate. Members of the Friends of Willistead will be stationed throughout the building to answer questions from guests and provide some context and historical interpretation. Special Willistead-themed keepsake items are available for purchase on-site from the Friends of Willistead. Tour reservations are not required in advance. Tickets are purchased on-site upon arrival at the Coach House and may be purchased using cash, debit or credit.

5th Annual High Tea and Garden Party 

Sunday, July 27, 2025

The popular annual event returns, offering three seatings once again this year at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and are available as of June 27, 2025, at www.ThymeToGo.ca. Seating is limited, and those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets early. This unforgettable experience includes assorted teas served in tea sets from the Friends of Willistead’s own collection; a menu of picture-perfect tea sandwiches, pastries, fruits, scones, and traditional High Tea accompaniments; and guided tours of the Paul Martin Gardens from members of the City of Windsor’s Horticulture team at set times. Fancy high-tea hats are optional. For this event each year, the City’s Horticulture team sets out a stunning display of plants both inside Willistead Manor and in the outdoor Paul Martin Gardens, creating many opportunities for memorable photos. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to visit the Coach House Historical Exhibition, which is supported by the Charleigh Charitable Trust; Walker descendants, including Martha Henkel; Willistead Manor Inc.; Friends of Willistead; and the City of Windsor.

These unique At the Manor events and initiatives take place in the City’s historic manor in Walkerville, co-produced by the City’s Culture Department and the manor’s exclusive caterer. Thyme To-Go Head Chef Julie Myers designs special menus that draw inspiration from Willistead’s history and from her travels around the world, created with fresh and local ingredients wherever possible.

Additional upcoming events in the At the Manor series this year include the following:

• Annual Holiday Tours: Sundays, December 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17, 2025. 
• Breakfast with Santa: Sundays, December 7,14 and 21, 2025. 

Quotes: 

“We are proud of Willistead Manor’s At the Manor programming series and grateful for the overwhelming and positive community response to these special events. We continue to offer diverse, unique and exciting sold-out experiences, and we are thrilled to see the popular High Tea and Garden Party as well as our summer tours return once again. Through this series, you will find the rooms of the manor filled with delicious food, stunning art, thought-provoking poetry, beautiful music, and much more.”
- Christopher Lawrence Menard, Supervisor of Cultural Affairs, Willistead Manor, Mackenzie Hall

"The Thyme To-Go team looks forward to all of the At the Manor series events, and our High Tea and Garden Party was one of the experiences that started it all. Seeing our guests fall in love with the manor through recent Easter, Mother’s Day, and Art in the Park brunch events was truly special. We cannot wait to treat everyone to another memorable experience this time around. We’ve put together an incredible menu, and the City will have the manor looking like a beautiful garden — inside and out."
- Julie Myers, Head Chef and Owner, Thyme To-Go, Willistead Manor's Exclusive Caterer and At the Manor partner

Further details on the At the Manor events and programming series can be found at www.Willistead.ca. To learn more about culture and heritage services at the City of Windsor, visit www.CityWindsor.ca or contact 311.