Best Historic Houses to Visit: Waddesdon Manor
Buckinghamshire's Waddesdon Manor is a High Victorian masterpiece in the style of a French Chateau, built and owned by the Rothschild family.
Best Historic Houses to Visit: Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor is a monument to Victorian eccentricity: a French Chateau, in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Baron Ferdinand Rothschild built the house in 1874 to house his outstanding collection of art and treasures, and today, run by both the current Baron Rothschild and National Trust, the house and gardens have lost none of their grandeur.
To relax after all that culture, make a beeline for the Stables shop that sells the finest fudge and sweets in any stately home. For an evening meal, head to the Manor Restaurant, and for drinks try the Summer House and Coffee Bar.
Practical
Opening Times: Grounds: Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 22 March - 2 November 10am - 5pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except bank holidays). House: Wednesday to Friday 12pm - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 11am - 4pm
Price: Free for National Trust Members. Non-members for grounds and house: adult £21 and child £11.50 (including all exhibitions and displays).
Where?
By car: just off the A41 between Bicester and Aylesbury.
By train: From London Marylebone to Aylesbury, then taxi for 6.5 mile journey to Waddesdon.
Disabled Access: Most areas of house and gardens are accessible via wheelchair, except Prints and Drawings Room and Wine Cellars.
The Coach House is a fantastic temporary exhibition space, which has hosted some interesting displays, including Power & Portraiture: painting at the court of Elizabeth I.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox
Outside, the High Victorian grounds are excitingly varied, containing a Rococo-style aviary, woodlands, and beautiful water and rose gardens. The main attraction is the parterre, with a wonderful frog-fountain. Woodland walks, a playgrounds and picnics provide ample entertainment for children.
Practical
Opening Times: Grounds: Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 22 March - 2 November 10am - 5pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except bank holidays). House: Wednesday to Friday 12pm - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 11am - 4pm
Price: Free for National Trust Members. Non-members for grounds and house: adult £21 and child £11.50 (including all exhibitions and displays).
Where?
By car: just off the A41 between Bicester and Aylesbury.
By train: From London Marylebone to Aylesbury, then taxi for 6.5 mile journey to Waddesdon.
Disabled Access: Most areas of house and gardens are accessible via wheelchair, except Prints and Drawings Room and Wine Cellars.
