Spot the best hotels near Cliveden House

Cliveden House is a grand country estate set within 376 acres of magnificent gardens and woodlands overlooking the River Thames. This Grade I listed historic site offers a glimpse into a world of high society and intrigue, having played host to every British monarch since George I. You can spend hours wandering through the formal parterre, exploring the secret glades, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this storied landscape.

This grand estate sits high above the River Thames and offers a glimpse into a world of high-society scandals and political power. Spread across more than 370 acres, the grounds provide plenty of space for long walks through formal gardens and ancient woodland.

Planning your walk around the grounds

You can explore the gardens throughout the year, though the house itself has more limited access. Because the main building functions as a luxury hotel, public tours of the interior usually only happen on specific days, such as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from March to October. These guided sessions often last about 30 minutes and require a pre-booked ticket.

An entry fee applies for visitors who are not members of the National Trust. Most of the formal garden paths are level and accessible, but the trails leading down to the riverbank involve steep slopes and several hundred feet of elevation change. Please check the official landmark site for up-to-date information regarding seasonal opening hours and tour availability.

Exploring the gardens and grand architecture

The main building of Cliveden House is a masterpiece of the Italianate style, designed by the architect Charles Barry. One of the standout features is the massive six-acre parterre, which is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. You will also find a collection of classical sculptures and the Fountain of Love, which greets you at the end of the long drive.

The Cliveden Maze is a popular spot for families, made from more than 2,000 yew trees. If you head inside the Great Hall during a scheduled tour, you can see dark oak panelling and a massive stone fireplace. The walls are lined with tapestries and portraits that tell the story of the families who once hosted royalty and prime ministers here.

Discovering centuries of social history

This site has been home to dukes, earls, and the wealthy Astor family over the centuries. It gained a reputation as a meeting place for the powerful and later became known as the setting for the events of the Profumo affair in the 1960s. The current house is actually the third to stand on these foundations, as fires destroyed the earlier versions built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The estate is recognised as a Grade I listed park and garden due to its historical importance. It transitioned from a private family home to a protected site when it was gifted to the National Trust in 1942. Today, it remains a rare example of a grand country house that still feels lived-in while being open for the public to enjoy.

Finding your way around Cliveden House is easy, as the estate sits in a well-connected part of the Berkshire countryside. You will find plenty of options to stay near the grounds, with several charming villages and towns providing a simple commute to the gates.

Where to stay nearby

Staying in the village of Taplow puts you right on the doorstep of the estate, making it a top choice if you want to spend your days wandering the gardens. For those who prefer a mix of riverside walks and independent shops, Maidenhead is only 2 miles away and offers a variety of family-friendly hotels and modern apartments. If you are looking for something more traditional, the nearby town of Marlow is roughly 5 miles from the house and is known for its high-end boutique inns and refined dining. This area is perfect if you enjoy a relaxed pace, with many stays offering views over the River Thames or easy access to woodland trails.

How to reach the estate

The easiest way to arrive is via Taplow Station, which is located just 2 miles from the main entrance. You can catch a train from London Paddington and arrive in about 35 minutes, followed by a quick 10-minute taxi ride to the house. If you are coming from Maidenhead Station, the journey takes a similar amount of time by car, and there are local bus services that drop you within a short walking distance of the estate.

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