[2025 Twickenham Attraction] Travel Guide for Strawberry Hill House & Garden (Updated May)

1⃣Highclere Castle 📍RG20 9RN The actual shooting location of "Downton Abbey" is Highclere Castle, which was built 200 years ago. Visitors can enjoy visiting and tasting the aristocratic afternoon tea. 2⃣Blenheim Palace 📍OX20 1UL The birthplace of Churchill, located in Oxfordshire, is a luxuriously decorated country mansion. Here you can also see many classical paintings and Churchill's personal exhibition. 3⃣Lyme Park 📍SK12 2NR The shooting location of the BBC drama version of "Pride and Prejudice" is an open and spacious manor with many treasured books and collections of clocks and watches inside. 4⃣Chatsworth 📍DE45 1PP One of the most famous manor houses in the UK, the filming location of Darcy Manor in the movie "Pride and Prejudice". The manor is elegant and grand, with outdoor gardens, shrub mazes, and fountains. The banquet hall and lobby inside the manor are even more magnificent. 5⃣Mount Stuart 📍PA20 9LR 🌲Located in Scotland, this famous manor has unique architecture. It is said to have the world's first indoor heated swimming pool and a Victorian elevator. 6⃣Glamis Castle 📍DD8 1RJ The family estate of Elizabeth's mother is located here. This manor castle has a unique mysterious and cold atmosphere. It is said that there is a secret room that has been sealed for centuries. The sound of shuffling can often be heard coming from the walls inside the castle. 7⃣Strawberry Hill House 📍TW1 4ST 🌲Located in the west of London, the manor is a unique Gothic-style building built by the son of the first British Prime Minister. 8⃣Castle Ward 📍BT30 7BA 🌲Ward Castle in Scotland was once the location for the Game of Thrones' Winterfell. Built in the 18th century, half of the castle is Gothic architecture and half is Palladian architecture. It is said that this was caused by disagreement between the owner and his wife. Also, purchasing your train tickets on Trip.com grants you additional discounts! 💰New users can enter 👉UKTRIP👈 for a 5% discount on UK train tickets, while existing users can enter 👉UKGIFT👈 for a 2% discount. 💰If you don't have a Railcard, enter 👉SPECIAL20👈 to get a 20% discount on Railcard purchases! Give it a try! #triptrain #uk #manor #localguides #savemore

#londontrips Underrated London Gems As my time in London comes to an end, I’ve decided to create a series of mini guides to the lesser-known gems I’ve fallen in love with over the past four years. First up: Strawberry Hill House and Pope’s Grotto — two magical, history-rich sites tucked away in southwest London. How to Get There Take a train from Vauxhall or Waterloo to Strawberry Hill station (around 30 minutes). You can use an Oyster card or buy a ticket on-site. Both locations are within walking distance of the station and of each other — ideal for a day trip! Opening Times & Tickets • Strawberry Hill House Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tickets: £14.50 (Adults) / £7.25 (Students) / Free for Art Fund members The garden is free to enter and open year-round. Tip: On the second and last Sunday of each month at 10 AM, there are excellent paid guided tours. • Pope’s Grotto Open on weekends only, hours vary — advance booking via their official website is essential Tickets: £10 Service & Experience Both locations have the most enthusiastic volunteers I’ve encountered in London. You’ll receive a map upon arrival, and friendly guides are always on hand to share insights into the architecture, the history, and quirky anecdotes. It’s a dream for anyone who loves learning the deeper stories behind a place. Strawberry Hill House: The White Castle of Dreams This dazzling white Gothic Revival villa was once the summer home of Horace Walpole, son of Britain’s first prime minister. Designed with both beauty and fragrance in mind, the house is surrounded by a fragrant garden that blooms through the seasons. One of the most charming details? A replica of the famous shell chair, said to be large enough to seat three duchesses (and their voluminous gowns). This house is pure eye candy — whimsical, dramatic, and utterly photogenic. Why “Strawberry” Hill? Walpole thought the original name, Chopped Straw House, was far too dull for his fantastical retreat. So he coined Strawberry Hill — a sweet, romantic name, despite there never being a single strawberry grown on the grounds! Pope’s Grotto: A Hidden Passage Through Time Alexander Pope, the famed poet and a Catholic, wasn’t allowed to live inside London in the 18th century. So he built his home in Twickenham, with a garden across the road. To visit in privacy, he excavated a secret underground grotto — a whimsical tunnel filled with crystals, minerals, and carvings. Walking through it feels like stepping inside a forgotten dreamscape.

#londontrip Step into the enchanting world of Strawberry Hill House, where Christmas magic weaves through every nook and cranny. Nestled in the heart of Twickenham, this Gothic Revival masterpiece transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. The grand entrance welcomes you with a dazzling display of twinkling lights, setting the stage for a captivating journey. Each room within the historic house is adorned with unique and tasteful decorations, reflecting the spirit of the season. From intricately decorated Christmas trees to festive garlands, every detail adds to the ambiance of holiday cheer. Explore the intricacies of Horace Walpole's architectural gem as you wander through the halls, where timeless elegance meets yuletide festivity. Don't miss the Great Parlour, where a crackling fireplace and festive decor create a cozy retreat. The stunning garden, with its architectural follies, is also illuminated, offering a magical outdoor experience. 🎁🏰 #StrawberryHill

#londontrip Indulge in the refined elegance of Afternoon Tea at Strawberry Hill House. The charming setting, with its Gothic-inspired decor and tranquil garden views, sets the stage for a delightful culinary experience. Savor an array of handcrafted pastries, dainty sandwiches, and premium teas, meticulously curated to elevate your afternoon. The attentive service and historic ambiance create a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Afternoon Tea at Strawberry Hill House is a celebration of taste and tranquility. ☕🍰 #StrawberryHillTea

#londontrip Nestled in the heart of Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House & Garden is a timeless escape into Gothic splendor. As you approach, the picturesque facade reveals itself, adorned with whimsical towers and pointed arches. The meticulously landscaped garden, a tapestry of colors, invites you to embark on a leisurely stroll. Explore the ornate interiors where Horace Walpole's vision comes to life, showcasing a unique blend of Georgian charm and Gothic fantasy. Each room tells a story, and the garden whispers tales of a bygone era. Strawberry Hill House & Garden is not just an architectural marvel; it's a journey through history, nature, and the imagination. 🍓🏡 #StrawberryHill

#meetlondon Address: 268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4ST, United Kingdom. Getting there: You can take rail and stop at Strawberry Hill station. The place is just 5 minutes walk away. Highlights: Although it is called Strawberry Hill House & Garden, this place is actually a restored Gothic castle. The house is a good example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture. You will find some very creative architecture and decorations. If you are a student of Gothic literature, the house is a must-see. There are an excellent team of people explaining a lot of facts about the house and Horace around the rooms. 🥰 Opening hours: 10am to 4pm, from Sunday to Wednesday #london #visitlondon