Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor* is a lasting testament to French Renaissance opulence in an English setting. This grand estate and country house, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, effortlessly blends art, architecture, and manicured gardens.

The intricate architecture of 19th-century Waddesdon Manor
The intricate architecture of 19th-century Waddesdon Manor - © John Bigelow Taylor - Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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About Waddesdon Manor

Located in the idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside, Waddesdon Manor* is a grand fusion of culture and Neo-Renaissance opulence.

Owned by the National Trust and managed by the Rothschild Foundation, it's one of the Trust's most visited properties.

This 19th-century estate is a jewel of French Renaissance architecture with striking turrets, a parterre garden and an extensive art collection.

The manor's construction began in 1874 under Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his remarkable collection of art treasures and entertain high society.

The immaculate gardens of Waddesdon Manor
The immaculate gardens of Waddesdon Manor - © Peter - Flickr CC BY 2.0

It houses one of the finest French 18th-century decorative art collections and British portraiture. Set amidst 5,000 acres of rolling parkland, the manor provides a backdrop for these historical treasures.

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Waddesdon is also surrounded by 120 acres of dog-friendly lush gardens, each designed with precision and care, making it an idyllic place for languid strolls and family picnics.

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Why visit?

Waddesdon Manor offers a fabulous day out for couples, friends and families. Built by Ferdinand de Rothschild in the style of Louis XIV, Waddesdon Manor's interiors rival the grandest of royal palaces. It also houses an enormous and important collection of art and objects.

Beyond the château walls, Waddesdon Manor's gardens* celebrate Victorian horticulture and are a haven for local wildlife. Take the time to wander through terraces adorned with seasonally changing blooms or get lost in the geometric precision of the Parterre.

Christmas at the manor

Christmas* is one of the best times to visit Waddesdon Manor, as the house and gardens are exquisitely decorated for the holiday season. Each year, the manor transforms into a fantastical Christmas wonderland with festive stalls, themed displays and brand-new light projections on the manor's grand exterior.

The Christmas Fair is one of the season's highlights, where you can purchase gifts from hand-selected chalet stalls, each offering something different from gifts, decorations and homeware to crafts to gourmet festive foods and rich mulled wines.

The Waddesdon Manor collections

The estate has an impressive art collection* reflecting the Rothschild family's discerning and often eclectic taste. When you visit, you can browse a vast collection of paintings*, including 14 works by the prolific painter Sir Joshua Reynolds. His work showcases a range of his artistic flair and ability from grand society portraits to more intimate and personal studies.

Other notable pieces in the collection include Thomas Gainsborough's Lady Sheffield and The Pink Boy, which capture the elegance of 18th-century England.

You'll also find exceptional paintings by luminaries such as Reynolds and Romney, along with Limoges enamel, arms and armour, maiolica, manuscripts, prints and drawings.

In addition to paintings, the manor houses the Waddesdon Bequest, a collection of nearly 300 objects left to the trust by Baron Ferdinand Rothschild. This legacy comprises an assortment of precious items, from intricate jewellery to ornate snuffboxes, reflecting the fine taste of the Rothschilds.

The manor's art collection extends beyond the traditional. You can also explore distinctive contemporary animal art pieces skilfully crafted by artists such as Shubhra Nayar, Angus Fairhurst and Sarah Lucas. These modern installations add a stylish contrast to the historical backdrop of the manor.

Did you know? As well as dining in The Manor Restaurant* and taking tea in The Stables Café*, you can also stay at the manor's fine Neo-Tudor boutique hotel, The Five Arrows*.

Inside Waddesdon Manor

With a distinct French Renaissance château feel, the manor has a range of opulent rooms packed with 18th-century French objects of exceptional quality and history. Each room at Waddesdon Manor tells a story, providing a glimpse into the life of the Rothschild family and their love for art, culture and high society.

The sumptuous Red Drawing Room
The sumptuous Red Drawing Room - © Andrew and Annemarie - Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

As you enter the manor, you are greeted by the grandeur of the Red Drawing Room, where Baron Ferdinand would receive his guests. It sets the tone for what lies inside with its richly decorated ceiling, walls covered in crimson silk damask and ornate furniture.

Meanwhile, the Morning Room is where natural light filters through tall windows, illuminating a mix of 18th-century French furniture and exquisite porcelain pieces. It features intricate marquetry floors and Winterhalter's flattering portrait of Queen Victoria.

Then there's the Dining Room, where Ferdinand hosted lavish dinner parties, a testament to his love for entertaining. You'll see tapestries, paintings and the long, ornately carved table set with gold cutlery and crystal glassware.

There's plenty more to see as you explore Waddesdon Manor, such as the Bachelor's Wing, the Green Boudoir, the Small Library and the manor's renowned wine cellar.

Getting to Waddesdon Manor

Conveniently located just a short journey from London, Waddesdon Manor offers an accessible escape from London's hectic and dynamic centre.

Please note: Waddesdon Manor closes during the winter period and reopens in late March. The grounds, however, remain open to visitors. Check opening times before booking.

By car: the manor is a straightforward drive from London, around 1.5 hours, via the M40. The site has ample parking and a regular shuttle bus service from the car park to the manor.

By train: if you prefer to travel by train, take the Chiltern Railways service from London Marylebone to Aylesbury Vale Parkway. From there, a taxi ride or a local bus can take you to the manor in approximately 15 minutes.

By coach: several coach services also operate from London to Aylesbury, providing another convenient travel option.

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Portia Jones

Portia Jones

Portia Jones is a freelance travel journalist and host of "The Travel Goals Podcast". Based in Wales, Portia specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and solo travel guides. She writes for a wide range of publications including the Mirror, the Western Mail, loveEXPLORING, Women & Home and Bradt Guides.

Updated on Saturday 27th April 2024

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