Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park

Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park

Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park
4.5
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This award winning art gallery near Stratford-upon-Avon offers enjoyable ways to experience art and natural beauty of it's stunning landscape. Housed in a Grade I listed Robert Adam mansion set in Capability Brown landscaped parkland, Compton Verney is home to a growing collection of works of art from around the world including Naples 1600-1800, Germanic art 1450-1650, British portraits including Reynolds, exceptional collection of Chinese bronzes, unique collection of British Folk Art, the Marx-Lambert collection, plus an exciting program of changing exhibitions.
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  • Philip W
    46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delightful and unusual gallery and park
    A classic building in classic grounds (think Adam and Brown) beautifully restored in the 20th Century and now offering a remarkable display of art and culture, from Classical China to contemporary folk culture. Quite a walk from the car park to the house! But lovely grounds to explore, and excellent cafe within the house. Allow yourself 2-3 hours to do it justice. Well informed and welcoming volunteers add to the pleasure.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 April 2023
  • David G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic museum inthe Warwickshire country side.
    After years of thinking about going I finally got around to visiting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alongside the regular collections there are others that change throughout the year. Some, like the Chinese Collection, are up there with anything available elsewhere in the UK whilst the recently re-imagined “Sensing Naples” adds in smell and sound to the sight of the paintings which brings in another dimension … or two. Once you’ve paid to get in there are bookable free guided tours (currently on Wednesdays and Thursdays but as they say … check the website). I went on two of these (general intro to the museum and Tudor Mystery: A master painter revealed). Both were excellent, thank you Pam. There are also things to see and do in the grounds but it was a bit wet when I was there so I saved them till a later visit as I had a year pass (see below). I had coffee and cake in the café and I would put this as average VFM for this type of attraction. However, there are spaces inside and out where you can bring and eat your own food so that’s a plus point. I had seen the “light and sound spectacular” earlier in the year and took advantage of a discounted yearly membership they were offering at the time. IMO this is excellent VFM as I can go back to see the new collections as they’re introduced and explore the grounds. Transport wise, the Stagecoach 77 bus from Warwick or Stratford stops at the entrance otherwise it's a car journey. There is a walk from the car park to the museum through the grounds but there is a complimentary mini bus if you don’t fancy the walk.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 April 2023
  • David S
    Newark-on-Trent, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great cultural visit
    Although Compton Verney is very adept at welcoming families, it is in essence a fabulous art gallery. So families with children probably need to anticipate collage making or colour matching as activities. Adults have much to anticipate, with special exhibitions (currently with Quentin Blake sketches) , portraits and Neapolitan themed paintings. The Grade 1 house was saved for the nation by the Littlewood family. They bought the house derelict and have poured in £20m to bring the building to the high standard it is today. Parking, catering and toilets are all of the highest level one could expect. There is the Capability Brown parkland to stroll in or to run off a tasty lunch. We took the highlights of the collection tour and received a wonderful insight from an excellent guide. We can safely recommend this visit for art lovers of all ages!
    Visited June 2023
    Written 29 June 2023
  • Lynn A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful day out
    Compton Verney is a first-class gallery set in magnificent grounds. We were particularly interested in the Audubon exhibition, and we had an excellent guided tour. The permanent collections are also immensely impressive, from Chinese bronzes dating from 1500 BC to a nationally significant display of Neapolitan art. The latter is complete with interactive sounds and even smells! The staff were equally wonderful, welcoming, enthusiastic and well informed. There was also an exhibition of Quentin Blake’s art and every effort had been made to ensure that it was child friendly. A most enjoyable day out.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 July 2023
  • Tourists3
    United Kingdom73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Audubon exhibition & talk well worth a visit
    Visited Compton Verney a few days ago & enjoyed the art collection (great Audubon exhibition & talk at 11 am I think by Liz) The only reason this isn't a 5 star review was because of the food in the cafe. We don't mind a high price if the food & drink is great but the cake was stale & a very small portion of soup plus the bread was dry. Its a shame, will happily return but take a picnic next time.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 July 2023
  • David W
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely day out.
    We came for the two excellent temporary exhibitions. We were lucky to catch the 11.30 Audubon lecture, which was in depth and knowledgeable. The Quentin Blake was very good too. We always like to walk from the carpark and the park and lake looked lovely. The cafe was very busy and the food is expensive, which is sad, but I fear it's a feature of the inflation we are unfortunately passing through. My sandwich was good with fresh sourdough and the service was friendly and good. The ladies loos do need some attention. The staff and room attendants were knowledgeable and able and willing to interpret the exhibits. Thanks to all!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 August 2023
  • Vintagelouisa
    Paris, France4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Costly entries
    Enjoyable as ever.. but new admission rates make this very expensive! We loved the gurst pssses we used to have with our membership. Now a visit with son and family was extremely dear. Cafe was crowded and suffering from odd system of queing to order and then waiting at table. Go back to self service I suggest!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 August 2023
  • sbjkelly
    30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An unmitigated delight
    I have long wanted to visit Compton Verney and, finding myself in Warwickshire with half a day to spare, wasted no time in going. The parkland is beautiful -- typical Capability Brown, complete with lake. The house is charming. I was particularly delighted with the permanent exhibition of Folk Art on the top floor and the Chinese galleries beneath it. The café is excellent and the volunteers all helpful and friendly. I hope to visit again one day as there is an ever-changing array of temporary exhibitions: currently Quentin Blake and Audubon's Birds of America.
    Visited August 2023
    Written 27 August 2023
  • 1Jamel
    Bristol, United Kingdom46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First rate gallery and grounds
    What a pleasure to return again to Compton Verney after the Covid ‘gap’, for my second visit. The magnificent vista of the house and the enormous cedars in front, as you arrive, are unforgettable. We felt entrance price was reasonable for access to the special exhibitions and the six galleries. With the Art Fund card .. a good price. The Chance to see the Audubon exhibition and the Quentin Blake in addition to the Chinese collection and the Folk art was in the end , more than we could really do justice to in the time. We really didn’t even spend the time we hoped in the Capability Brown gardens. The cafe provided excellent food, not cheap but quality and filling. What a good set of staff and volunteers, not only in the cafe. We had the benefit of the guided tour with Liz for an hour to introduce us, would recommend. We briefly were introduced to parts of the range on offer, including 2 Canelettos.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 September 2023
  • Tor W
    Welford on Avon, United Kingdom22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nature, art & heart warming food
    Simply had the best time exploring the art, walking through the grounds & feasting at the cafe with my cousins and aunt. The Cafe was a real winner. We all warmed up on arrival with perfect festive hot chocolates - there was a wonderful selection. It was Black Forest for me. Loved the interactive collection, Sensing Naples. The smells and sounds really take the exhibition to a higher level. Refuelled at the cafe with a delicious filling lunch. Loved the menu. Could have devoured everything on it. They even offered Worcestershire sauce with the tomato juice. Superb friendly service. Top nosh! I highly recommend it.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 18 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles832 reviews
Excellent
486
Very good
206
Average
68
Poor
45
Terrible
28

SebG
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
The Print Fair at Compton Verney

I visited the annual Print Fair at Compton Verney in Warwickshire. It was a great experience.

I really enjoyed that all the works on display were so different to each other, some artists used digital art, other collage, one artist used cyanotype printing method which was interesting as I had already experimented with this technique. Other artists used wood blocks or lino carving. Some art was very small and detailed and others were larger, colourful some were simple but very effective.

Each artist had their own little gallery / stall and I could view the work on display while talking directly to the artist who created it. It was really great to be able to ask questions about their art, how they made it, what techniques they used. Some of the artists showed me their tools and were happy to talk about their printmaking methods and materials they use.

I enjoyed that I could walk around at my own pace spending time looking at the art that I found most interesting and all of the artists were very happy to talk with me about their art. It was good that the art was relatively affordable, but even though i couldn’t afford the larger artworks I could still purchase a greetings card size original print.

I particularly liked Andy Walkers work. He is a digital artists using Procreate to make landscapes and seascapes that appear photographic from a distance but are actually made up of thousands of colourful triangles, Andy kindly showed me how he makes his art using an iPad and showed me a piece he was in the middle of making.

I also liked the work of Ellie Cliflands. Her wood caving prints are so small but incredible detailed that she had a magnifying glass on her stand so that you could really see the detail in her artwork. She also had a step by step guide which liked to an instagram reel to show a video of the process. Her work is all in black and white which means she can make multiple prints from her block carvings and they are very striking.

I found the work of Jon Mackay really interesting. He uses silk screen printing to make his landscapes - they have a few layers of natural, tonal colours that are quite atmospheric.

I also liked the simplicity of the bird prints by Liz Toole and also Sarah Cemmick.

The whole afternoon I found very inspiring. There were techniques that I was keen to try out myself and as it’s an annual event at Compton Verney I would definitely like to go back next year.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Liz C
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
Overall, Compton Verney’s grounds appear to be in a state of disrepair and lacking in taste. As a local resident, I've been disappointed by the poor maintenance. The entrance is cluttered with neglected tents and cheap lights have been installed along the driveway. The recent light display was seen as an energy-wasting eyesore, especially considering the organization's focus on sustainability. The columns of the house have been covered in unattractive colored wrap, and the addition of 5 advertising flag poles is a visual blight on the otherwise beautiful rural landscape. Capability Brown would likely be dismayed by these recent changes.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve Green
Cheltenham, UK33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
An outstanding gallery with interest for everyone. Good cafe facilities and walks around the impressive lake. The Spectacle of Light event was outstandingly brilliant too.
Recommend.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tor W
Welford on Avon, UK22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
Simply had the best time exploring the art, walking through the grounds & feasting at the cafe with my cousins and aunt.

The Cafe was a real winner. We all warmed up on arrival with perfect festive hot chocolates - there was a wonderful selection. It was Black Forest for me.

Loved the interactive collection, Sensing Naples. The smells and sounds really take the exhibition to a higher level.

Refuelled at the cafe with a delicious filling lunch. Loved the menu. Could have devoured everything on it. They even offered Worcestershire sauce with the tomato juice. Superb friendly service.

Top nosh!

I highly recommend it.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Midlands Laptop
7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
It’s a nice art gallery set in beautiful countryside. We come a few times a year.

We tried to have lunch. We placed our order and paid. We were told there was a wait. 55 minutes later nothing had happened. Our food orders were lost. We got a refund. Lots of other people had the same problem. We were told the kitchen was short staffed and in a muddle.

The staff were very kind and apologetic but basically don’t count on getting a meal here because it may simply not happen. Bring your own sandwiches and a flask of tea.

This kind of thing is simply ridiculous. If they cannot run the café properly they should shut it down.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rebecca S
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
FAB CUSTOMER SERVICE! I completely forgot to write a review for this wonderful place ! I went to Luminate the past 2 years in a row (will be booking for this Xmas too!)
The first year I went I was not long out of hospital after becoming very very very poorly with sepsis and a million other things. I was determined to see the lights and the wonderful people at compton verney helped me make it happen! I was still waiting on a wheelchair from occupational health but I spoke to customer service and they arranged for me to use one of theirs, and they were so lovely and kind when we arrived as well (I was worrying that when people saw me walk a few steps they would judge me over using a chair because it was all very new for me!) luminate at compton verney was my first proper outing after leaving hospital so it was a big deal for me and they really helped me access it all and I had a wonderful time! The next year I went again AND THIS TIME I COULD WALK (just about haha! I went to sleep straight after as it is a big walk round but so worth it!) this year I will go again and hopefully I’ll be a bit quicker and less tired! It’s a tradition for my partner and I now, and I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful lights this year, which will remind me how far I’ve come in my recovery too! Thank you to the lovely staff at Compton verney - if you hadn’t have been so accommodating on that first visit I doubt I would have had the confidence to venture out to other places too! 5 million stars to you x
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Trixee2015
Leamington Spa, UK22 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
We went to see the exhibition History in the Making: Stories of Materials and Makers. There were some stunning artefacts from Woburn Abbey and some fantastic contemporary pieces but the main problem was the positioning of the information panels many of which were very low. I found it difficult to keep squatting down to read the lower panels and after a while just switched off - it was too much of an effort. I would have enjoyed this exhibition much more if the information had been positioned at a better height. If this is what Compton Verney are going to do in future then I will not want to visit future exhibitions.

Additionally, I thought the selection of cake in the cafe was poor. It being 31st October, both half term and Halloween, it seemed as though the cakes on offer were more aimed at children e.g. little monster cakes. There is also a system whereby you have to decide which table you are going to sit at then go up to the counter to order for them to deliver the food to you. However, if you can't leave anything at your chosen table to reserve it someone else can come along and decide they want that table, which is exactly what happened.

Compton Verney is a beautiful venue and very often the exhibitions are excellent but this visit proved to be very disappointing.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

1Jamel
Bristol, UK46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
What a pleasure to return again to Compton Verney after the Covid ‘gap’, for my second visit. The magnificent vista of the house and the enormous cedars in front, as you arrive, are unforgettable.
We felt entrance price was reasonable for access to the special exhibitions and the six galleries. With the Art Fund card .. a good price. The Chance to see the Audubon exhibition and the Quentin Blake in addition to the Chinese collection and the Folk art was in the end , more than we could really do justice to in the time. We really didn’t even spend the time we hoped in the Capability Brown gardens.
The cafe provided excellent food, not cheap but quality and filling. What a good set of staff and volunteers, not only in the cafe. We had the benefit of the guided tour with Liz for an hour to introduce us, would recommend. We briefly were introduced to parts of the range on offer, including 2 Canelettos.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sbjkelly
london, England30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
I have long wanted to visit Compton Verney and, finding myself in Warwickshire with half a day to spare, wasted no time in going. The parkland is beautiful -- typical Capability Brown, complete with lake. The house is charming. I was particularly delighted with the permanent exhibition of Folk Art on the top floor and the Chinese galleries beneath it. The café is excellent and the volunteers all helpful and friendly.

I hope to visit again one day as there is an ever-changing array of temporary exhibitions: currently Quentin Blake and Audubon's Birds of America.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vintagelouisa
Paris, France4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Enjoyable as ever.. but new admission rates make this very expensive! We loved the gurst pssses we used to have with our membership. Now a visit with son and family was extremely dear.
Cafe was crowded and suffering from odd system of queing to order and then waiting at table. Go back to self service I suggest!
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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COMPTON VERNEY ART GALLERY AND PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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