Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Strawberry Hill House & Garden
4.5
Architectural BuildingsGardensHistory Museums
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Discover Strawberry Hill House, Horace Walpole’s magnificent 18th century ’little gothic castle’. Set back from the River Thames in Twickenham, it has captivated visitors for over 250 years. This enchanting House & Garden inspired Walpole to write the first ever gothic novel, ‘The Castle of Otranto’ and today, is internationally famous as Britain’s finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Nicola
    319 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Hidden Gem
    Absolutely loved our visit to Strawberry Hill. Fascinating history of this incredible gothic revival style building. Beautifully restored and with a great team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who really bring the history to life. The gardens were lovely too and the cafe was value for money good food. A real hidden gem that’s well worth a visit.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 March 2023
  • Ann R
    47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique property, quite extraordinary
    Strawberry Hill House is less than 10-mins walk from Strawberry Hill Station with a half hourly service from Richmond where we were staying (Waterloo from London). There is a car park, or you can walk along the river from Twickenham. You have to visit to understand how unique this Gothic House is. The room staff were engaging and knowledgeable. The art is on loan from the Dulwich Gallery and is beautifully clean. The Gallery is only surpassed by the Holbein Room. The cafe is small but offers bacon or sausage baguettes, or cream tea - what a dilemma. I’m so pleased we made the effort - there is nothing comparable. We did not walk the grounds.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 May 2023
  • Lynthia D
    Liverpool, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Horace Walpole's Georgian Gothic Mansion is an absolute gem.
    The house was absolutely amazing and the room guides were superb; entertaining, knowledgeable and happy to share all sorts of stories. We found this little gem on Google and feel very lucky to have discovered it. We'll definitely be back for another visit.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 16 May 2023
  • Welshperson
    109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very odd old house.
    The house is the oddest historical house we have ever visited. If you are a National Trust member like us and enjoy visiting grand old mansions then this place is really worth a visit, if only because it is so different to the norm. We took our daughter who described some of the rooms as 'hideous'... I think that was bit strong, but each room was completely different and there was no theme to the house apart from the fact that pretty much every room had a massive fireplace, each of which was very strange...But it was very interesting and there were a LOT of rooms to look at. Most of the rooms also had a room guide and they were all very knowledgeable and helpful. There is a nice little cafe and the ladies at the entrance were very friendly and helpful. The only disappointment was the garden, which was basically a big grassy area with a few shrubs and very few flowers. But we had a good time there for a couple of hours. The house closes at 4 p.m. too, so bear that in mind if you decide to go after 2 p.m. - like us .
    Visited May 2023
    Written 29 May 2023
  • MLysenko @MyBucketListAt60
    Nottingham, United Kingdom36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Gothic Castle in London
    Felt as though I had walked into a fairytale, the Gothic style did not disappoint.  Loved the papier mache ceilings covered with 22 carat gold leaf.  And with the family motto "Fari Quae Sentiat",  loosely translated "Do as You Want To Do",  what's not to enjoy.  Great place, thanks for preserving. @MyBucketListAt60
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 June 2023
  • SamuelGrub
    Stroud, United Kingdom25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating
    Did the guided tour on the last Sunday of the month with a very knowledgeable guide. Amazing house with so many little side rooms and passages. Really well restored. Lots of history including the origins of the gothic novel. Large grounds with a shell seat & summer house. Shop has some interesting items. We had a tea & coffee there but wouldn't recommend, both were a bit tasteless.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 31 July 2023
  • darrylt187
    St Leonards-on-Sea, United Kingdom136 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Eccentric folly worth a visit
    Bowled over by the enthusiastic volunteers for this Gothic splendour in Twickenham. More style than substance in the house but better for this. An eccentric folly. Would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the moody service in the cafe. Got completely the wrong food and the staff made no effort to clear the cluttered tables.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 September 2023
  • Jeremy R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Probably the Best Team of Volunteer Guides we have ever known
    The best thing about the visit was the team of volunteer guides. They were all knowledgeable and helpful, and made our visit very interesting. The house itself is unusual, there are not many 18th Century Gothic Revival places around. Nicely restored with realistic touches, such as hand made wallpaper with "joins" to replicate the original. Also nice grounds where we had a pleasant picnic lunch. We are very pleased we made the trip.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 September 2023
  • chas e
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    civilised fun
    i have been waiting since i read about the possibility of it opening to go . I am so glad I did. He was obviously a one off, but set so many ideas and styles in motion, and so early from the art historical point of view, . To be ' a man of feeling' ; ( sentiare ) , would have meant to the 18th century ear to be a man of educated senseability, as opposed to just satisfying every whim and carnal longing. (cf later used by Jane Austen as a play in and on her title "sense and senseability " ). I was saddened by Tia maria mum 5's comments , good staff are hard to get ; I rather got the impression that the cafe dining was being run on a franchise ; the staff seemed to exhibit the spirit that saw us through the blitz, But the public seemed unaware of what a nuisance they were making of themselves by being thirsty and hungry. best wishes! Heritage is a hard graft.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 October 2023
  • nicole c
    35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    100% recommend
    We visited as a completely spontaneous trip after having time spare from visiting Hampton Court Palace. Honestly, I enjoyed this more! I did Gothic literature at university and read Castle of Otranto then. For years, I've wanted to visit and it was beyond my expectations. Gorgeous architecture, lovely Tolkien vibes. The volunteers were all highly skilled, really friendly atmosphere. It only took 30mins to go around because we visited at the end of the day, but truly inspirational and glad we did it!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 November 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 bubbles496 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
131
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
9

Antony B
London, UK372 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
This is a fascinating house with amazing gothic styling. The use of light and shadows is interesting, and the history is well-presented. The room guides were all really knowledgeable and helpful and explained the restoration work that that taken place.
Lunch at the café was excellent, if a tad pricey, and we sat out on the terrace in the sunshine. Afterwards we explored the gardens, which were just starting to flower.
Written 12 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.

Charmian W
London, UK5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
What a gorgeous, eccentric and uniquely lovely place. The house itself is charming and fascinating but it was really brought to life by the WONDERFUL, informative and friendly guides. They were all fantastic and the brought the place to life so well. At points it seemed like the guides were a bit worried that we'd wanted/expected to see the place furnished but it's simply delightful exactly as it is.

I notice a couple of previous posters had issues in the cafe, fortunately for us I think the staff must have changed in the last couple of months because the staff there were great too.

I would heartily recommend this as a fabulous day out.
Written 30 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.

sheepygold
london5,598 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
A group of 20 of us came for a special guided tour which lasted a good 90 minutes. There is an awful lot to take in by way of history and decor, much of it being very impressive and somewhat over the top. This house is an unexpected delight if you haven't been before.
Written 23 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.

Bookhunt
Darlington, UK6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
A very interesting and historically important building, very well presented. Exceptional stewards in all the rooms - enthusiastic and very well informed. Enjoyed a coffee and a piece of cake in the nice little cafe too.
Written 21 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.

nicole c
35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
We visited as a completely spontaneous trip after having time spare from visiting Hampton Court Palace. Honestly, I enjoyed this more! I did Gothic literature at university and read Castle of Otranto then. For years, I've wanted to visit and it was beyond my expectations. Gorgeous architecture, lovely Tolkien vibes. The volunteers were all highly skilled, really friendly atmosphere. It only took 30mins to go around because we visited at the end of the day, but truly inspirational and glad we did it!
Written 11 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.

chas e
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
i have been waiting since i read about the possibility of it opening to go . I am so glad I did. He was obviously a one off, but set so many ideas and styles in motion, and so early from the art historical point of view, .
To be ' a man of feeling' ; ( sentiare ) , would have meant to the 18th century ear to be a man of educated senseability, as opposed to just satisfying every whim and carnal longing. (cf later used by Jane Austen as a play in and on her title "sense and senseability " ).
I was saddened by Tia maria mum 5's comments , good staff are hard to get ; I rather got the impression that the cafe dining was being run on a franchise ; the staff seemed to exhibit the spirit that saw us through the blitz, But the public seemed unaware of what a nuisance they were making of themselves by being thirsty and hungry.
best wishes! Heritage is a hard graft.
Written 14 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.

Jeremy R
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
The best thing about the visit was the team of volunteer guides. They were all knowledgeable and helpful, and made our visit very interesting. The house itself is unusual, there are not many 18th Century Gothic Revival places around. Nicely restored with realistic touches, such as hand made wallpaper with "joins" to replicate the original. Also nice grounds where we had a pleasant picnic lunch. We are very pleased we made the trip.
Written 8 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.

darrylt187
St Leonards-on-Sea, UK136 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
Bowled over by the enthusiastic volunteers for this Gothic splendour in Twickenham. More style than substance in the house but better for this. An eccentric folly. Would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the moody service in the cafe. Got completely the wrong food and the staff made no effort to clear the cluttered tables.
Written 6 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.

DM
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
We visited the cafe for lunch which was spoilt by the staff who were, in my view, very rude, unhelpful and unprofessional. The venue itself has lovely gardens and if it wasn’t for the rudeness of the ladies in the cafe would have been enjoyable
Written 14 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.
We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Strawberry Hill House & Garden. However, we are terribly sorry to hear that you had a bad experience in the café. We are currently reviewing the external café provision and have passed on your comments. Please contact us at events@strawberryhillhouse.org.uk for a complimentary visit at this time. With thanks and best wishes, The Strawberry Hill House team.
Written 7 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TiaMariaMum5
London, UK6 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
Disappointing. Like a previous poster we also had a run-in with rude, unhelpful staff at the cafe, which soured our day out at Strawberry Hill before it had even begun. The house itself is weird and rather OTT in its Gothic theme. I guess if Gothic revival is your thing you will be right at home, but to us it felt rather like a Disney castle. Added to which there is really very little indeed to see - the place is strangely empty. Despite this there are a plethora of volunteers who, though I'm sure they mean well, literally harangue you with their crib sheet of info, even when you've clearly said you wish to simply browse around on your own - by far my preferred way to see a stately home. Really there is no reason at all to bother with Strawberry Hill. You are in London! Go to see Ham House, Chiswick House or Syon House, all close by and far better. Or just go into central London and be properly blown away.
Written 9 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.
We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your visit to Strawberry Hill House. The house is as unique and quirky as its creator and whilst it's not to everyone's taste, it is internationally renowned as one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture.    As an independent charity the Trust works tirelessly to raise the funds to keep the house open, bring back some of the collection and provide an interesting experience for visitors. We are so grateful to have the support of our Volunteers to not only guide the rooms, but also to share stories about Horace Walpole, the House and our growing collection.    We are currently reviewing the external café provision and have passed on your comments. Please contact us at events@strawberryhillhouse.org.uk for a complimentary visit at this time. With thanks and best wishes, The Strawberry Hill House team.
Written 7 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE & GARDEN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Strawberry Hill House & Garden is open:
  • Sat - Wed 11:00 - 16:00


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