National Trust Cliveden
National Trust Cliveden
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden’s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone era. There's lots going on around the estate whether it's for a gentle stroll through the formal gardens or a race through the woods with the children, dogs and adults - Cliveden has something for everyone, and everyone's welcome!
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Sadie18Croxley Green, United Kingdom20 contributionsHeavy rain didn't ruin our visitWe started our visit at the Woodland Car Park where a lady called Gill gave us probably the friendliest and most helpful information that anyone has ever given us, anywhere! Maps weren't just provided but opened and routes suggested according to our needs. Heading up to the house for a wander round the extensive gardens and grounds, we were delighted to have the place virtually to ourselves on a very showery Friday but the heavy rain didn't ruin our visit; the views down to the Thames and across Berkshire were fabulous in the changing light. As new NT members, we will be returning frequently to this place.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2023
- MonsieurslinkyNorthamptonshire, United Kingdom236 contributionsCharm of ClivedenOur recent visit to Cliveden was enjoyable. A gentle meander around the water gardens led us to a charming Dolls House cafe. We munched on sandwiches and slurped lemonade in the midday sun. Taking in the vista of the landscaped gardens and gilded gates, we then finished with a riverside walk. The Thames flowed to our right, where a few passing boats and chatty ducks idled away a lazy afternoon. The grounds are extensive and offer something for all tastes. Worth a visit.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 April 2023
- John GUnited Kingdom681 contributionsGreat walkingLove walk along the Thames and through woods with beautiful bluebells. Cafe up by the house was in an interesting greenhouse. Shame the house is leased out to an overpriced hotel. Gives you a sour taste as visitors are restricted to the grounds and can only glimpse the 'other half' stuffing their over privileged faces. Makes you feel like a Downtown Abbey footman.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 May 2023
- CarltonA10Stoke Poges, United Kingdom464 contributionsCliveden NT EstateI've been a handful of times over the years and really enjoy the walks above the river bank and through the woods. There seems to be plenty of parking spaces available. The conservatory restaurant offer the usual NT sandwiches etc and is pretty good. The main house is good to look at from the formal gardens but there is no entry to the public as it is a top end hotel. Overall: an enjoyable experience.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 13 May 2023
- Ali0818London, United Kingdom343 contributionsFree ( with a voucher) and funThis visit was courtesy of one of the 200,000 free family days out the National Trust were giving away. As such my review is based on entirely free entry which is not usually the case. We spent six wonderful hours exploring the area and were still not able to see everything. We went to the main entrance car park and saw most things at that end. The maze was a hit with 8 year old. We had to trail around twice and always found the middle. Keep left…or was it right? The gardens are beautiful and encouraging for children to play, do handstands and run around. The water gardens are beautiful with koi to watch. There is a playground for 10 and under which 8 year old found a bit young. We didn’t make it to the woodland trail which would perhaps have been better. All in all a great day….but not sure I’d be willing to pay the entry fee for a return trip.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2023
- Lizzie L7 contributionsLovely groundsI parked in the woods car park and walked about 45 minutes through scenic woodlands to reach the house. Lovely gardens, a maze, fountain, views over the Thames valley, good coffee shop (though very hot inside as it's basically a greenhouse, but with weather like this everyone was sitting outside anyway!). The house itself is a country hotel so you can't explore it - possibly the entrance fees are a little steep with this in mind. But entrance and parking is free for national trust members.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 12 June 2023
- Lordi751London, United Kingdom23 contributionsToilets close to orangeryI am a NT member and regular visitor to Cliveden. It is a beautiful place with lots of hidden gems to discover, highly recommend taking the steps down to the river where you can enjoy beautiful views of Spring Cottage and boat hire is excellent. My one gripe is that the toilets next to the orangery/cafe are sadly lacking, and let the place down. A scruffy and quite unpleasant wooden hut, which is not representative of the carefully manicured gardens it surrounds. Each time I visit so hope for an upgrade…. It seems this is not forthcoming.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2023
- Inspire167372535731 contributionTake a picnicAbsolutely beautiful tranquil grounds and so much to see, though some challenging terrain for anyone with mobility issues, especially the hike back up from the far end of the river walk. The alternative is back up the 170ish steps from the boats, but if you've taken a boat trip they will call a buggy on request to take you back up. Staff (volunteers I believe) are so lovely and friendly and helpful. Guided boat trip on the Duchess of Sutherland worth every penny, especially as we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves and a very interesting guide. Only gripe was the standard of catering available, which was pretty much limited to sausage rolls and pasties, ice creams and cakes and hot and cold drinks. With the hotel and its facilities being off limits to NT visitors it did leave a slightly sour taste and they could and should do better. Take a picnic...Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 July 2023
- Voyage8231962 contributionsGreat place. Wonderful river locationCant recommend highly enough. The maze is amazing too. Beats Hampton Court hands down! Can sit by the very clean Thames for hours. Gardens are wonderful. Didn't find the house, not even sure how much of it one can go in vs the hotel part. Lots of shade aroundVisited July 2023Written 10 July 2023
- Jerry JHendersonville, North Carolina56 contributionsDon’t do lunch hereThe gardens are quite spectacular. A volunteer I think named Pauline gave us a very informative overview of the house and gardens. The volunteer gentlemen at the chapel where most in lightening and even held onto the lead of our little doggy so we could both go in together very sweet. Lunch however was most disappointing. The food was good and tasty but everything, I mean everything was on or in paper. If the dishwasher person had not come to work I understand but there was three young people standing around doing nothing and it seemed I interrupted there chat to be served. I would recommend one eats lunch elsewhere before coming to the gardens.Visited July 2023Written 30 July 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
1,187 reviews
Excellent
648
Very good
380
Average
88
Poor
40
Terrible
32
kemback
London, UK11 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This is NOT a school canteen.
Your “clientele” are National Trust members and paying customers.
I waited outside for half an hour. My husband bought two sandwiches ( only egg mayonnaise was on the shelf ), two packets of crisps and two coffees. The queue was long. All others were ordering hot food so the till operator was sitting doing nothing. My husband approached to pay and was bossily told to “go to the back of the queue.”
We frequent Cliveden and many other NT cafes and this has never happened before.
Your “clientele” are National Trust members and paying customers.
I waited outside for half an hour. My husband bought two sandwiches ( only egg mayonnaise was on the shelf ), two packets of crisps and two coffees. The queue was long. All others were ordering hot food so the till operator was sitting doing nothing. My husband approached to pay and was bossily told to “go to the back of the queue.”
We frequent Cliveden and many other NT cafes and this has never happened before.
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.
Jacqueline H
Rugby, UK226 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The National Trust says :- 'Glorious gardens and woodlands overlooking the River Thames'. sorry, not to me, if this had been my first NT visit I would not have become a member. I know early March is not the best of times to visit, and I was aware that the house isn't open to the 'everyday' paying public or NT members, but I was disgusted by the state of the gardens - my own plot is full of colour. The water garden is still partially closed and someone got things wrong with the daffs as many are 'blind' (no flowers). The parterre (as the only real showy area) should have been a riot of colourful early miniature plants (protected as they are by enthusiastically clipped Box hedges), a few sad wallflowers isn't what I came to see. The staff were a bit thin on the ground - though the gentleman cleaning the fountain was very friendly and full of information. Didn't use the cafeteria or the shop so can't comment on those, but this destination is not a 'flagship property' in the NT hand book, it was a absolute disappointment, so glad there are more interesting sites to visit in the area.
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.
Jane S
Ulverston, UK775 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We visited in the half term holiday with our grandchildren. They loved the maze and the woodlands. The play area was a little disappointing, the equipment was not as well maintained as I would have expected but the boys loved hiding behind trees and jumping from logs. They found the walk back to the house a bit tedious but were refreshed in the cafe with tasty food.
Written 26 February 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.
Di M
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
While the NT claims sustainability credentials, throughout 2023 the Cafe regularly uses disposable cups, plates and cutlery. They also claim that this use is due to a faulty dishwasher. I doubt that the Dishwasher has been working for a day.
Common NT - wake up and look after your customers and supporters.
Common NT - wake up and look after your customers and supporters.
Written 19 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.
Cath A
Greater London, UK24 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
An email alert from the National Trust told us that Cliveden is open from today, 27 December. We were delighted to go for a walk in the grounds and visit the shop, bookshop and Orangery café / restaurant, which are also all open.
Particularly impressive is a display of many different types of potted cyclamen - located near the Orangery.
Staff all friendly as usual and volunteers pleasant and chatty.
Recommended for a visit.
Particularly impressive is a display of many different types of potted cyclamen - located near the Orangery.
Staff all friendly as usual and volunteers pleasant and chatty.
Recommended for a visit.
Written 27 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.
G holt
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Lovely festive walk, Simon and Helen are great and always look after us, we enjoy our walks in the gardens
Written 25 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.
Robin B
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Frequent visitors.wonderful grounds.cafe fine but would like more choices . great for walking all year round
Written 22 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.
CharlesLocal
Reigate, UK42 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
A very expensive car park ÂŁ17 a pleasant garden but nothing special. Although good autumn colours. Cafeteria is ok but again nothing special.
Written 22 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.
BTINTERNET777
Bucks61 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We visited in spring and were disappointed that the water garden was closed, going back in November to see the autumn leaves we were really disappointed that its still closed. Although there is a reference to the repairs on the website it doesn't actually say its closed, the main reason we go to Cliveden through the years is to see the water garden, the repairs have been going on so long the information board has faded. The National Trust should make it clear on their website its closed and when its likely to open. They wont do that because they know some people wont come if they know its closed. Just be honest.
Written 6 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.
No S
9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
If we buy a full-price entrance ticket, it is quite overpriced, especially when we realize that it is not possible to look around the house. If we're lucky, there's a short guided tour in the side corridors, but you can't see much and it's forbidden to take photos. The view from the back terrace is beautiful, but the garden itself is not that special, perhaps the best part was the water garden. However, the staff is very nice, I could really appreciate that.
Written 16 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.
Ali0818
London, UK343 contributions
Which is the best car park to choose?
Storyteller548499
Swanley, UK11 contributions
I agree, the main car park.
karendmorley
Cadnam, UK5 contributions
Are you dog friendly
NT_Cliveden
Maidenhead, UK
Hi, We are dog friendly & dogs are allowed almost everywhere apart from a few areas. Please pick up a dog walking map either from the website or from the Welcome Team when you arrive - this shows areas where dogs can be off lead, where on short leads etc. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Parking rate
Ranu M
London, UK182 contributions
I think its free.I recall driving up the very long drive. Stewards guided me towards a parking area behind the Official Shop There was also some overflow parking spaces.. The 2nd time I went to Cliveden during a bank holiday weekend, we were asked to park right at the bottom by Entrance Gates. It was a long walk up and I saw shuttle Buggies going up and down. If you go during a busy time, you may end up parking near Entrance Gates so be prepared to walk up the steep hill.
Linda G
Selby District, UK94 contributions
Where is breakfast served at Clivedon
MarnieD279
South Devon, UK37 contributions
There a NT café on site. As I don't live in the area I am not sure of their timings. I am expect if you messaged them someone will get back to you.
Josie T
Ocean Springs, MS22 contributions
What is the best way to get there from London
Helen H
Nottingham, UK158 contributions
Train unless you can drive there
Taplow (not Sunday) 2½ miles and Burnham 3 miles are both on the London Paddington to Reading mainline. Taxi office/rank at both stations. We do not advise walking from these stations along the main roads. These are country roads with no pavements and very fast traffic (60 mph). Bourne End 2 miles is on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line. There is no taxi rank. These stations are served by First Great Western. £1 voucher for shop or café for those arriving by 'green transport'.
Emma D
London, England, United Kingdom280 contributions
Is it possible to book the rowing boats in advance or do we just take our chance on the day? Thank you.
Jaan6482
London, UK379 contributions
To be honest don’t really know I suppose it would depend on the size of your party, it was very busy when we went and there was 5 of us and it was no issue at the time !
FidgeEngland
England1 contribution
are there wheelchairs for disable people ?
Sally B
Crawley, UK89 contributions
I am sorry but I don't recall seeing any. However, there is plenty of access for wheelchairs, pushchairs etc
lisachristian679
Marlow, UK
Are there cycle routes you can do around the estate?
Mary W
Amersham, UK91 contributions
I've never seen any bikes there - unlikely as it is a popular venue for families with young children and walkers of all ages.
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Claim your listingNATIONAL TRUST CLIVEDEN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about National Trust Cliveden
- National Trust Cliveden is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:30 - 16:00
- Hotels near National Trust Cliveden:
- (0.21 mi) Cliveden House
- (1.55 mi) Grovefield House
- (3.38 mi) The Bakehouse Guest House
- (0.92 mi) Chequers Inn Hotel and Restaurant
- (3.73 mi) Bray Cottages
- Restaurants near National Trust Cliveden:
- (0.24 mi) The Cliveden Dining Room
- (0.24 mi) Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House
- (0.20 mi) The Astor Grill
- (0.36 mi) Feathers
- (0.24 mi) Cliveden House Hotel