Woodchester Mansion
Woodchester Mansion
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Woodchester Mansion is a 19th Century Victorian Gothic masterpiece mysteriously abandoned mid-construction in 1873. Hidden in a secluded Cotswold Valley, it is untouched by time and the modern world. This unique Grade 1 Listed Building has been saved from dereliction but it will never be completed, enabling visitors to view the secret building techniques of medieval Gothic builders. Special events are held throughout the year, but do check our open days and times before visiting.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Celia G28 contributionsLong walk to the house and the house itself lacked any magicSo… it was ok. Ridiculously long walk from the car park with extremely infrequent shuttles. The house itself isn’t particularly charming, beautiful or distinguished. The staff were all fabulous. Perhaps on a lovely sunny day we may have got more out of it.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2023
- TauntonBobWest Parley, United Kingdom932 contributionsUnusual and worth a visitAs others have noted, the mansion is quite a trek from the carpark, but it is worth it. It is fascinating to see the interior in its raw state. My tip would be to walk down but time the end of your visit to coincide with the shuttle bus back to the carpark, to avoid the uphill walk on a very uneven path!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 September 2023
- Ali HHardwicke, United Kingdom11 contributionsStunning location and amazing house.Today seemed like a good day to go and visit somewhere I'd been wanting to visit since I moved to Gloucestershire over a year ago. Woodchester Mansion did not disappoint.. Stunning location and amazing to get an idea of how this was constructed (although not finished of course) over 200 years ago.. I walked down the path from the car park, which was lovely, but I was happy that there is a minibus that takes you back at a quarter to the hour. I wandered round the house first on my own, went into the cellar which was all decorated for Halloween which was popular with the children. I then joined the tour which went deeper into the history of the house and the building techniques of the era. The bathroom was certainly ahead of its time. A enjoyable afternoon and would thoroughly recommend, but I understand the mansion will be closing for the winter months soon. Finally, the volunteers deserve a mention; they were all very inviting and welcoming too.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 October 2023
- Helen D6 contributionsA wonderful day out.What a wonderful discovery - beautiful, and so atmospheric! Supposedly extremely haunted but we felt nothing but good vibes here, which is probably down to its idyllic location and its wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and dedicated guides. It's well worth taking the tour because the history of the place is fascinating. It's a bit of a walk from the nearest car park - but very lovely. It's downhill to get there from the car park and, luckily, they were running a minibus back up the hill when we visited (which was at Halloween.)Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 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
392 reviews
Excellent
262
Very good
108
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Helen D
6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a wonderful discovery - beautiful, and so atmospheric! Supposedly extremely haunted but we felt nothing but good vibes here, which is probably down to its idyllic location and its wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and dedicated guides. It's well worth taking the tour because the history of the place is fascinating.
It's a bit of a walk from the nearest car park - but very lovely. It's downhill to get there from the car park and, luckily, they were running a minibus back up the hill when we visited (which was at Halloween.)
It's a bit of a walk from the nearest car park - but very lovely. It's downhill to get there from the car park and, luckily, they were running a minibus back up the hill when we visited (which was at Halloween.)
Written 19 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.
Ali H
Hardwicke, UK11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Today seemed like a good day to go and visit somewhere I'd been wanting to visit since I moved to Gloucestershire over a year ago. Woodchester Mansion did not disappoint..
Stunning location and amazing to get an idea of how this was constructed (although not finished of course) over 200 years ago..
I walked down the path from the car park, which was lovely, but I was happy that there is a minibus that takes you back at a quarter to the hour.
I wandered round the house first on my own, went into the cellar which was all decorated for Halloween which was popular with the children.
I then joined the tour which went deeper into the history of the house and the building techniques of the era. The bathroom was certainly ahead of its time.
A enjoyable afternoon and would thoroughly recommend, but I understand the mansion will be closing for the winter months soon.
Finally, the volunteers deserve a mention; they were all very inviting and welcoming too.
Stunning location and amazing to get an idea of how this was constructed (although not finished of course) over 200 years ago..
I walked down the path from the car park, which was lovely, but I was happy that there is a minibus that takes you back at a quarter to the hour.
I wandered round the house first on my own, went into the cellar which was all decorated for Halloween which was popular with the children.
I then joined the tour which went deeper into the history of the house and the building techniques of the era. The bathroom was certainly ahead of its time.
A enjoyable afternoon and would thoroughly recommend, but I understand the mansion will be closing for the winter months soon.
Finally, the volunteers deserve a mention; they were all very inviting and welcoming too.
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.
TauntonBob
West Parley, UK932 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
As others have noted, the mansion is quite a trek from the carpark, but it is worth it. It is fascinating to see the interior in its raw state.
My tip would be to walk down but time the end of your visit to coincide with the shuttle bus back to the carpark, to avoid the uphill walk on a very uneven path!
My tip would be to walk down but time the end of your visit to coincide with the shuttle bus back to the carpark, to avoid the uphill walk on a very uneven path!
Written 5 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.
Paul C
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Took a group of elderly here by coach (53 seater) and tried to park in the overspill car and coach park!!!, the bank on either side makes it impossible to maneuver the coach around to be able to go through the second gates to enter and park up let alone turn around, fine for 16 seaters but nothing bigger, there is no coach parking nearby either.
you could enter and drive further down the single track road to the main car park park and turn around BUT only if its empty, you cannot see this car park from the entrance though.
you could enter and drive further down the single track road to the main car park park and turn around BUT only if its empty, you cannot see this car park from the entrance though.
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.
Dear Paul – thank you for your comments on coach parking which I’m sure other operators bringing visitors will find helpful. It would be useful if you advised the National Trust, who run the car park, of your difficulties.
This year we’ve had about half a dozen problem free visits from the holiday company that you were working with. Their management visited at the start of the season and we explained the details of the parking. We understood that the maximum number of guests they could accommodate was 22 so I think part of the problem lay in having a 53 seater coach – but maybe that was unavoidable for you that day.
From our viewpoint, the unexpected parking difficulties meant our volunteers had to make extra trips to collect the visitors, but luckily they were happy and willing to help.
Finally, for future visitors, I’d add that it is possible for a full size coach to drive down the track to the Mansion, if the driver wishes. It’s a bit bumpy but turning at the end is feasible. You would need to phone in advance to arrange this.
Written 29 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celia G
28 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
So… it was ok. Ridiculously long walk from the car park with extremely infrequent shuttles. The house itself isn’t particularly charming, beautiful or distinguished. The staff were all fabulous. Perhaps on a lovely sunny day we may have got more out of it.
Written 31 March 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.
Marcus G
Stroud, UK337 contributions
Jan 2023
The mile walk from the car park builds the anticipation and you'll not be disappointed. Well worth your time. Other reviews speak of the curiosity of this unfinished manor and it's well worth your time.
Written 6 January 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.
Fiona L
30 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
The mansion is set in nice parkland and it is worth going for a walk through it.
Note that there is a 1 mile walk from the national trust carpark down to the house. There is a minibus shuttle service but only on the hour going down and at quarter to the hour coming back up. The return journey is a little steep.
As the house is unfinished and unfurnished there isn't that much to see so unless you are interested in the family history and building processes, it might not be for you. It is easy to guide yourself around the house and it is well indicated and information boards are displayed. Not suitable for anybody with mobility problems as there are a number of staircases.
There is a small café with some indoor seating and outdoor picnic benches.
A pleasant setting but not a house you would visit more than once. However, the grounds could be enjoyed throughout the year.
Note that there is a 1 mile walk from the national trust carpark down to the house. There is a minibus shuttle service but only on the hour going down and at quarter to the hour coming back up. The return journey is a little steep.
As the house is unfinished and unfurnished there isn't that much to see so unless you are interested in the family history and building processes, it might not be for you. It is easy to guide yourself around the house and it is well indicated and information boards are displayed. Not suitable for anybody with mobility problems as there are a number of staircases.
There is a small café with some indoor seating and outdoor picnic benches.
A pleasant setting but not a house you would visit more than once. However, the grounds could be enjoyed throughout the year.
Written 13 September 2022
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.
Hello. As many of our reviewers have said, Open Days at Mansion are mainly run by volunteers and we're all always very busy. So I'm afraid I can't respond individually to reviews unless they highlight a specific problem or are inaccurate.
But - for everyone who's written about the wonderful Wonderful Woodchester Mansion on Trip Advisor - thank you so much for your time, the nice reviews and the compliments. Our volunteers really value the feedback. We all love the house but it's lovely to be appreciated.
Over the last 2 years we've achieved a major renovation of the roof and now looking towards strengthening finances before conservation of the beautiful chapel. Watch this space!
If you plan to visit us, please look at our website just before visiting, as last minute changes do happen and are posted there. And yes, the car park is cash only as it's in a secluded rural spot with no mobile reception or wifi for a card to work.
Written 29 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SusannahB351
Newport, UK9 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
I can’t recommend highly enough day in the presence of STEPHEN the master stonemason. He subtly guided us all in a way that allowed all of us be absorbed for 5 hours tap tapping away to go home with really rather wonderful masterpieces of our own. At the same time he subtly informed us about the history of stonemasonry and it’s influences on life today.
In these days of instant fame I truly was honoured to be guided by a master ( it takes 30 years to earn that title !)
In these days of instant fame I truly was honoured to be guided by a master ( it takes 30 years to earn that title !)
Written 20 August 2022
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.
Nhsvacationer
20 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
By chance we stopped here on our way back home after spending the weekend in the Cotswolds and it was a very good decision indeed! We booked onto the tour in the morning and it was absolutely fascinating and so engaging. One of the best bits of our trip.
There is also a tea room with delicious cake and snacks.
Keep up the excellent work.
There is also a tea room with delicious cake and snacks.
Keep up the excellent work.
Written 26 July 2022
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.
Sam S
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
First visit and loved the place. Beautiful historical mansion inside and lovely grounds to walk around. The staff were friendly. We had a cream tea as was the jubilee weekend which was nice. Definitely will visit again.
Written 7 June 2022
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.
Richard H
Nottingham, UK145 contributions
I have fond memories of visiting here when on a field services week with the Manchester Metropolitan University. 30 years ago but I recall staying in a nearby field services centre. Anyone know what that centre was called? Would like to visit again.
den46and
Birmingham, UK
What is the post code for the car park? I ask as it seems a way from the Mansion.
Amyghosthunter
Nuneaton, UK100 contributions
The post code to woodchester mansion is GL10 3TS some satnavs don’t like the postcode and can take you down a narrow lane to a private road so the maps on your mobile phone maybe more accurate.
Dottyday73
6 contributions
Do you have to pay just to walk around the gardens?
No. It's free to walk around but the car park is £3 for the whole day
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Claim your listingWOODCHESTER MANSION: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Woodchester Mansion
- Woodchester Mansion is open:
- Fri - Sun 11:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Woodchester Mansion:
- (0.18 mi) Bellhouse - sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
- (1.34 mi) Valley Views B&B
- (1.52 mi) Grey Cottage
- (0.72 mi) The Rose & Crown Farmhouse & Pub
- (6.42 mi) Troy House
- Restaurants near Woodchester Mansion:
- (0.45 mi) Caper
- (2.78 mi) Amalfi
- (1.87 mi) The Frocester George
- (3.61 mi) Karibu - Vegan Bar & Kitchen
- (2.61 mi) La Campagna Restaurant & Bar