Waterperry House: Historic Georgian Manor with Renowned Frescoes and Gardens
Discover Waterperry House: a historic Georgian manor famed for its stunning frescoes, exquisite gardens, and rich horticultural heritage near Oxford.
Waterperry House is a distinguished 17th-century Georgian manor located near Oxford, England, known for its elegant Queen Anne façade, extensive ornamental gardens, and the largest contemporary frescoes in the UK. Originally rebuilt in 1713 by Sir John Curson and later home to the Waterperry School of Horticulture, the house now serves as a residential retreat and offers limited guided tours showcasing its rich history and remarkable frescoes.
A brief summary to Waterperry House
- Oxford, Waterperry, OX33 1JZ, GB
- +447780830485
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Book your fresco tour in advance, available on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2pm, as spaces are limited.
- Visit the Garden Shop opposite the main car park to purchase tickets and explore the horticultural displays.
- Allow at least 45 minutes for the guided fresco tour to fully appreciate the artwork and history.
- Explore the adjacent walled kitchen garden and the Museum of Rural Life for a broader understanding of the estate’s heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Oxford city centre takes approximately 20-30 minutes via the A4074 and local roads. Parking is available on-site but can be limited during events. Expect a parking fee of around £3-5.
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Bus
Bus services run from Oxford to Waterperry village with a journey time of about 45-60 minutes. Service frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance. Walking from the bus stop to Waterperry House is about 1.5 km on rural roads.
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Taxi
A taxi from Oxford city centre to Waterperry House typically takes 20-30 minutes and costs approximately £25-35. This option offers door-to-door convenience, especially for groups or those with limited mobility.
Waterperry House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Waterperry House
Architectural Heritage and Historical Evolution
Waterperry House stands as a fine example of Georgian architecture with medieval origins, its graceful Queen Anne frontage dating back to 1713 when Sir John Curson rebuilt the manor. The house features seven bays, three storeys, a balustraded parapet, and an Ionic porch, reflecting the elegance of early 18th-century English country houses. Parts of the structure trace back to Tudor times, and archaeological finds such as Roman pottery fragments underscore the site’s long-standing historical significance. The Henley family were the last private owners before the estate was sold to Oxford University in 1925.The Waterperry School of Horticulture Legacy
In 1932, Miss Beatrix Havergal leased the estate and later purchased it in 1948, founding the renowned Waterperry School of Horticulture. The school became famous for its rigorous training and award-winning produce, earning 15 medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. Havergal’s influence shaped the gardens seen today, including the herbaceous borders, rose and alpine gardens, and the walled kitchen garden. The school closed in 1971, marking the end of an era but leaving a lasting horticultural legacy.Artistic Marvel: The Frescoes
One of Waterperry House’s most unique features is its vast contemporary frescoes, considered the largest single work of their kind in the UK for over 500 years. These frescoes, painted over six years, span three floors and depict scenes inspired by Advaita philosophy. They offer visitors a rare artistic and cultural experience within a historic setting. Guided tours focusing on these frescoes are available on Wednesdays and Fridays, lasting approximately 45 minutes.Current Use and Surrounding Gardens
Since 1971, the house has been owned by the School of Economic Science and is used as a residential retreat and venue for philosophy and economics courses. The estate encompasses 83 acres, including ornamental gardens open to the public daily. The gardens feature a variety of cultivated areas such as nurseries, orchards, and a formal knot garden. The adjacent walled kitchen garden, with origins dating back to at least the 19th century, remains a significant historic and horticultural feature.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors to Waterperry House can enjoy limited tours of the house and frescoes, with tickets available at the nearby Garden Shop. The estate also offers a museum of rural life, a tea room, and a garden centre. The tranquil setting, surrounded by farmland and natural beauty, makes it an ideal spot for cultural enrichment and relaxation. The house and gardens host seasonal events, including the annual Art in Action festival, enhancing the visitor experience.Preservation and Cultural Importance
Waterperry House and its gardens are recognized for their architectural and historic value. The walled garden and churchyard walls hold Grade II listings, preserving their heritage. The estate’s combination of history, horticulture, and art makes it a unique cultural landmark in Oxfordshire, blending centuries of English country life with contemporary educational and artistic pursuits.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Magdalen Bridge
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2.1
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Bridge of Sighs
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Clarendon Building
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Brasenose College
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Folly Bridge
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Tom Tower
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Alice's Shop
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The Covered Market
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Museum of Oxford
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Oxford Experience (University Official Souvenirs)
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Great Jewry Marker
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Oxford Town Hall
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Visit Oxford Tours
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Oxford Tours UK
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shotover Country Park
6.6 km
Explore 117 hectares of scenic woodlands, wildlife, and historic trails at Shotover Country Park on Oxford’s doorstep.
C S Lewis Nature Reserve
7.0 km
Where C.S. Lewis found inspiration: a tranquil woodland and pond sanctuary teeming with dragonflies, toads, and literary magic.
The Kilns (C S Lewis House)
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Step into the Oxford home where C.S. Lewis wrote the Narnia books and discover the quiet house that shaped a literary legend.
National Trust - Boarstall Tower
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Explore Boarstall Tower, a stunning 14th-century moated gatehouse steeped in medieval legend and civil war history, set in serene Buckinghamshire gardens.
Brill Windmill
8.2 km
Explore Brill Windmill, a majestic 17th-century post mill perched atop Buckinghamshire’s hills, embodying centuries of rural milling heritage and craftsmanship.
Bury Knowle Park
8.3 km
Historic and family-friendly green space in Headington, Oxford, blending culture, play, and nature across 7 hectares.
The Storybook Tree
8.4 km
A charming literary landmark in Headington, Oxford, where imagination and storytelling blossom beneath a magical tree.
Statue of Aslan
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Discover the majestic Statue of Aslan in Oxford’s Bury Knowle Park, celebrating C.S. Lewis’s timeless lion in a serene literary setting.
The Headington Shark
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A surreal 25-foot shark crashing through a rooftop, symbolizing protest and creativity in the heart of Oxford’s Headington suburb.
Spindleberry Nature Park
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A peaceful 3-hectare nature park in Oxford offering winding trails, wildlife habitats, and a unique sculpture trail for all ages.
The Oxford Artisan Distillery
9.3 km
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Florence Park
9.5 km
Florence Park in East Oxford is a vibrant community green space with gardens, play areas, tennis courts, and the welcoming hub Flo’s Café.
South Park
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Sprawling green hills and panoramic city views make South Park a beloved outdoor escape in Oxford.
Headington Hill Park
10.1 km
A historic Oxford park with mature trees, scenic slopes, and city views, perfect for peaceful walks and community events.
Harcourt Arboretum (University of Oxford)
10.6 km
Explore 130 acres of rare trees, wildflower meadows, and tranquil woodlands just outside Oxford, with stunning seasonal blooms and wildlife.
Essential places to dine
La table d'Alix at The Plough
4.6 km
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The Angel Restaurant
6.6 km
A charming seafood restaurant in Long Crendon blending historic ambiance with fresh, creative cuisine and warm hospitality.
Comie's Caribbean Grill
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The Longwall Beefeater
8.2 km
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The Mole Inn
8.4 km
Rustic gastropub charm with cozy fires and a creative menu in the heart of Oxfordshire’s countryside.
Yeti
9.8 km
Authentic Nepalese and Indian dining with warm hospitality and rich flavors on Oxford’s vibrant Cowley Road.
Antep Kitchen
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Le Kesh
10.1 km
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The Magdalen Arms
10.3 km
A vibrant gastropub on Iffley Road blending hearty British fare with seasonal European flavors in a welcoming, lively setting.
Nut Tree Inn
10.3 km
Michelin-starred fine dining meets historic charm in the heart of Oxfordshire’s countryside at The Nut Tree Inn.
The Coconut Tree Oxford
10.3 km
Discover vibrant Sri Lankan flavors and lively vibes at The Coconut Tree Oxford, a must-visit spot for authentic cuisine and creative cocktails.
Arbequina
10.5 km
Bold Spanish tapas in a converted chemist with bohemian buzz and impeccable service.
Spiced Roots Restaurant
10.5 km
Authentic Caribbean cuisine and rum cocktails in Oxford's most celebrated island-inspired restaurant.
Pan Pan Restaurant
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La Cucina
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Retro Room
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Babylon Trading
11.1 km
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Oxford Souvenirs
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Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
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Discover exclusive scholarly gifts and rare books in the historic heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
The Chapter House Shop
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Discover authentic Oxford heritage through unique gifts and local crafts at The Chapter House Shop within Christ Church’s historic grounds.
Christ Church Gift Shop
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Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and exclusive Christ Church memorabilia in a charming shop nestled within historic college grounds.
The Varsity Shop
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Oxford’s premier destination for authentic university apparel and accessories, blending tradition and style on historic High Street.
Bodleian Weston Library Shop
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Scriptum
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Objects of Use
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Space Store Oxford
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Goodies Oxford
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Cool Britannia
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Soctopus
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Baron
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The Mad Hatter
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The Cape Of Good Hope
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King's Arms, Oxford
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The House
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St Aldates
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Plush Oxford
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Fever Oxford
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ATIK Oxford
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Kiss Bar
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The Bridge Nightclub
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Mirage Aylesbury
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TWC
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The Venue, Bucks
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Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
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Diligence
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Popworld - Reading
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Reading Lola Lo
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Q Club
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Gun Street Garden
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
