National Trust - Chastleton House
Step into 400 years of history at Chastleton House, a Jacobean gem where architecture, family legacy, and the origins of croquet come alive.
Chastleton House, a remarkably preserved Jacobean country house near Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire, was built between 1607 and 1612 by prosperous wool merchant and lawyer Walter Jones. Owned by the same family for nearly 400 years before passing to the National Trust in 1991, it offers a unique time capsule of early 17th-century life, with original interiors, rare textiles, and gardens where the modern rules of croquet were codified.
A brief summary to National Trust - Chastleton House
- Moreton-in-Marsh, Chastleton, GL56 0SU, GB
- +441608674981
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Sunday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring or summer to fully enjoy the gardens and croquet lawns in bloom.
- Take time to explore the Long Gallery with its rare barrel-vaulted ceiling and family portraits.
- Look out for the original Jacobean interiors preserved by the family’s historic poverty.
- Check opening times in advance as the house has seasonal hours and last entry is usually one hour before closing.
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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Train
Take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh station, approximately 4 miles from Chastleton House. From there, a taxi or local bus can reach the house in about 10-15 minutes. Train fares vary but typically range from £20 to £40 depending on origin.
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Car
Driving to Chastleton House is straightforward via the A429 road. Parking is available on site. The journey from Moreton-in-Marsh takes about 10 minutes. Note that rural roads may be narrow and signage limited.
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Bus
Local bus services run from Moreton-in-Marsh to Chastleton village, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes. Service frequency may be limited, so check schedules in advance. Single fares are usually under £5.
National Trust - Chastleton 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 National Trust - Chastleton House
A Testament to Jacobean Ambition and Architecture
Chastleton House stands as a striking example of Jacobean architecture, constructed from honey-colored Cotswold stone between 1607 and 1612. Commissioned by Walter Jones, a successful wool merchant and lawyer who rose to the lower ranks of the aristocracy, the house was designed to showcase his wealth and status. Its south front features an intricate play of advancing and receding bays, staircase towers, and varying window levels, creating a dynamic façade that reflects the architectural fashion of the early 17th century. Inside, the Great Chamber impresses with ornate panelling, a detailed frieze, and a richly moulded ceiling, illustrating the craftsmanship and artistic tastes of the period.Four Centuries of Family Legacy and Preservation
The estate remained in the hands of the Jones family and their descendants for nearly 400 years, a continuity that preserved the house largely unchanged. Despite the family's gradual impoverishment following their Royalist allegiance in the English Civil War, their attachment to Chastleton ensured its survival without significant modernization. This genteel poverty inadvertently protected the house’s original interiors, furnishings, and collections, including rare 17th-century woollen hangings, tapestries, and an extensive library of fragile books dating before 1801. The National Trust acquired the property in 1991 and has maintained a policy of conservation rather than restoration, allowing visitors to experience the house as a living historical time capsule.The Cultural Significance of Croquet and Leisure
Chastleton House holds a special place in the history of games and leisure. In the mid-19th century, Walter Whitmore Jones, a later owner, codified the rules of croquet at Chastleton. Published in 1866, these rules standardized the game and led to the establishment of the All England Croquet Club. The house’s croquet lawns remain a charming feature of the grounds, connecting visitors to this legacy of leisure and social pastime. The Long Gallery inside, with its rare barrel-vaulted ceiling, was used for recreation on rainy days and as a symbol of the family’s status.Gardens and Grounds Offering Tranquil Retreats
The gardens at Chastleton complement the house’s historical ambiance with a series of intimate, walled spaces including the Best Garden, Kitchen Garden, Wilderness Walk, and the croquet lawns. A 400-year-old tree and carefully maintained topiary add to the peaceful atmosphere. These gardens, enclosed within protective walls, provide a tranquil setting that invites quiet reflection and appreciation of the estate’s natural beauty alongside its architectural heritage.Atmosphere of Time and History
Visitors to Chastleton experience a unique atmosphere shaped by the house’s long history and the National Trust’s conservation approach. The interiors reveal a blend of Jacobean grandeur and later additions, with some rooms dark and ornate, others plain and intimate. The house’s preservation of original features, from the wooden staircases to the extensive cellars, evokes a palpable sense of the past. Stories of family resilience, such as the Civil War escape aided by laudanum, and the gradual decline in fortunes add layers of intrigue to the visit.Access and Visitor Experience
Located near Moreton-in-Marsh in Oxfordshire, Chastleton House is accessible for day visits, primarily in the warmer months. The National Trust offers an experience that balances historical education with leisurely exploration, including a second-hand bookshop and local produce sales. The house’s relatively small scale and intimate rooms allow visitors to connect closely with its rich heritage, while the gardens provide a serene outdoor complement.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
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Chipping Campden
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Undiscovered Cotswolds
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Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote
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Hailes Abbey
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North Leigh Roman Villa
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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
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Sudeley Castle Gardens
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Sudeley Castle
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Belas Knap Long Barrow
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Rollright Stones
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Market Square
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Cotswolds AONB
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St Edward's Church
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Cotswold Falconry Centre
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Discover the majesty of birds of prey through thrilling displays and close encounters at the Cotswold Falconry Centre in scenic Batsford.
Bourton House Garden
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Lady’s Well
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Sezincote House & Garden
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Sezincote House & Garden
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Foxholes
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Cotswolds Distillery Visitor Centre
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Fairytale Farm
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The Old Mill
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Lower Slaughter Museum
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Lower Slaughter
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Essential places to dine
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The Wild Rabbit
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The Chequers, Cotswolds
6.0 km
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The Old Butchers
6.5 km
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The Porch House
6.5 km
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The Old Stocks Inn
6.5 km
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Whistlers Restaurant
6.8 km
Experience the best of British cuisine at Whistlers Restaurant in Chipping Norton—where flavor meets ambiance amidst live music.
the scenic supper
7.7 km
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Horse and Groom
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The Feathered Nest Country Inn
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The Rose Tree Restaurant
11.7 km
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The Croft Restaurant
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Fig Restaurant, Campden
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The Shed
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The Back Garden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Daylesford Organic
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The Cotswold Snug
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Cotswold Grey
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Ella's Emporium
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The Curated Store
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The Cotswold Company (Flagship Store)
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Cotswold Barn
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Cotswold Hipster
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Cotswold Picture Shop
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Chestnuts Fashion Fix
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The Cotswold Shop
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Quirky
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Once Upon A Candy Shop
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The Lodestone
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Sheep on Sheep Street
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The Coach & Horses
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Kingsbridge
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The Lamb Inn
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The Ebrington Arms
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The Bakers Arms
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Eight Bells Inn
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The Howard Arms Ilmington
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Snowshill Arms
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Hollow Bottom
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The Cotswold Arms
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The Watering Hole - Event Bars
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The Lion Inn
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
