Strawberry Hill House & Garden: Horace Walpole’s Gothic Revival Masterpiece
Discover Strawberry Hill House, Britain’s finest Georgian Gothic Revival villa with enchanting gardens and rich literary heritage in Twickenham.
Strawberry Hill House & Garden in Twickenham is Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. Created by Horace Walpole in the 18th century, this enchanting villa features theatrical interiors, intricate fan vaulting, and a renowned collection of Renaissance painted glass. The restored five-acre garden offers a peaceful retreat with manicured lawns and woodland inspired by the English Landscape Movement. Visitors enjoy guided tours, family trails, a café, and a shop in a historic setting rich with literary and architectural significance.
A brief summary to Strawberry Hill House & Garden
- 268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham, TW1 4ST, GB
- +442087441241
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to secure entry and benefit from discounted prices, especially during busy weekends and holidays.
- Explore the garden trails including the sensory and fairy trails for a family-friendly outdoor experience.
- Join a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of Horace Walpole and the house’s unique Gothic features.
- Visit the Garden Café for refreshments with views over the restored 18th-century garden.
- Check the event calendar for seasonal activities like Christmas crafts and candlelit evenings with live music.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walk
Take a train to Strawberry Hill Station from London Waterloo; the house is a 5-minute walk from the station. Trains run regularly, with journey times around 30-40 minutes. Walking paths are accessible and well signposted.
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Bus
Use local bus routes 33 or R68 from Richmond Station or Twickenham town centre, alighting at Michelham Gardens or Strawberry Vale. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes. The walk from the bus stop to the house is short but may include slight inclines.
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Car
Drive to Strawberry Hill House using postcode TW1 4ST for navigation. Free onsite parking is limited and includes five Blue Badge spaces. Parking is not reservable and can fill during busy periods; alternative parking is available in Twickenham town centre, a 15-20 minute walk away.
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Cycling and Walking
For the adventurous, cycling routes connect Strawberry Hill with Kingston, Hampton Court, Richmond, and Twickenham. Walking along the Thames Path from Hampton Court Palace or Teddington Lock offers a scenic approach, taking approximately 2 hours from Hampton Court.
Strawberry Hill House & Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Strawberry Hill House & Garden
A Visionary’s Gothic Dream
Strawberry Hill House was transformed in the 18th century by Horace Walpole, a writer and politician, who created one of Britain’s most eccentric and pioneering Gothic Revival homes. Often described as a ‘little Gothic castle,’ it is internationally celebrated for its theatrical interiors and architectural innovation. The house’s design includes pointed arches, fan vaulting, and towering spires that evoke a romantic medieval atmosphere, all carefully crafted to reflect Walpole’s fascination with Gothic aesthetics and history.Architectural and Artistic Treasures
Inside, visitors encounter richly decorated rooms such as the Crimson and Gold Gallery, inspired by Elizabethan and Jacobean long galleries but reimagined with vibrant damask and gilded mirrors. The Blue Chamber, Walpole’s bedroom, features heraldic emblems and period furnishings. A highlight is the extensive collection of Renaissance painted glass, unique in Britain, with windows that tell stories through intricate etchings. The house also houses a historic printing press where Walpole produced guidebooks and pamphlets, adding to the site’s cultural significance.Restored Gardens and Natural Beauty
The five-acre garden surrounding Strawberry Hill has been restored to Walpole’s original 18th-century vision, inspired by the English Landscape Movement and William Kent. It features manicured lawns, woodland areas, and fragrant shrubs that create a tranquil environment. Visitors can explore family-friendly trails, including sensory and fairy trails, which wind through hidden garden spaces and orchard groves. The garden provides a peaceful contrast to the dramatic architecture of the house.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Strawberry Hill House offers both self-guided and guided tours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace or deepen their understanding through expert commentary. The site includes a welcoming café located in the Great Cloister, offering refreshments with garden views, and a shop selling books and unique gifts related to the house’s history. Special events, such as Christmas crafts and candlelit evenings with live harp music, enrich the visitor experience throughout the year.Accessibility and Practical Information
The house is mostly wheelchair accessible with step-free access to the ground floor and a lift to the first floor; however, the second floor is not accessible. The garden has some uneven surfaces but is partially accessible. Facilities include accessible toilets, Blue Badge parking, and assistance for visitors with additional needs. The location is well served by public transport, with nearby train and bus connections, and offers limited free parking onsite.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Strawberry Hill House is not only a stunning architectural landmark but also a cultural treasure that inspired Walpole’s writing of the first Gothic novel, ‘The Castle of Otranto.’ Its preservation and restoration have maintained its status as a beacon of Gothic Revival style and British heritage, attracting visitors interested in architecture, literature, and history. The house and garden continue to host exhibitions, family activities, and educational programs, ensuring its legacy endures.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Barmy Arms
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Richmond Bridge
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Richmond Hill - Viewing Point
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Queen Charlotte's Cottage
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Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque
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Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford
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Courtyard London Heathrow Airport
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Southall Broadway
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The SkyEx Community Stadium
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Heathrow Airport
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West London Film Studios
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Hammersmith Bridge
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Mr Mathias Winkler
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St Anne's Well
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Unmissable attractions to see
Pope's Grotto
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Twickenham Green
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Eel Pie Island
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The Twickenham Museum
1.1 km
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Eel Pie Island Museum
1.3 km
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Landmark Arts Centre
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Discover vibrant arts and historic charm at the Landmark Arts Centre, a cultural gem housed in a stunning 19th-century French Gothic former church in Teddington.
Teddington Riverside
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Modern riverside living with stunning Thames views and historic charm in the heart of Teddington.
Kneller Gardens
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A vibrant riverside park in Twickenham offering sports, playgrounds, and peaceful green spaces for families and nature lovers.
Orleans House Gallery
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Ham House and Garden
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World Rugby Museum & Allianz Stadium Tours
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Marble Hill
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Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
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Bushy Park
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Terrace Gardens
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Essential places to dine
Brouge Gastropub
1.1 km
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A Cena
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The Petersham Restaurant
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Man vs Food
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La Rosetta Restaurant
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Le Taj
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Humble Thali
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The Bell On The Green - Pub, Bar and Indian Restaurant
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A vibrant Feltham pub blending classic British charm with authentic Indian flavors and a welcoming beer garden.
Plaza Premium Lounge London Heathrow (Departures, Terminal 4)
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A spacious, modern lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4 offering diverse dining, apron views, and comfortable amenities for travelers seeking relaxation before departure.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2) London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
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The Pheasant Inn & Restaurant Heathrow (over 18s only)
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Three Magpies
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Madeirinhas
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Il Portico
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Ollie's House Restaurant (Chelsea)
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Stuff
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Harrods
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Experience the pinnacle of luxury shopping and festive magic at Harrods, London’s iconic department store in Knightsbridge.
Louis Vuitton Heathrow T3
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The London Heritage
10.9 km
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Westfield London
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Octavia Foundation - Kensington
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the Design Museum Shop - High Street Shop
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the Design Museum Shop
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Broadway Market Tooting
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Oxfam Shop - Kensington High Street
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The Discount Store
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Rococo Chocolates King's Road
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Elmsleigh Shopping Centre
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Staines Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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London Apprentice
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The M Bar
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The Queen's Head, Cranford
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The White Hart Harlington
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The Music Box
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The Curtains Up
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The Builders Arms
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Sugar Cane Bar
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The Hereford Arms, South Kensington
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Ricco London
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Electric House
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Notting Hill Arts Club
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Dolce Night Club , London
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The Globe
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Subteranian
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Metric
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Privilege Entertainment Ltd
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Infernos Nightclub
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LUXX CLUB LONDON
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- 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
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
