So, if you are fond of the odd romantic period property this might tickle your fancy. I thought it utterly breathtaking as a building with its golden walls and fantastical turrets.
You could absolutely spend the most part of a day here as there are several walks you can take around the extensive grounds and the site is split into different sections that you can either walk to or hop on the free bus service that runs throughout the day stopping at each area of interest.
You can walk from the car park to the house, about a 20min stroll on a slight gradient, or hop on the free bus that takes you to each stop on the tour route.
We chose to visit at Christmas time to see the light show we’d seen advertised online. If doing this I’d recommend getting there slightly later in the day. We got there at about 10.30am, but by the time it was dark, which it needed go be to appreciate the light show at its best, the boys had seen and done most of it and were ready to go home. However, we persevered and did get to appreciate the lights that were embedded in the trees, shrubs and the gardens in general. The House itself is also beautifully lit with fairy lights all over the place creating a beautifully Christmassy atmosphere.
There is a stable area a short walk from the House where you can enjoy a variety of refreshments from coffee and cake to a sit down meal in the restaurant. Just around from the court yard by the stables is an outdoor play area situated on various levels through the woods. As you reach the top there is a rather charming teepee cafe area decorated with twinkly fairy lights and housing a fire pit with an open fire heating the teepee. All benches were covered in sheep skin rugs making it all very cosy inside on a chilly day.
The House itself is stunning to look at. I was desperate to go inside but sadly I wasn’t well organised enough to book tickets in advance, especially at Christmas when the house is decorated. I did peep inside to see a huge Christmas tree in the entrance hall dressed in all its Christmas glory.
This is National Trust property and grounds so parking was free for us as was access to the grounds due to our NT membership. The one thing you would need to be prepared for though is an additional charge to visit inside the property even if you have NT membership due to it being a Rothschild House. It looks magnificent so I imagine it is well worth the additional charge. Let me know if you’ve been in to see it and whether I missed out and should return to tour the House.
We found all toilets and other amenities all as expected and you can take buggy if you need one. They are happy to accomodate buggies on the free bus too. The one thing I would say is the toilets in the car park were portaloos and a little make shift, but good to have them there so you’re not caught short.
Check it out for yourselves if you like a stately home. If you do, be sure to check out the water feature in the centre of the Victorian Aviary. …… I was a little taken aback by the choice of organic forms! Maybe it was intentional?
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/waddesdon-manor
December 2018
A Stone's Throw 