Cliveden
Built by Charles Barry in 1851 – Cliveden has hosted every English monarch since George the First – it was here in the twenties that Nancy Astor held court. Now a privately owned hotel, one is still able to stroll through the gardens which overlook the Thames. In the summer Cliveden plays host to many open air concerts, and events.
Estate office: 01628 605069
Hotel Tel: 01628 668561
Distance from hotel: 6.3 miles
Hughenden Manor
Hughenden Manor offers a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived here from 1848 to 1881. Visitors can browse among an extraordinary collection of personal memorabilia and there are hands-on activities for children. Hughenden's secret wartime past is revealed in our Second World War room in the cellars, with interactive exhibits and eye-witness accounts. The formal garden has been recreated based on the original designs of Mary Anne Disraeli and there are beautiful woodland walks surrounding this fascinating country home.
Tel 01494 755573
Distance from hotel: 7.3 miles
Stonor Park
The house and gardens at Stonor is set amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. The house itself is beautifully decorated with family heirlooms and portraits, and the chapel dates back to the 14th Century, while the hall has its roots from medieval times. The three gardens consist of immaculately kept lawns and blooming flowers. Rare birds and deer make the land surrounding the manor their home, and can often be viewed by visitors.
Tel 01491-638587
Distance from hotel: 12.5 miles
Waddesdon Manor
Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s, the manor features French Renaissance architecture and collections of French furniture, carpets and porcelain. Eighteenth century artwork by several English and Dutch masters is exhibited as well as the wine cellars. In the surrounding gardens there is an aviary housing exotic birds as well as delightful landscaped gardens.
Tel 01296 653226
Distance from hotel: 28.1 miles
Stowe Landscape Gardens
The scale grandeur and beauty of Stowe has inspired writers, philosophers, artists, politicians and members of the public from the 18th century to the present day. One of the more remarkable creations of Georgian England, Stowe was created by a family so powerful they were richer than the King. Since the National trust acquired the gardens in the late 80s, an ambitious programme of restoration has ensued that over 40 temples and monuments remain, gracing an inspiring backdrop of lakes and valleys with an endless variety of walks and trails.
Tel 01280 817156
Distance from hotel: 51.4 miles
Stowe House
Stowe House is the principle temple in the landscape gardens. A political power house throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and is an excellent example of neo-classical art and architecture.
Tel 01280 818229
Distance from hotel: 51.0 miles
West Wycombe Park & Caves
Home to the Dashwood family, West Wycombe Park is a uniquely preserved Italianate Country House. The house features wonderful frescoes which decorate the South facing Colonnade and East Portico. There are sweeping views across a landscaped park which features eccentric temples, and a walk to the Caves, Golden Ball and Mausoleum should also be included on your visit.
Tel 01494 513569 or 01494 533739
Distance from hotel: 7.4 miles
