Going on local adventures discovering your surrounding area and seeing what is in your backward makes me happy. Traveling abroad is something I am fortunate to say I do lots of but I want to change that up. I made a decision last month to do as many local adventures as possible. Being a tourist in your own country is one of the best experiences ever, you come to appreciate it more. Last week I was able to share with you our first local adventure to Blenheim Palace located in west Oxfordshire. This week we went further afield to West Berkshire to explore Basildon Park.
Basildon Park #localtourist
Basildon Park is an 18th-century country house located in west Berkshire, 2 miles south of Goring & Streatley. The Palladian style property was designed by John Carr for Sir Francis Sykes but has since gone through many owners. In 1978 the property was donated to the National Trust by Lord and Lady lliffe in hopes of it being maintained for future generations.
Prior to our visit to Basildon Park, I had no knowledge of the place and only stumbled upon it. I was researching (google) for the closest national trust areas to my home when I saw it listed. With great enthusiasm I decided we would visit the property come what may. I was sure the weather would be horrid but still wanted to make a day out of it before wine tasting at Veeno Reading.
As a National Trust member the entrance to the park is free, and parking is free for all. We arrived at the park around 10.30 in the morning and we decided to join the 11.00 tour of the house. The walk from the entrance to the house is no more than 5-10 minutes through a small ‘forest’. I say small forest because it’s not a shrub or bush.
Gift shop
At the entrance of the park there is a gift shop which stocks the most amazing items. Obviously we could not visit the park without checking out the gift shop and what it had to offer. We were truly amazed at how cute and decorative the place was and a small section has Christmas decor available.
I am truly glad to have visited Basildon Park, the setting was 1950s dinner and let me tell you it was incredible. To think this house has gone through the world wars and used as a Barracks for the army to a home for others. It was one upon stripped of its valuables and only left with a door frame or nothing else from when it was created. It is a definite must see if you’re ever in Berkshire or Oxfordshire.
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
That sounds like a fun place to go to and with all that stuff to see. It’s nice to explore and get to know more about our home town.
Rebecca Swenor says
It is always nice to explore the things you never noticed in your home town. Basildon Park sounds amazing. I love visiting gifts at places like this too for souvenirs. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Anosa says
There truly is something so refreshing when exploring your own neighborhood and seeing what is at your very own door step
Zena's Suitcase says
There are so many beautiful places to explore in the UK and I think sometimes we forget that. The National Trust has some many must see places
Anosa says
Oh absolutely Zena, we definitely forget how much we already have here at home and thanks to the National Trust I am exploring it all
Cristina Leau says
It’s a great idea to stay local. My husband started to take photos again and I’m surprised at things I never noticed, and I’m passing by that street pretty often. It’s a great way to reconect with your city
Anosa says
It truly is a lovely way to reconnect with one’s own city for sure and I am enjoying my little adventures
Barely Vegan says
i’ve been trying to go on more local adventures in my city these days. I love finding new restaurants and activities and having staycations! This looked great!
Anosa says
I enjoy staycations and want to do more of them but for now its day trips that i am thriving on and coming back home
Krystle Cook says
It is always nice to stay local. You will be amazed at what you can learn and see. This looks like a fantastic place.
Anosa says
Indeed, recently I was amazed at how awesome my local area is. It has so much to offer but I never gave it a chance
Kara says
I do love an NT shop – they always have such lovely gifts and goodies. Looks like a great place to visit
Anosa says
They sure do, I am making a point of checking all of them out as I visit each NT property
Keerthana Jeet says
This place looks lovely to visit… I wish one day I could visit this place 😀
Anosa says
I hope you get a chance as it is such a lovely and historical place to visit
Stella Kashmoney says
This place looks amazing. I visit Basildon quite regularly so I would love to see this park.
Anosa says
You should Stella, its a lovely place
Stephanie says
Love National Trust! I haven’t visited this one, so one to add to the visit list!
Anosa says
Definitely add it to your list, I am loving all the places I have gotten to explore so far because of the National Trust membership
TheMummyToolbox says
can’t beat a national trust! They are so beautiful and this one isn’t any different! Plus I love a good gift shop!
Anosa says
Same here, I am glad that I am now a member
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
This looks like such a neat place to visit! I’m loving that little gift shop too!
Newcastle Family Life says
This looks like a lovely place to visit x
Vy Nguyen says
It looks beautiful. How could I not know anything about this place. Thanks for sharing about it to us.
Ellie Scotch & Stilettos says
This reminds me of all the National Trust places I used to go with my Family as a child! I’ve not been to Basildon or Blenheim Palace though. I’d like to when I go back home to visit though.
Pragati Siddhanti says
Love the way you have penned this one. Super cool pictures and very informative!
Talya Stone says
Yet another lovely spot to discover – I love imagining how these places were used throughout the history. Really enjoying reading all about your local tourist adventures!
Chandresh Jain says
It’s true , we plan and dream to roam around the world .. But never thin of starting from own backyard … 🙂 .. Grt place
Kim Z says
What a beautiful spot! We’ve been trying to see more of our local surroundings this year as well, and I think it’s extremely important for the kids to not just look forward to going out of the country on every trip.
Tatjana says
I used to be a National Trust member when I lived in England. We explored a new place most weekends. Being a local tourist is so much fun and so few people do it. Looking forward to your other adventures.
Andrea Broom says
What a gorgeous park. This is so cool and I love being able to explore and learn more of every place I go and even where we live.
Blair Villanueva says
The green of Basildo park reminds me of Dontown Abbey 🙂 It is gorgeously rich!
Jhilmil Bhansali says
Beautiful park and architecture of that century. Though old and having gone through the wars, it still look great in the photos. For sure you would have had a great time, and that too close to your place:)
Latoyia Dean-Dennis says
Wow what a beautiful building. I would really enjoy visiting this place.
Mummy Stylist says
How pretty is this place?! I need to get in my car and explore West Berkshire a lot more!
Amber says
This is something I’d really enjoy exploring. I’ve always been a fan of history. The gift shop looks fantastic too.
Lorraine M says
This definitely seems worth visiting! I think it’s strategic that the entry is free which allows one to actually shop at the gift shop and embrace the venue.
Sarah Bailey says
There is something wonderful about being a tourist in your local area and how lovely does Basildon Park sound, I would love to have a nose around for myself.
Milton says
This looks like a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a day out. Love the fact that entry is free for you too! 🙂
Sangeetha says
Looks like you had an amazing time. The gift shop looks so pretty, did you get to pick anything too?
David Jack Taylor says
Looks like a great way to spend the weekend.!
Jen Sky Walker says
What a beautiful home! I’ve not been to the UK since I was young, and I don’t believe we stopped here. I’m hoping to visit in a few years and will have to add this to my list of places to see!
mydeliciousmeals says
Looks like a nice play to spend weekend. I’m also wondering if they have any kids playground.
Laura @dearbearandbeany says
Basildon House isn’t too far from us, but I’ve never been. Is there a play area for kids?
Cinema On The Sofa says
I was planning to visit there last weekend actually! Maybe I’ll go this weekend!
Rose Mont says
It looks like a nice place. Some of our National Parks open to the public free for the day. I like catching a tour because sometimes you learn knew things about the place.
Robin Rue says
What a cool place that is. You are always going to to neatest places. I would love to visit there.
Dada KS says
Yes sometimes we dont need to go far to discover amazing places! And what a beautiful discovery you had! I love old buildings with a lot of history behind. Its so fascinating and fun to be walking around imagining how it was before. I cant wait to see where you are going next!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
It seems like a great way to spend a day capped off with a wine tasting.
Clairejustineo says
I t looks lovely here. I bet it was a great day. The gift shop looks beautiful 🙂 I would love to visit.
Anchal Narayan says
Seems like you had a great time. This place looks amazing from the pictures. WOuld love to visit it sometime.
themoneyshed says
Looks like you had a lovely time there. That looks one heck of a stocked gift shop which is never a bad thing!