Hughenden Manor was home to “the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister” and a close friend of Queen Victoria. His name was Benjamin Disraeli the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield and a 19th century Prime Minister. Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Hughenden Manor exploring his amazing home and learning about Disraeli’s past. Hughenden Manor is the fifth National Trust property I have visited in the last 8 weeks but the 7th in local adventures series. Taking the time to explore beautiful locations around my home has been such an adventure and fun activity for the weekend.
The local adventures series was started with the sole purpose of exploring my surroundings and sharing my discoveries. It was also meant to prove to myself that local travels can be just as exciting and flying off abroad. We are fortunate that the entire UK has envious cities that tourists flock to see yearly but I offer alternatives to that. Thanks to the National Trust I have so many alternatives I can offer those local and my readers. For those yet to catch us on where I have explored so far around me, see below 5 NT properties as well as Blenheim Palace.
Basildon Park |Ashdown House | Greys Court| Nuffield House
Local Adventures: Hughenden Manor #localtourist
Hughenden Manor like its previous owners has a long list of family owners including ownership by the crown. The most recent and notable of owners prior to the Disraeli family are Charles Savage and John Norris. From 1848 to 1881 Hughenden Manor was home to Benjamin Disraeli and his wife Mary Anne.
During the daily free talks offered by National Trust volunteers, we go to learn about The Disraeli Family. Then a tour of the manor and Hughenden’s remarkable second WW story. For the history buffs, there is a talk on operation hillside and garden lovers a talk on Mary Anne’s garden.
Benjamin Disraeli was born in 1804 to an Italian Jewish Family, father Isaac and mother Miriam. At age 12 he became an Anglican after his father had fallen out with the local Jewish community. He is most known for being a dandy novelist but brilliant debater who become prime minister twice. There is so much history to be learnt about Disraeli and Hughenden Manor. The little history I have shared hopefully has given you a taste of what you can learn.
Things to do at Hughenden Manor
What I love about National Trust properties is that there is always something to do for everyone. I especially always look forward to touring the property itself and the estate grounds, anything else is extra. But I have also taken interest in the gift shops and tea rooms, I like spending some time in each.
- Tour Hughenden Manor, a talk is given at 12 about the history of Hughenden and the man who became the Prime Minister. You have an option to tour the entire house alone and each room has a volunteer to answer questions.
- Explore the beautiful grounds which are impressive and offers such great breathtaking views. I had to just sit and take it all in and the beautiful autumnal colours shown through. The grounds are so large offering enough area for kids to run around and tire themselves.
- Walled Garden area, when I visited there was a kids activity ongoing which was educational and fun all Halloween themed. It was so popular they run out of pumpkins but you could buy other items like apples grown on the grounds.
- Take a break and read a book, the gift shop, cafe and second-hand books shop are all bundled together. It is so beautiful and such an impressive little area.
- Walk down to St Michael and all Angels church. It’s a simple walk down hill from the Manor and quite tough coming back the hill but it’s worth it.
Things to know
- Parking is free for National trust members and included in admissions fee for non-members
- Entrance is free for National Trust members
- Pack your wellies if you intend on walking around the estate in case some parts are muddy
- Dogs are welcome but guidance needed in the manor, cafe and shop.
- There is a buggy service offered as well as wheel chairs can be borrowed
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
This property looks beautiful. It is extremely rich with history. I love that you are exploring your own backyard.
Amanda says
What an absolutely gorgeous place to explore. Makes me want to live in Europe instead of the Midwest of America…we have nothing like this!
Kisa 'Yuki' Johnson says
What a beautiful building, and the interior decor is just stunning. I could spend a few hours just marveling over how pretty everything inside is.
Tami - This Mom's Delight says
Oh, my husband and daughter would enjoy touring this. We will need to leave the little guy at home, though.
chubskulit says
Wow that is gorgeous, it looks huge too. I would definitely love to take a tour.
Nikki says
Wow, that manor is gorgeous! I would love to visit England and explore all of the neat old places, especially since I’ve been on a Tudors kick lately. I know Queen Victoria was way after that, but it’s still interesting to me.
Rosemary Anderson Palmer says
I love all of the architectural details, which I love to photograph. Sometimes I love the buildings more than the history.
Marysa says
What an impressive place, and so much history. Sounds like a really cool place to check out, with no shortage of interesting things to explore.
Pam W says
I love visiting historic buildings like this. Hughenden sounds like somewhere I would love to spend a day.
Claudia Krusch says
I love older buildings like this. I would love to go explore Hughenden Manor. It is always so interesting to learn the history of a place.
Ana De Jesus says
I always thought that he was a fascinating character what with being prime minister twice and being a novelist. But oh my how stunning is this manor so breathtaking x
Janet Coon says
Interesting looking place to explore! I love history, so this would be a place to think about for future travels
Ricci says
Oh man! What a cool place to go explore! I Love old buildings and history so I would love to get the opportunity to visit here one day!
Sarah Bailey says
Now this is a lovely looking place to get to explore, the inside looks beautiful and hey who doesn’t love a good gift shop!
Roger D Willis says
I would love to take the whole tour! The grounds look absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The Manor would be awesome to see, from a historical standpoint.
Tomi_C says
Beautiful mansion and so full of rich history and to top it off free tours and parking. Definitely worth a visit.
Jeanette says
I think it’s a lot of fun to be able to explore the area you live in. I wish we had some castles around here to explore. It would be fun to check out how people lived in a long time ago.
Candy Kage says
Getting out and seeing the local attractions and surroundings is really important. Great to learn about local area and history.
Robin Rue says
What a cool place to visit. I would love to explore that manor – it looks absolutely lovely.
Amber says
So neat! I am a history buff, so I’d love it here. I would so do the tour and then walk around and take everything in.