Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire is a 350-year-old grade I listed and privately owned mansion built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift for his mistress. Cliveden differs from other National Trust properties in that, NT only manages the extensive 376 acres surrounding the mansion including the Octagon Temple and
National Trust members can visit the ground floor of this award-winning luxurious 5* hotel during the months of March thru to October of specified days. Cliveden House has such an amazing history from the 2nd Duke of Buckingham acquiring it, President Roosevelt in 1932 to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex staying the night before her wedding.
Cliveden House Buckinghamshire has over the years been a glittering hub for society’s elite full of debaucherous parties and scandalous affairs.
Cliveden House Buckinghamshire
Often when we plan our NT trips, we often time our arrival with the time the house is often. Except, this time it was different, in that, we chose Cliveden because it was closer and the house looked inviting. What we did not know was that the mansion is not managed by the National Trust.
A little research would have revealed areas of Cliveden that we would have access to and the majestic view over the Thames. Comparing the house to Waddesdon Manor, it does fall short but it makes up with the expansive grounds. Whilst we did not get to enter the ground floor of the house, we were impressed with what we saw of the outside.
For those old enough to remember the Profumo affair, will remember it occurred in the walls of Cliveden House. I wasn’t born by then but I had read about the affair and how it impacted British politics. Cliveden is not only known to have hosted exclusive parties but was home for political gatherings too.
Things to do at Cliveden for NT Members
Unlike most NT properties, at Cliveden, the house/hotel is not always open to NT members but have unlimited access to the grounds. If you’re thinking of visiting, here are some of the things you can do and see on your visit to Cliveden House.
- Get lost in the maze – we found it really fascinating and completed it in just 20 minutes or less.
- Explore the Gardens all year round
- Go Boating – the house is located on the Thames and during summer you can enjoy a boat ride
- Explore the woodlands – climbing up the cliffs that line the Thames offers an incredible view of the gardens
- Bring your walking shoes – the estate has amazing trails across Buckinghamshire that can be enjoyed
- Go pray in the Octagon temple
- Your dog is welcome if on a leash
- Activities for the children – various activities are held for the children, during our visit there was an Easter egg hunt going on.
Cliveden House in Buckingham is definitely different from all the National Trust properties we’ve been to. Even though we did not get to check out the ground floor of the House, we were pleased with our visit. The gardens alone are with the visit, the maze makes for a fun activity with the kids.
Kelly-Anne says
Oh wow what a beautiful place to visit! You are so lucky to see such impressive properties!
ChelseaMamma says
What a stunning place to visit, I tend to visit the same NT sites so need to mix it up a bit
simplysensationalfood says
Cliveden house looks lovely and what a beautiful place to spend a day in the open air and enjoy such beautiful surroundings.
Fatima says
Boating is an absolutely fantastic idea for spending a day out with family or even with friends!
helloglobalmousegmailcom says
I love National Trust properties and haven’t been to one in a while so need to fix that. Clivedon House looks absolutely beautiful, definitely one to visit, thank you!
Playdays and Runways says
What a lovely place to visit. We are going National Trust this year and I can’t wait.
kirstyralph11 says
I love the idea of wandering around the garden and taking a boating trip, this would be the perfect day out for a summers day.
Louise x (@withlovefromlou) says
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Cliveden House before! It looks magnificent though. I’m definitely adding visiting to my ever-growing bucket list of family days out 🙂
Louise x
Thoroughly Modern Grandma says
Thanks for the informative post. We’re national trust members but I didn’t realise you could visit the house so I might have to add this one to our list
Jenni says
Wow, what a beautiful building! Those ornate gold gates are like something straight out of a fairytale.
Sabina Green says
Wow! It is stunning, it really is a beautiful building. The NT have the most fabulous properties.
Michelle Twin Mum says
I’d love to visit Cliveden, one of my friends worked there for a while and it always sounded magnificent. Mich x
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
I wouldn’t have minded staying there before my wedding. What a beautiful place.
Sarah says
What a beautiful place to visit! I always love National Trust places, and the garden looks incredible to explore! Particularly love that they have a maze too!
Sonia cave says
Look at the size of that building and look at all the windows it has got!! And they are huge. It is a beautiful building. I love the fact it has a maze you can enjoy as well….such fun for young and old
Helen says
Oh wow what an impressive property! We have a National Trust membership card that runs out soon, but I think we’re definitely going to renew it again 🙂
Nikki Blissett says
Very informative post! I went to Cliveden when my son was a baby many years ago, wil have to visit it again.
caitylis says
Our NT membership has just ran out! I need to get signed up again to it as we’re going to love going to our local places this summer! We particually like Belton House!
Caitylis x x
Fran says
I’ve recently picked up a National Trust membership card so this is giving me some major inspo!