Waddesdon Manor is a country house built in 1870s for the Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. It is located in the idyllic village of Waddesdon located in the Vale of Aylesbury. Last weekend we took an opportunity to visit this magnificent manor in Buckinghamshire. Though the house itself is closed until 11th November 2017 in readiness for Christmas, we toured the grounds.
Over 9 weeks ago I started the Local Adventures series with the sole purpose of exploring my local surroundings. For me it is important continue traveling not just abroad but locally as wells. The UK has so much to offer and so much more than I realised. Every weekend if I am not abroad, the plan is to visit a National Trust property local to me.
LOCAL ADVENTURES: WADDESDON MANOR #LOCALTOURIST
Waddesdon Manor was opened to the public in 1959 two years after the death of James de Rothschild. He left the manor and its content to the National Trust but it is managed by the Rothschild Foundation. A UK registered charity and one of the most visited properties in England with thousands of visitors yearly.
When Baron Ferdinand bought the estate, it was a farm land but he was quite familiar with the area. It is quite weird seeing the magnificent manor as it stands today and try to picture the area without it. The house hosted many parties before the death of Baron Ferdinand and has been used as refuge years later.
One thing that strikes you as you walk the grounds is the beautiful sculptures around the property. At this occasion we did not have a chance to tour the house but we heard the art collection is impeccable.
THINGS TO DO AT WADDESDON MANOR
Whenever I visit a National Trust property, I always make it my point to ensure I enjoy what it has to offer. So far all properties I have visited have plenty to do for everyone especially those with children. Not that the rest of us can’t enjoy it, we certainly can as there is much to see.
- Free walking and tour guides – several talks are given throughout the day. An introductory walk exploring the history of the manor and the gardens including the talk of Rothschild family. Dairy water garden talk, a private tour of the water gardens, a discovery talk and wine cellar talk.
- Special Events – throughout the year the Waddesdon Manor hosts different events including festivals open to the public. As we are coming up to Christmas, from 11th November 2017 they will be hosting a number of Christmas events.
- Shopping – there are two shops which are a must see during your visit; the Manor Shop and Wine Shop. I was totally blown away by the awesome shops especially the wine shop.
- Eating – One thing in abundance at the Waddesdon Manor is the many places to eat. Manor Restaurant, Stables Cafe, New Treaterie, Coffee Bar and Summer House and Five Arrows hotel. And when the weather is good, you can have a picnic on the grounds of the estate.
Good things to know
The Waddesdon Manor is an easy place to find and get to, it took me under an hour to drive there. Living in the outskirts of Oxford, the motorway was my best friend and an easy commute.
- Getting to the manor – you have an option to walk up from the parking lot to the manor, its a 15 minute walk. You have an option to take a shuttle bus from the car park
- Information desk and tickets are located at the welcome pavilion in the car part
- Foot paths and Bridleway Dog walking boundary are easily accessible
- Five Arrows Hotel is located at the entrance of the Manor
- All bags larger than a handbag have to be left at the visitor information area.
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Becca Talbot says
Nice that they have a dog walking path – not many houses allow this! And the grounds look beautiful, even in Autumn! x
Anosa says
I thought so too and the properties I have visited so far allow dogs in certain parts but not all
Newcastle Family Life says
This looks like a wonderful place to visit, what a grand building and the grounds look great too x
Stephanie says
Great big place to explore, with lots of history to it too
Lauretta says
Looks like a lovely place. Thanks for making a list on what can be explored in Waddesdon Manor.
Our Family World says
I would love to see this in person! OMG, the pomp and grandeur of this place. It must have been awesome to have lived such a wealthy life.
Louise Smith says
I love visiting Stately Homes, but I have to admit I’d never heard of this one! It looks lovely here though, and I’d definitely go and have a look around if I ever got the chance 🙂
Louise x
Linda Hobbis says
Wow – what a building – I love stately homes but hadn’t heard of this one. Definitely one to visit – and I love a good gift shop.
Kita Bryant says
I can see why it’s one of the most visited properties! It’s gorgeous and has rich history!
chubskulit says
Wow that looks like a palace, such a beautiful place. I love visiting local places, you can discover and learn so many things without breaking the bank.
Rosemary Anderson Palmer says
Local is good but we sure don’t have anything like this, but there’s a lot of military history. What wonderful architecture
FussFreeJen says
I love your idea of visiting local places, it is something I have tried to do. So often you have all these gems of places so close, and forget just how wonderful they are.
Waddesdon Manor looks so impressive, such a stunning building. Lovely to see the grounds have been kept in such magificent order. There is something rather magical about visiting these types of places, particularly when there is history.
Kara says
I have seen lots of love online for Waddesdon Manor and would love to visit one day. Its not too far for a day trip
Claudia Krusch says
Waddesdon Manor would be an amazing place to explore. I love to learn the history of places like this. I will have to add this to my travel list.
Pam says
Waddesson Manor seems like. Cool place to explore. I always love finding places to check out near me. Being a local tourist is fun.
Liz Mays says
This does seem like a place worth visiting! I’d be excited to check out the shops and restaurants after some exploration!
Sapphire Kharyzma says
Travel and exploring is my favorite pastime. I would love to visit Waddesdon Manor.
Claire Lee says
I just love traveling and exploring around. With all the photos, I would love to visit here sometime!
WEMAKE7 says
Wow, this place is amazing. I have always wanted to visit a place like this someday.
Laura Dove says
Oh wow this looks like a great place to visit! I haven’t heard of it before!
Laura @dearbearandbeany says
What a stunning place! We could probably get there fairly easier for a day trip
Sam says
As much as I love travelling abroad, I also really enjoy exploring places closer to home. I’ve never heard of Waddesdon Manor but it looks beautiful!
Glamamom® says
So stunning. Hopefully I’ll get there one day.
Tomi_C says
I bet Christmas at Waddesdon Manor is a sight to see. The grounds area gorgeous. I hope you’re planning a visit for the Christmas holiday to share with us.
Vyjay Rao says
The Waddesdon Manor looks magnificent and the grounds and sculpture so grand and evoke the spirit of a glorious era that has gone by. It is indeed true that there are always so many gems in our own backyard, while we focus on far away frontiers.
Talya Stone says
I’ve heard wonderful things about Waddesdon and it looks just as lovely as I’ve heard by the look of this post!
Melanie Edjourian says
Waddesdon Manor sounds like a stunning location to visit. My friend loves to visit places like this I must tell her about it. Good to know about the handbag restrictions!
Amber says
What an amazing house! Or manor, rather. I always love going through places like this. It would be exciting to have a picnic on the grounds.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
That is such a beautiful place. I would love to explore that manor. It’s great that there are plenty of dining options nearby.
Helen Jacob-Lloyd says
Oh wow what a grand house! I love visiting these places on the run up to Christmas because they do such festive events 🙂
Candy Kage says
We had the opportunity to visit last spring. Such a beautiful estate. The gardens are beautiful and of course the history of the manor is so interesting.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I’m not familiar with the Waddesdon Manor, but it’s just beautiful. I love history, and this building represents some point in history that I’d love to learn more about.
Robin Rue says
The architecture of Waddesdon Manor is absolutely incredible. I would love to go see it in person someday.
Alli Smith says
I’d love to see Waddesdon Manor all dressed up for Christmas. There’s so much to see and do and it would be fun to eat and shop there during a visit. The manor and the grounds are lovely.
Battlemum says
That looks like a lovely place to go. I’m amazed at the number of places it has to eat. All too often NT places have a cafe or tea room and that’s it. Plus the Manor Shop looks amazing!
Helen Actually... says
That’s actually not far from us – I’ll definitely add it to our to do list. It sounds like it might be quite glorious to see at Christmas!
Emma - Our Fairytale Adventure says
What a beautiful place to visit. Whenever I visit places like this I always think ‘I cannot believe people used to actually live here’ or in some cases still do!
Victoria Hatton says
It looks like a lovely place to visit, I could definitely see me treating myself in that shop as well!