Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire (Buckinghamshire)

Summary 19th century buildings Art and sculpture Guided tours Gift shop Learning facilities Gardens Children's play area Audio guide Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Restaurant Tea Room Picnic area

Introduction

This renaissance-style château was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. The 45 rooms on view combine the highest quality French furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century with superb English portraits and Dutch Old Masters. The Victorian garden is considered one of the finest in Britain with its parterre, seasonal displays, fountains and statuary. At its heart lies the aviary, stocked with species once part of Baron Ferdinand's collection. Visit the new contemporary art gallery in the Coach House at the Stables. 

History to the present day

Waddesdon Manor was built (1874-1889) by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. Fascinated by the history and culture of France, he commissioned a French architect, Gabriel Hippolyte Destailleur, to build him a Renaissance-style chateau, based on those in the Loire Valley, and employed a French garden designer, Elie Lainé to lay out the grounds. The Manor was only used for weekends in the summer months, for Ferdinand's famous house parties, and was the last word in luxury with electric lights, lifts and under-floor heating.

Food and Drinks

There are a choice of eating places are available at the Manor. The Manor Restaurant serves breakfasts and light snacks from 10.00-12.00, lunch from 12.00-3.00 and afternoon teas from 3.00-5.00, Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. Stables Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am-5.00pm serving light snacks.The Coffee Bar in the Shop Courtyard is open from 11.00am-5.00pm weather permitting, serving refreshments, sandwiches and ice creams. 

Grounds and gardens

The Manor has extensive grounds which include a rose, tulip and water garden. Baron Ferdinands Walk and a children's explorer trail.

Other facilities

Parking is free at the Manor.

The Manor offers live interpretation, adult study days and Audio-visual presentations.

Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats for loan. Childrens woodland playground. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Buckinghamshire, , United Kingdom

Address: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH

Opening Times: House: April 3rd to October 31st, Wednesday to Friday 12.00-4.00pm, Weekends 11.00am - 4.00pm.

From 17th November to 23rd December Wednesday to Friday 12.00-4.00pm, Weekends 11.00am-4.00pm.

The gardens are open from 2nd January to 28th March 10.00am-5.00pm Weekends only, 31st March to 31st December 10.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Directions: Waddesdon is off the A41 between Aylesbury and Bicester in Buckinghamshire

Nearest Train Station: Aylesbury Vale Parkway