A short train ride from London, Waddesdon Manor makes one of the best day trips from London. This summer there will be a series of Waddesdon Manor events to lure you away from the capital.
Built as a country retreat for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1870 in the Neo-Renaissance style of a French château, it was here that the Baron held famous weekend house parties for the rich and famous.
Waddesdon Manor National Trust
Now Waddesdon Manor is in the safe hands of the National Trust, and is one of their most popular places to visit in the UK, no doubt aided by how easy it is to visit from the capital.
Simply catch the train from Marylebone Station to Aylesbury Vale Parkway and then take the safe cycle and walking route from the station straight to the manor. Alternatively, for those of you still driving, follow the A41 off the M25 towards Aylesbury and follow the route to the town of Waddesdon.
Read about Mark Bibby Jackson’s Great Escape to Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury in our sister publication Travel Begins at 40.
Waddesdon Manor Events in May and June
Artisan Food Market
Every second Saturday in the month Waddesdon will host an artisan food market from 10am to 2pm, with a range of meat, fish, baked goods and cheese. Entry is free.
Roses by Nick Night
The Coach House Gallery, the Stables will host Roses from My Garden by Nick Knight from 19 May to 31 October. Knight’s amazing and experimental photography will help you perceive the classic rose in a totally different way. Exhibition is free with grounds admission.
Waddesdon Manor afternoon tea
For those of you with a sweet tooth, Waddesdon Manor afternoon tea (£25, excludes ground admission) recommences from 19 May in the Manor Restaurant. In addition to the usual array of sweet and savoury delights, you can spice up your afternoon with a glass of Waddesdon English sparkling wine.
Mindfulness in Nature Walks
Mindfulness practitioner Matt Rodda can take you on a walk around the Waddesdon Manor gardens and grounds to help you re-connect with nature. On Sunday 23 & 30 May 2021, 11am to 1.30pm, £12.50 (excludes ground admission).
Eythrope Walled Garden Tour
Every Wednesday from 26 May to 13 October, visitors are guided around the orchard, walled garden and glasshouses at Eythrope, the private Rothschild garden. Visits last 90 minutes and include a meal in Manor Restaurant made from Eythrope Garden’s seasonal produce. Costs £50, including light meal and admission to grounds.
Gustave Moreau: The Fables
Exhibition of the work of French Symbolist Gustave Moreau (1826-98) includes work unseen by the public for more than a century. Runs from 16 June to 17 October. Tickets can be booked with admission to house and grounds.
Macbeth
The all-male Lord Chamberlain’s Men will perform Shakespeare’s Macbeth in true Elizabethan style in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor at 7am on 24 June. Tickets cost £18.50 for an adult and £10 for children.
Looking ahead …
Chilli Fest
Waddesdon Manor’s annual Chilli Fest will return on 3 to 5 September from 10am to 5pm. Held in the Aviary Gardens the Fest involves some of the best artisanal produce as well as live music and fun for all the family. For more details read our sister website Travel Begins at 40’s preview of the Waddesdon Chilli Fest.
Waddesdon Manor Opening Times
Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 3pm). Booking is essential.
Waddesdon Manor Tickets
Entrance to the Grounds cost £12 for an adult, and £6 for a child. Infants are free.
More information on Waddesdon Manor
For everything else you need to know, click here.
Main image of the Parterre to the rear of the Manor. Photo Derek Pelling © National Trust Waddesdon Manor.
