Around Oxford & Buckinghamshire

Time	Place
Morning	Stowe Landscape Gardens
Afternoon	Claydon House
Extra day?	Waddesdon Manor

Morning

Start with a drive up the Oxford Avenue, past the North Front of Stowe House to the entrance to Stowe Landscape Gardens, one of the finest Georgian landscape gardens. Before setting out on your walk, visit the audio-visual introduction to the people and history of Stowe.

After that, wander past the Temple of Concord and Victory with the Grecian Valley laid out ahead of you, down through the Elysian Fields into the Hawkwell Field. Ahead you will see the Palladian Bridge. Stowe, with its vistas, lakes, flowering shrubs and mature trees is fascinating in all seasons.

Please note: Stowe House (not National Trust) is occupied by Stowe School. Guided tours of the house are available, please check the property page for more details.

Lunch?

Finish with a well-earned lunch in the restaurant at Stowe.

Afternoon

From Stowe, head south through the Buckinghamshire countryside and follow the winding lanes to Claydon House which has the most remarkable 18th-century rococo and chinoiserie decoration. Appreciate the unique Chinese Room and parquetry Grand Stairs and the mementoes of Florence Nightingale who was a regular visitor. The house has been in continuous occupation by the Verney family for over 380 years.

Extra day?

If you are planning a longer stay in Buckinghamshire you should take a day to visit Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury. Built between 1874 and 1889 in the style of a 16th-century French chateau for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain his guests, it houses an extraordinary collection of French 18th-century decorative arts.

Waddesdon also has one of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain which contains a rose garden and children’s garden. The rococo-style aviary houses a splendid collection of exotic birds.

Lunch can be taken in one of the two licensed restaurants and the day can be rounded off with a visit to the award-winning gift shop and wine shop with a full selection of Rothschild wines.

When can you go?

Before visiting a property, we strongly advise that you check its opening times, as properties open on different days and at different times. This information is detailed on the individual property pages, which you can search for by finding a place to visit.

Temple of Concord and Victory at Stowe Gardens