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Ashdown
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & BerkshireUnusual Dutch-style house on the Berkshire Downs
Lambourn, Berkshire, RG17 8RE
Book a visit
Important notice
Due to high winds forecast on 15/09/2025, we strongly advise against visiting the site today, particularly near wooded areas. Thank you.
Opening times for 16 September 2025
Asset Opening time House Closed Woodland Dawn - Dusk Book a visitEntry to the house (main staircase and roof terrace only) is by booked tour only, at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Wednesdays and Saturdays 2 April - 29 October.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £7.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £3.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £17.50 1 adult £10.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Car park
- Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome on leads in woodland only.
- Guided tour
access to house by booked tour only.
- Toilet
Parking 200m from house. Pre-booking essential for visiting. Toilets by visitor reception. Closer accessible parking available on request. Dogs welcome in the woods but must be kept under control at all times. No level access into the house.
- Accessible toilet
- Induction loop
- Narrow corridors
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
- 2 1/2 miles south of Ashbury, 3 1/2 miles north of Lambourn, on west side of B4000.Parking: In main estate car park in Ashdown woods, there is a 150metre walk to the house from the car park along a tarmac drive.Sat Nav: Follow local brown signs from B4000 for car park.
- By bus
- On Swindon to Lambourn route, bus stop at entrance.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Ashdown with your dog
Ashdown is a one pawprint rated place. Find out more about bringing your dog here to enjoy exploring Ashdown's woodland together.
Highlights
House
A 17th-century Dutch-style house on the Berkshire Downs. Entry to main staircase and roof terrace by tour only, April to October.
Ashdown Woods
Woodland estate set against the backdrop of Ashdown House in the Berkshire Downs.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Ashdown
You can see three different counties from the rooftop of historic Ashdown House – and three different species of deer as you stroll around the grounds.
Places to stay
Old Slaughter House
A charming cottage that’s perfect for a simple country break.
Lock Cottage
A charming and cosy Thames-side cottage with a pretty garden close to the Thames Path.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Ashdown
This extraordinary building with the appearance of a doll's house nestles in a beautiful valley on the Berkshire Downs, surrounded by woodland. It was built by an Earl, William Craven, as a house fit for the queen he loved, Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia in 1662.
Ashdown House is tenanted and when open, access is limited to hall, staircase (100 steps ) and roof. Access to the house is on by pre-booked guided tour only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to October at 2, 3 and 4pm, for up to 16 people at a time.
History
Article
The Winter Queen and the history of Ashdown House
Who was the Winter Queen? A tale of royalty and war, tragedy and dignity – and the enigmatic love story that built a beguiling Berkshire landmark.
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Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Ashdown House.
