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Basildon Park
An estate saved from almost certain demolition and lovingly revived
Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR
Important notice
Last entry to the house will be 2.15pm, closing at 3pm. The Tea room will be closing at 3pm. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
The Toolshed, Shop and garden will remain open as usual, last entry at 4pm.
Opening times for 12 July 2025
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 17:00 Grounds 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Tea-room 10:00 - 16:30 Last entry to the site is 4pm. House will be open from 11am to last entry 4:15pm. Site closes at 5pm.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £20.90 £19.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £10.50 £9.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £52.30 £47.50 Family (One Adult) £31.40 £28.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
The play and ball run area is located just up from the shop.
- Bookshop
- Car park
During the winter period our carpark has reduced capacity. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. We may have to intermittently close out entrance gates to avoid traffic on the main road. Bikes will not be allowed on site. If you are cycling to the property, you will need to leave your bike in the car park.
- Cycle parking
There is a bike rack in the main car park, as you enter on the right.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed on leads in the grounds and gardens, but only assistance dogs are allowed in the mansion.
- Picnic area
There is a picnic area near the stable yard and near the mansion which both have wheelchair accessible picnic benches available.
- Plant shop
Our plant shop is outside the main shop. Please be advised that stock may vary due to seasons.
- Shop
- Tea-room
- Toilet
It's a 400-yard walk uphill to the house – a visitor buggy is available. House entrance is up 22 steps. Accessible toilets available. Uneven terrain on walking routes, which can become muddy. There's cattle in the parkland.
- Accessible route and/or map
- Accessible toilet
In stableyard and near mansion.
- Designated parking
Designated mobility parking, 20 yards from ticket office. 400 yards walk to the gardens and mansion.
- Induction loop
- Large print (guide or menu)
- Level access to food outlet
There are ramps at the entrance.
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
- Ramped access/slopes
Partly accessible grounds, loose gravel paths, slopes, and cobbles. Steep hill from car park to gardens. There are uneven pathways throughout gardens and parkland as well as gravel pathways, steps and tree roots.
- Seating available
We have accessible picnic benches for visitors using wheelchairs and seating areas around the stable yard and formal garden. Seating is available in each room of the house.
- Stairclimber
Access to upper floors: Stair Climber machines on site allowing wheelchair access upstairs in the Mansion. Please call to pre-book on 01491 672920 or email stairclimberbookingbasildonpark@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please be aware that we ask for 7 days’ notice prior to your visit.
- Steps/uneven terrain
The entrance to the showrooms in the mansion is on the First Floor, an additional 22 steps from the Ground Floor on a stone staircase.
- Transfer available
Visitor buggy from the stableyard to the mansion available. Please note the buggy depends on volunteer availability.
- Wheelchairs available
There is a wheelchair available from visitor reception for the gardens, and one for house visits.
- By road
We are 7 miles north-west of Reading, on the west side of A329. If you are driving, please leave the M4 at exit 12 and follow signs for Beale Park and Pangbourne, then signs to Basildon Park. Once you go through the main entrance gates, follow the path to the visitor car park where you are welcome to park.
Sat Nav: Use main entrance from A329
- By train
Pangbourne train station 2½ miles; Goring train station 3 miles. If you are travelling by train you can get off at Pangbourne or Goring & Streatley station and get a taxi to Basildon Park (it is only about a 5 minute car journey from the station). It’s best to pre-book a taxi as there is no taxi rank at either station. For more information about how to find us please call 01491 672382. It is possible to walk to Basildon Park from Pangbourne station but please be advised that it is around a 40 minute walk along a main road.
- By bus
You may be able to get the Going Foward Bus to Basildon Park on selected days. For more details visit the Going Foward Buses website: www.goingforwardbuses.com
- Cycling
Planning your visit
Upcoming events
Take a look at the events coming up at Basildon Park.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Basildon Park
Discover why Basildon Park is the ideal place for children play, discover nature and go on adventures in the school holidays.
Article
Visiting Basildon Park with your dog
Basildon Park is a two pawprint rated place. There’s plenty of space to walk and trails to explore. Dogs are welcome on leads in the garden and parkland year-round.
Article
The house at Basildon Park
Discover the opulent styling and artistic treasures that make the house at Basildon Park a signature 18th-century Palladian mansion, including some quirky details.
Highlights
House
An 18th-century Palladian-style mansion, restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe after being requisitioned in the World Wars.
Parkland
A 400-acre park with four waymarked walks, World War Two Nissen Hut remains, historic trees and views of the house.
Formal garden
Formal garden designed in the mid-18th century by David Brandon, featuring Lady Iliffe's rose garden and the restored terrace balustrade.
Eating
Main tea-room in lower entrance hall of the house is open daily.
Shop and second-hand bookshop
The shop is in the stableyard and also contains a second-hand bookshop and reading nook.
Visitor centre
Visitor Reception is located in the historic stableyard, with staff and volunteers on hand to help with any queries.
Children's play area
The wild play area for little ones is next to the stableyard, with more den building areas out on the estate.
Things to see and do
Article
The house at Basildon Park
Discover the opulent styling and artistic treasures that make the house at Basildon Park a signature 18th-century Palladian mansion, including some quirky details.
Article
The garden at Basildon Park
Discover the beautifully laid out, restored grounds that surround the house at Basildon Park. Take in the views from the terrace and pause awhile under the thatched Umbrello seat.
Article
The parkland at Basildon Park
Explore the wider estate on a parkland walk. Choose from one of four trails that are designed for different ages and abilities. Take in the views of the 18th-century Bath-stone house as it glows in the distance.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Basildon Park
Discover why Basildon Park is the ideal place for children play, discover nature and go on adventures in the school holidays.
Top trails
Trail
The meadows and woodlands of Streatley
Discover beautiful views on this three mile circular walk around the meadows and woodlands that form the backdrop to the village of Streatley.
Trail
West Berkshire countryside walk
Enjoy a 7-mile circular walk around rural West Berkshire, near Streatley, taking in a variety of landscapes, wildflowers and butterflies.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Basildon Park
Enjoy food and drink and buy a reminder of your day out on your visit to Basildon Park. Pick up a tasty treat in the tea-room or grab a gardening must-have in the shop.
Upcoming events
Event
Earth Photo, 21 June to 26 July
From 21 June to 26 July, this outdoor photography exhibition will showcase shortlisted entries from Earth Photo 2025 in the parkland.
Event
Guided woodland walks at Basildon Park
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting woodlands and sprawling estate of Basildon Park with our volunteer-led estate walk.
Event
Summer of Play at Basildon Park, 26 July to 31 August
Are you ready for a Summer of Play? Join us at Basildon Park this summer holidays.
Event
Summer of Play: Giant Art at Basildon Park
Get inspired by the size, colours and patterns of Helios and the solar system and add to our giant drawing.
Event
'Pride & Prejudice' outdoor cinema at Basildon Park, 6 August
Join us for an unforgettable evening watching 'Pride & Prejudice' on the big screen, in front of the mansion where it was filmed.
Event
Helios: Art Activity 15 to 18 & 22 to 25 August
Get inspired by the sun and nature and channel your inner artist during Helios at Basildon Park from 15 to 18 and 22 to 25 August.
Event
Helios at Basildon Park 15-18 & 22-25 August
We're displaying Helios at Basildon Park! Helios is a new artwork of the sun by Luke Jerram. This seven-metre sculpture combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun's intricate details.
Event
Helios: Standing Yoga and mindfulness session with Sport in Mind 15 August
Relax and enjoy a standing yoga and mindfulness session with Natasha from Sport in Mind as part of the Helios display at Basildon Park.
About Basildon Park
Sitting elegantly in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland and gardens, this 18th-century house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, when it was de-requisitioned after the Second World War. With extraordinary vision, the Iliffes brought Basildon Park back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters.
The wooded parkland offers glorious seasonal colour, with spring bluebells, summer buttercups and autumn leaves, while the landscape has been carefully restored to offer wonderful views, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play. Winter walks are a must.
History
Article
The history of Basildon Park
Follow the rise and fall of Basildon Park from aspirational 18th-century beginnings to its decline after the Second World War and how its fortunes recovered in the 1950s.
Latest news
Article
Bridgerton filming locations
Discover which places were used as filming locations for the third series of Netflix's lavish Regency-era drama Bridgerton and the spin-off series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
Art and collections
Basildon Park's objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Basildon Park on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
Article
Our work at Basildon Park
Discover some of the behind-the-scenes work at Basildon Park, from cleaning with hog’s hair to restoring exotic collection items.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Basildon Park
Find out about volunteering at Basildon Park. With opportunities inside and out, there’s a range of roles at this special place.