House at Basildon Park

Visitors in the Octagon Room at Basildon Park — Visitors in the Octagon Room on a guided tour of Basildon Park

You’re invited to explore Basildon Park, the house that Lord and Lady Iliffe lovingly restored in the 1950s, salvaging many fixings and fittings from across the country to make their home.

What to expect from your visit to Basildon Park

We've put together some top tips for you to get the most out of your visit. If you're into history, love the outdoors or want to have a day out with the kids, we've got something for you to enjoy at Basildon Park.

On busier days, such as weekends, we may use timed tickets which will be first come first served and can be picked up from Visitor Reception. We strive to open the second floor and 'At Home with Art' exhibition, but this does depend on volunteer availability.

The Mansion

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.

Discover our history

Explore the history of Basildon Park and find out more about its treasures. First purchased in 1771 by Francis Sykes, it has enjoyed a fascinating past under the ownership of notable families, culminating in 1950s glamour with Lord and Lady Iliffe before being gifted to the National Trust.

Search our collections

Did you know that the National Trust has an online database for recording information on our historic collections? You can use it find out more about some of the wonderful objects that you'll see on your visit.