House at Basildon Park

Visitors in the Octagon Room at 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.

After closing our doors in March, we’re excited to announce that we are reopening the mansion on Monday 21 September. The house team have been busy lifting dust sheets, creating a one way system and making everything spick and span ready for your return.

What to expect from your visit

We've introduced advanced booking to the site to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing. Pre-booking is essential for weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, however where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking may not always be necessary.

The mansion will be open from 11am - 3pm with last entry at 2.45pm. Entry to the mansion will be on a first come first served basis and we will be limiting numbers to keep everyone safe. 

You may need to queue to enter the mansion and you will need to complete a track and trace form before going in.  We have created a one-way system around the first floor of the house to help maintain social distancing inside. The second floor, South Pavillion and Garden Room remain closed for now.

 Face coverings are required inside and hand sanitiser will be available.

View of the house at Basildon Park viewed through the trees from the parkland

What to expect from your visit to Basildon Park 

We’re reopening Basildon Park gradually, safely and in step with government guidance. To avoid disappointment, please book in advance. Read more to discover what to expect from your visit.

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.

Steps in the portico at Basildon Park

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.

The Library at Basildon Park
The Library at Basildon Park
The Library at Basildon Park

Access

Please note the entrance to the showrooms of the mansion are on the first floor, up 22 steps on a stone staircase. Unfortunately we do not currently have wheelchairs available to loan.