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Chastleton
Discover the myths and memories of an ancient country house, a compelling time capsule of 400 years of family life
Chastleton, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire, GL56 0SU
Important notice
Our telephone line is currently unavailable due to a technical fault in the local area. We're expecting this to be restored by 26 September. Please contact us via email in the meantime.
Opening times for 18 September 2024
Asset Opening time House 13:00 - 17:00 Garden 13:00 - 17:00 Last entry into the house is one hour before closing. Following periods of heavy rainfall, we close the more formal parts of our garden to protect the grass paths and lawns. The bark path Wilderness Walk is open, regardless of weather, for visitors to enjoy, offering fine views of the house and other garden areas.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £14.30 £13.00 Child £7.20 £6.50 Family £35.80 £32.50 1 adult family £21.50 £19.50 Group Adult £12.35 Group Child £6.18 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Bookshop
Dogs allowed
Welcome on leads in the car park, parkland, forecourt and stable yard (assistance dogs only in the garden).
Car park
Toilet
Accessible parking available closer to the house, however please go to the visitor reception first to get your ticket. No step-free access to the house. House has one wheelchair for ground floor use only. Accessible toilets available near the house and in Visitor Reception. Braille guides available. Induction Loop in visitor reception. Baby changing facilities. Assistance dogs only in the house and garden.
Accessible toilet
Seating available
Induction loop
Steps/uneven terrain
Photograph album
Virtual tour
Ramped access/slopes
Wheelchairs available
By road
6 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold. Approach only from A436 between A44 (west of Chipping Norton) and Stow
Parking: free, 270 yards (short steep hill)
Sat Nav: Use GL56 0SP to the Greedy Goose pub (currently closed), then follow brown signs. Do not follow signs to Chastleton village.
By train
Moreton-in-Marsh 4 miles
By bus
The 801 Bus runs hourly between Cheltenham and Chipping Norton, connecting with rail services at Moreton-in-Marsh. For Chastleton alight at Little Compton (Brewery Lane stop) and follow road signs to Chastleton Village. This is a 1 mile walk along a lane, traffic is light, but be aware of cars.
Highlights
House
Jacobean mansion, built in the early 17th century.
Garden
Small and intimate series of spaces including the Best Garden, Kitchen Garden, Wilderness Walk and Croquet Lawns where the rules of the game were codified.
Church teas
Church teas are available on most open days, by arrangement of local charities and the Church (not National Trust).
Dovecote
Traditional dovecote, which belonged to a long-demolished house on the land.
Things to see and do
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The garden at Chastleton
A series of discrete spaces which provide an intimate setting for the house. Clipped topiary and neat croquet lawns are contrasted with the more natural Wilderness Walk. The newly-restored Best Garden offers changing floral displays from May to September.
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Visiting the house at Chastleton
Explore the house at Chastleton to discover historic textiles, rare glassware, and intricate plasterwork ceilings.
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Visiting Chastleton with your dog
Chastleton is a one pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome on leads in the car park, parkland, forecourt and stableyard (assistance dogs only in the house and garden). There may be restrictions in place on farmland or in woodland at certain times of the year, such as during lambing season. Please look out for any local notices advising of these restrictions while you're visiting with your dog.
Spotlight events
Halloween trail
25 - 27, 30 and 31 October: explore the spooky side of cobweb-covered Chastleton. Discover marks to ward off evil spirits, secret rooms, broomsticks and more. Complete all the activities and win a prize. Normal property admission applies (free for National Trust members and under 5s), plus £3 per trail.
Behind Closed Doors: Chastleton Conservation Tour
Tuesday 29 October, 1.45-4pm: spend the afternoon with our conservation team discovering Chastleton’s unique approach to conservation and what goes on behind the scenes to preserve this Cotswold gem. £25 per person.
Shopping
Shopping at Chastleton
Browse the second-hand bookshop, purchase some local home-grown produce, or pick up a few plants to create your own Chastleton garden back at home.
Upcoming events
Event
Behind Closed Doors: Textiles Tour
24 September: discover more about the unique textiles collection at Chastleton, from handstitched and woven items dating back to the 17th century to more contemporary items.
Event
Behind Closed Doors: Chastleton Conservation Tour
29 October: spend the afternoon with our conservation team discovering Chastleton’s unique approach to conservation and what goes on behind the scenes to preserve this Cotswold gem.
Event
A 1960s Christmas at Chastleton
27 November - 15 December: experience a 1960s Christmas in the style of Chastleton's last owners, Barbara and Alan Clutton-Brock.
Event
Evening Christmas Tours at Chastleton
5 and 12 December: a rare chance to see Chastleton after dark, decorated for a perfectly cosy 1960s Christmas.
About Chastleton
A rare gem of a Jacobean country house, Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by the prosperous wool merchant, Walter Jones, as an impressive statement of his wealth and power.
Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, the house remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years as the interiors and contents gradually succumbed to the ravages of time.
With virtually no intrusion from the 21st century, this fascinating place exudes an informal and timeless atmosphere in a gloriously unspoilt setting. We don't have a shop or tea-room, so you can truly imagine you have stepped back in time.
Important information
Last entry to the house is at 4pm to allow sufficent time to enjoy your visit.
History
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The history of Chastleton House
Chastleton was built as a display of wealth and status, but eventually fell into a state of romantic neglect. Discover the history of this fine 17th-century country house.
Art and collections
Chastleton’s objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Chastleton on the National Trust Collections website.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Chastleton.
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Supporter groups in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
Chastleton is generously supported by the work of National Trust volunteering and supporter groups in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. You can join to support us and other local places.
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Supporter groups in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
Chastleton is generously supported by the work of National Trust volunteering and supporter groups in Oxfordshire, Buckingham and Berkshire. You can join to support us and other local places.