Things to see and do at Claydon

Grand staircase at Claydon

Home to the Verney family for over 400 years, Claydon has many tales to tell.

Explore at your own pace


We have re-opened Claydon House and you are welcome to explore these wonderful rooms at your own pace. Find out more about how Claydon has been home to the Verney family for over 400 years, enjoy the beautiful wood carvings of Luke Lightfoot in the downstairs rooms and explore Florence Nightingale’s bedroom from her time at Claydon House.

400 years of the Verney family at Claydon

The Verneys moved to Claydon in 1620, rising to a position of power from royal favour, the family are torn apart with the arrival of the Civil war. Broken and plunged into debt, the family slowly rebuilt their lives through trade and marriage to become one of the most significant players in the county.

The process of rebuilding their lives started again and with Victorian intervention, the house became a home once more – even becoming a regular destination for Florence Nightingale.

Florence Nightingale

She regularly visited her sister Parthenope, Lady Verney at Claydon and had her very own suite of rooms in the house. You'll be able to discover more on your visit upstairs.

Florence Nightingale and Sir Harry Verney in 1880 in the grounds of Claydon, Buckinghamshire
Florence Nightingale and Sir Harry Verney in 1880 in the grounds of Claydon, Buckinghamshire
Florence Nightingale and Sir Harry Verney in 1880 in the grounds of Claydon, Buckinghamshire

Fancy some fresh air?


Enjoy the wonderful architecture of the house from outside. Explore the West Terrace and South Lawn on your visit, and look back at the wonderful house. The South Lawn is the perfect spot for a picnic, bring your picnic blanket and basket, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the tranquil Claydon setting. To help everyone enjoy Claydon, we don’t allow dogs or ball games in our outside spaces.

Adjacent to the South Lawn is the private Claydon Estate Gardens. The Claydon Estate Gardens are not open to the public but are available for private hire, find out more here. Please note, the rest of the Claydon Estate is private. Please keeps to the public rights of way to explore further. 

You'll also find All Saint's Parish Church neslted in the grounds at Cladyon. The church is now open every Friday and Saturday, 11am-3pm while the house is open. 

Children’s trail


Got some younger visitors with you today? Pick up free children’s trail when you are welcomed in the house. You’ll find things to spot as you go round to inspire younger minds about the inspiration to be found at Claydon.