Cliveden

We have a selection of formal gardens for you to enjoy across the estate. Each has their own charms across the seasons, from the six-acre Parterre overlooked by the South Terrace reaching down to the River Thames, to the fruit-filled Round Garden and our elegant Water Garden.

The woods that line the steep cliffs above the Thames were famous long before the House and its gardens. There are miles of woodland paths to explore and stunning views back to the gardens and over the surrounding countryside.

The chapel, also known as the Octagon Temple, was originally designed as a place to admire the view or take tea but is now the final resting place for three generations of the Astor family.

We welcome dogs across many areas of the estate, including dogs on leads in most formal areas and outside our catering facilities. Remember to always pick up your dog’s waste and leave Cliveden as beautiful as when you arrived.

As part of our celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the National Trust we released 50 things to do at Cliveden before you’re 125 ¾. This is a list compiled from suggestions by our lovely volunteers, staff and visitors to help you get the best out of your visit to Cliveden the whole year round.

Boating at Cliveden offers a whole fleet of different boats to explore one of the prettiest stretches of the River Thames. All availability, bookings and further information, please see boatingatcliveden.co.uk.

The Conservatory Café will close from 1st November 2021 for an essential roof replacement and internal refurbishment. A temporary marquee will be open on the Front Forecourts, serving light refreshments from November until Spring 2022. The Refreshment kiosk in the Walled Garden will be open daily.

Our shop is open and offers something for everyone. Whether it’s environmentally-friendly swaps for a more sustainable life, a gift for a loved one or an indulgence for yourself, every purchase helps us look after Cliveden for everyone, for ever.

We're not able to offer house tours at the moment, but we hope to welcome visitors back for tours in Spring 2022.

For more than 300 years Cliveden was home to dukes, earls, viscounts and for a while a prince. A glittering hub of society, Cliveden hosted exclusive parties and political gatherings.

Did you know that at the start of the First World War a hospital was built on the estate with the Canadian Red Cross to treat the Armed Forces of the British Empire and the Royal Hospital, Chelsea? Over one hundred years on, you can visit a Memorial Garden dedicated to those who lost their lives.

From stunning seasonal floral displays in the extensive gardens to the extensive sculpture collection, Cliveden has plenty to offer groups. Please note that house tours are paused until 2022.

Let us bring Cliveden to you... Why not book one of our knowledgeable speakers to come along to your local group's meeting. We offer three talks which focus on the history of Cliveden.

Across the country thousands of our most dedicated supporters meet on a regular basis as part of a National Trust Centre or Association, to support the work of properties of interest to them.