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Cliveden
Glorious gardens and woodlands overlooking the River Thames
Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS
Opening times for 22 July 2025
Asset Opening time Garden and Woodlands 09:30 - 17:30 Shop and Weighbridge Secondhand Bookshop 10:00 - 17:00 Conservatory Café 10:00 - 17:00 Woodland car park 09:30 - 16:30 Refreshment kiosk 09:30 - 17:00 Storybook play area and Maze 09:30 - 17:00 Dolls House Café Closed House tours 11:00 - 12:30 Please note that the last entry to Cliveden Estate is 5pm.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £21.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £10.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £52.50 Group (Adult 18+) £19.95 Group (Child 5-17) £9.98 Family (1 Adult and up to 3 children) £31.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
The Weighbridge second-hand bookshop is in the Gas Yard.
- Café
The Conservatory Cafe sells hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks and has indoor and outdoor seating.
- Car park
On site car parking (included within admission fees). The Main Visitor Car Park is in the Walled Garden at the top of the estate. The Woodland Car Park is located at the other end of the estate in the woodlands. Cycle racks are available in the Car Park. We ask you not to cycle on the estate. Speed limit - 15 mph across the estate
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome at Cliveden and we have a dog walker's guide as to where they can go. Please scroll down to read our dog walking article for more information.
Dogs allowed - more information- Guided tour
Cliveden House is currently leased as a luxury country hotel and generally not open to National Trust Visitors. However, from 3 March to 30 October 2025, on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, National Trust visitors can enjoy a 30-minute guided visit, every 10 minutes from 11am-12:30pm. Please ensure you have collected a ticket from the Information Centre.
- Kiosk
The Kiosk is in the Walled Garden and sells hot and cold drinks and snacks. A drinking water tap is available to refill water bottles on the side of the Kiosk.
- Plant shop
Cliveden Plant Centre is in the Walled Garden, outside the Shop.
- Shop
The Shop is in the Walled Garden and stocks a range of gifts, books, homeware, accessories and children's toys and books.
- Toilet
Toilets in the Gas Yard, by the Conservatory, by the Storybook Play Den and the Woodland lounge are open and checked regularly. Accessible toilets are available at the Doll's House, next to the Storybook Play Den and in the Gas Yard. Baby-changing facilities in Female & Male Gas Yard, Conservatory Toilets and in both toilets at the Doll's House.
Cliveden is located on a chalk hill overlooking the River Thames. There is a level access route around the formal gardens. The Cliveden Estate is large and there are a number of steps and steep slopes without handrails in the wider estate, especially going down to the river side which is unfenced. There are also unfenced lakes and ponds. Click on the drop-down boxes below for more information or please contact the Cliveden Estate Office directly.
- Accessible route and/or map
The access route map is available from the Information Centre.
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are available at the Doll's House, next to the Storybook Play Den and in the Gas Yard.
- Designated parking
Onsite parking is included with admission fees / membership. 22 designated disabled parking spaces are available in the main visitor car park.
- Induction loop
Hearing loops are installed at every fixed till point.
- Level access to food outlet
There is level access to many buildings across Cliveden. The buildings without level access have permanent shallow sloping access.
- Level access to shop
The Shop is in the Walled Garden next to the Main Visitor Car Park.
- Seating available
Benches are located throughout the route around the formal gardens.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Paths around the formal gardens are laid to hard standing paths with a loose gravel top. Upon leaving the level access route, the Cliveden’s site is undulating with steep slopes in places and many steps (particularly when visiting Cliveden Riverside).
- Transfer available
Our accessible shuttle bus service is available on request. Assistance dogs are welcome in this vehicle.
- Wheelchairs available
Two manual wheelchairs (including off road) and two all-terrain trikes (non-powered) are available from the Information Centre. We recommend hiring in advance of your visit. Please email cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01628 605069 to book.
- By road
From M4 take exit 7 onto the A4 towards Maidenhead and follow the brown signs. After about 1.5 miles, you will turn right at traffic lights onto Berry Hill. Continuing on to become Cliveden Road, the woodland car park will be about 1.5 miles on your left and the main entrance a further 1.5 miles on your left. From M40 take exit 4 onto A404 to Marlow an exit at junction 2, following the brown signs. Bear left at the roundabout onto A4155 towards Bourne End. Follow the A4155 for about two miles through Bourne End and on towards Wooburn. At the third roundabout you’ll take the right-hand exit onto Hawkes Hill. Follow this road as it becomes Hedsor Hill, then Bourne End Road. After two miles, at the ‘Y’ junction, turn right onto Cliveden Road and the main entrance is a few hundred metres further on the right. Continue for a further 1.5 miles to reach the woodlands. The main entrance is opposite the Feathers Inn. Click on the map pin to plan your route. Please note: The main entrance is width and height restricted so if coming in an over-size vehicle please call us on 01628 605069 for details.
Parking: National Trust members park free. Please present your NT membership card, if a member on arrival through your car window.
Sat Nav: For the main entrance at Feathers Gate, please use SL1 8NS. For the woodland car park entrance please use SL6 0HJ.
- On foot
Though it is possible to walk to Cliveden from both Bourne End and Taplow stations, we do not recommend it. Access is only available via country roads with no pavements and fast-travelling traffic.
- By train
Taplow 2½ miles and Burnham 3 miles are both on the London Paddington to Reading mainline. Taxi office/rank at both stations. We do not advise walking from these stations along the main roads. These are country roads with no pavements and very fast traffic (60 mph). Bourne End 2 miles is on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line. There is no taxi rank. These stations are served by GWR and the Elizabeth Line.
- By bus
Unfortunately there are no public bus services to Cliveden.
- Cycling
Nearest National Cycle routes are routes 50 and 61 to within 2 miles. See Sustrans for more details. The roads around Cliveden are single carriage-way country roads with 60 mph speed limits. We'd love for you to cycle to Cliveden and you can lock bikes up in the spaces provided in the Walled Garden. 5 year olds and under are able to bring small scooters and balance bikes onto the estate. Mobility scooters can also be taken onto the estate but please leave bikes with pedals by the Information Centre.
Planning your visit
Plan your summer visit to Cliveden, find out more about summer colour in the gardens, explore Summer of Play and other summer adventure activities for the whole family. Got four-legged friends? Visit the woods and pick up a free dog walking map to plan your route.
Article
Plan your summer visit to the gardens
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens as you stroll through a series of impressive spaces at Cliveden this summer holidays, each with its own special charm. Enjoy year-round interest and colour, from the bedding scheme of the Parterre and the hundreds of roses in the Rose Garden throughout the summer months, to Lord Astor’s sculpture collection and the impressive Cliveden Maze.
Article
Plan your summer visit with family
If you’re looking to get the whole family outside this summer holidays, look no further. Cliveden has something to offer everyone, whether young in body or young at heart. From fun walking trails to boating on the Thames, this is your one-stop shop to help you get the most out of your summer family visit to Cliveden. Looking for things to do with the kids? Explore Summer of Play from 24 July - 7 September and the Summer Adventures Activities leaflet until Saturday 14 September.
Article
Plan your summer visit with your dog
With 375 acres of woodlands, riverbank and formal gardens to be sniffed and explored this summer, Cliveden offers a varied selection of dog-friendly walking trails throughout the summer months. Grab a cold drink and cool down this summer at the Woodland Lounge with an indoor seating area, outdoor benches and dog tie up points.
Cliveden map
Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden's impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone age. With a history of over 350 years worth of glamour and intrigue, Cliveden Estate is a place of exquisite enchantment.
Highlights
Formal gardens
Enjoy 80 acres of year-round interest and colour, from the bedding scheme of the geometric parterre, hundreds of roses in the Rose Garden, an Oriental-inspired Water Garden, to Lord Astor’s sculpture collection and the impressive Cliveden Maze. There are spaces for everyone to enjoy, for quiet reflection or time with loved ones.
House visits
Step inside the house to hear Cliveden's stories from the Astor family and more. Cliveden House is currently leased as a luxury country hotel and generally not open to National Trust Visitors. However, from Monday 3 March to Thursday 30 October 2025, on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, National Trust visitors can enjoy a 30-minute guided visit, every 10 minutes from 11am-12:30pm. Please ensure you have collected a ticket from the Information Centre on arrival, as these are first come, first served. Visit ‘Things to see in the house and chapel’ page for more information.
Chapel
Head to the western side of the Parterre for a surprise; the unassuming domed building overlooking the river houses a wonderfully ornate chapel, also known as the Octagon Temple. The Chapel is open in the afternoons from Wednesday 2 April to Friday 24 October 2025 on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, subject to volunteer availability and weather conditions. See the 'Things to see in the house and chapel' page for more details on opening.
Iconic River Thames
Soak up one of the prettiest stretches of the river, Cliveden Reach. The perfect spot for a picnic or a stroll at the river side. Treat yourself to a trip on a skippered cruises or a self-hire vessel. Head to boatingatcliveden.co.uk to book your river adventure.
Escape into the woodlands
Stroll through the woodlands at Cliveden and discover the shady spots this summer. Explore a landscape of tree-lined rides and viewpoints. Keep a look out for some of the more unusual features added by the families who have owned the estate over the years, including a flint grotto and a giant slice of a Californian redwood tree.
Holiday cottages
Stay in one of our two characterful riverside cottages nestled on the banks of the River Thames within the Cliveden Estate. Packed with charm, the cottages boast bright and modern interiors with beautiful views over the river, offering stays for two to four people.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do with family this summer
If you’re looking to get the whole family outside, look no further. Cliveden has something to offer everyone, whether young in body or young at heart. From fun walking trails to boating on the Thames, this is your one-stop shop to help you get the most out of your family visit to Cliveden this summer holidays. Explore Summer of Play from 24 July - 7 September and the Summer Adventures Activities leaflet until Saturday 14 September.
Article
Things to see and do in the woodlands this summer
Stroll through the woodlands at Cliveden and discover the shady spots this summer. Explore a landscape of tree-lined rides and viewpoints. Keep a look out for some of the more unusual features added by the families who have owned the estate over the years, including a flint grotto and a giant slice of a Californian redwood tree.
Article
Things to see and do in the gardens this summer
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens as you stroll through a series of impressive spaces at Cliveden this summer holidays, each with its own special charm. Enjoy year-round interest and colour, from the bedding scheme of the Parterre and the hundreds of roses in the Rose Garden throughout the summer months, to Lord Astor’s sculpture collection and the impressive Cliveden Maze.
Article
Things to see in Cliveden's house and chapel this summer
Step inside the house to hear Cliveden's stories from the Astor family and more. Cliveden House is currently leased as a luxury country hotel and generally not open to National Trust Visitors. However, from Monday 3 March to Thursday 30 October 2025, on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, National Trust visitors can enjoy a 30-minute guided visit, every 10 minutes from 11am-12:30pm. Head to the western side of the Parterre for a surprise; the unassuming domed building overlooking the river houses a wonderfully ornate chapel, also known as the Octagon Temple. The Chapel is open in the afternoons from Wednesday 2 April to Friday 24 October 2025 on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, subject to volunteer availability and weather conditions.
Activity
Boating at Cliveden
Discover all about the popular pastime of boating, links to Wind in the Willows, and how to hire a boat to enjoy the River Thames at Cliveden. ‘Boating at Cliveden’ runs daily between April to October, subject to river and weather conditions. This summer holidays, discover skippered cruises and self-hire vessels including electric motorboats, Canadian canoes, rowing boats and a pedal boat.
The Long Garden Conservation Project
Restoration work on the Long Garden has now been completed and the Long Garden has been reopened to visitors. The project involved significant updates, which included replacing the central path with durable York stone paving, the old box hedging was removed in favour of more resilient Yew hedging. The new path has a smooth, even surface, making it more welcoming and accessible for visitors. The four central beds have been replanted and over the upcoming months, the new planting scheme will come to life. Automated gates have been installed at the entrance. The aim for this restoration was to create a more sustainable planting scheme paying homage to Norah Lindsay’s original early 20th-century designs. Situated along the north boundary of the estate, parallel with Bourne End Road, the Long Garden has been updated to reflect both its historic roots and modern ecological considerations.
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Group visits at Cliveden this summer
Cliveden is a perfect destination for a group day out this summer. There's something for everyone including beautiful seasonal floral displays, an outstanding sculpture collection and plenty of educational resources for school groups.
Spotlight events
Discover a range of events for all the family this summer holidays at Cliveden.
Summer of Play
Explore Cliveden your own way this summer, with activities to do whether you want a short stroll or a longer adventure. Summer of Play will run from Thursday 24 July - Sunday 7 September.
Summer Adventures Activities
Head to the Information Centre and collect your free Summer adventures activities leaflet. Running from Tuesday 27 May - Sunday 14 September 2025.
Top trails
Why not get out for a breath of fresh air and dose of nature this summer. At Cliveden there are miles of paths to follow through woodland and alongside the river. Enjoy scenic views across to Maidenhead, Marlow and Windsor. We'd love for you to cycle to Cliveden and you can lock bikes up in the spaces provided in the Walled Garden. 5 year olds and under are able to bring small scooters and balance bikes onto the estate. Mobility scooters can also be taken onto the estate but please leave bikes with pedals by the Information Centre.
Trail
Cliveden gold walking trail
Take in tranquil riverside scenery, shady woodland, dramatic views of the Berkshire countryside and places of historical interest on this circular trail.
Trail
Cliveden green walking trail
Explore the woodlands, discover a former owner of the estate and take in glorious views of the River Thames, the surrounding countryside and Cliveden House.
Trail
Cliveden woodland walking trail
Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk taking in a play trail for the kids, picnic areas and spectacular views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.
Trail
Cliveden blue walking trail
A family-friendly woodland walk with a natural den and picnic area, plus a play trail featuring a rope swing, stepping stones and balancing beams.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Boating at Cliveden
Discover all about the popular pastime of boating, links to Wind in the Willows, and how to hire a boat to enjoy the River Thames at Cliveden. ‘Boating at Cliveden’ runs daily between April to October, subject to river and weather conditions. This summer holidays, discover skippered cruises and self-hire vessels including electric motorboats, Canadian canoes, rowing boats and a pedal boat.
Eating and shopping
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Eating at Cliveden
At Cliveden, there is a range of food outlets available on your summer visit. Whether you are looking for a sit-down lunch or a coffee to go, there’s something to suit your needs. Looking for ease throughout the summer holidays? We offer children’s portions and kids’ pick n mix lunch boxes which include 5 items to fuel their adventure.
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Shopping at Cliveden
Browse the gift shop and plant centre for souvenirs or gift ideas from the National Trust range and products local to Cliveden. Explore the Summer of Play range and summer plants in the plant centre. Pop into the second-hand bookshop this summer holidays to delve into a treasure trove of books, from children's literature and cookery to heath and history. Every purchase helps us look after Cliveden for everyone, for ever.
Places to stay
Stay in one of our two characterful riverside cottages nestled on the banks of the River Thames within the Cliveden Estate this summer holidays. Packed with charm, the cottages boast bright and modern interiors with beautiful summer views over the river, offering stays for two to four people.
Cliveden Ferry Cottage
Views over the Thames from this half-timbered former ferryman’s cottage near the Cliveden estate.
Cliveden New Cottage
On the Cliveden Estate, this recently refurbished cottage has gorgeous river views.
Upcoming events
Event
Summer adventures activities
Head to the Information Centre and collect your free Summer adventures activities leaflet. Running from Tuesday 27 May - Sunday 14 September 2025.
Event
Summer of Play at Cliveden
Explore Cliveden your own way this summer, with activities to do whether you want a short stroll or a longer adventure.
About Cliveden
Set high above the River Thames, our magnificent gardens and breath-taking views have been admired for centuries. Visit us and you’ll discover a series of gardens with impressive floral displays, distinctive topiary and an outstanding sculpture collection as well as acres of woodlands to explore. We also have lots of events and activities planned throughout the year including the school holidays to suit all ages and tastes. Especially for families, there is a storybook themed play area, giant maze and woodland play trail plus our Doll's House Café and shop, which was designed with families in mind.
History
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History of Cliveden
For over 300 years Cliveden was home to dukes, earls, viscounts and even a prince. Learn how it became a glittering hub for exclusive parties and political gatherings.
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The people that made Cliveden
Royalty, politics and some of the most prominent society names of the time made Cliveden the place it is today, including generations of the royal family and the notorious Astors.
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The history of the garden at Cliveden
Discover the background and history of some of the main features in the garden at Cliveden and who was responsible for commissioning and designing them.
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Who was Harriet, duchess of Sutherland?
Learn about Harriet, duchess of Sutherland, one of the great society hostesses of the age, and a driving force in re-building the Sutherland properties.
Art and collections
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Sculpture collections at Cliveden
Cliveden has many sculptures in its grounds, including ancient baboons and bold choices of ‘new art’ sculpture from Cliveden’s 19th-century owners.
Our work
The Long Garden Conservation Project
Restoration work on the Long Garden begins and will continue through to Spring 2025. During this period, there may be limited access to some parts of the Long Garden but visitors will still have the opportunity to observe the conservation work in progress.
Article
Our work in the garden
Discover what goes into the upkeep of this historic garden and the work of the team of gardeners and volunteers behind the scenes to keep the garden looking great all year round.
Our conservation projects at Cliveden
Discover more details about the conservation projects carried out over the past few years to look after the Grade I listed garden and house at Cliveden.
Article
Hampstead filmed at Cliveden
Find out about actor Diane Keaton’s experience of filming romantic comedy-drama Hampstead at Cliveden.
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How Cliveden inspired Disney’s Cinderella
Visit Cliveden and learn how features of the estate influenced and starred in Disney’s 2015 Cinderella movie.
Support us
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Volunteering at Cliveden
Discover how and why to volunteer at Cliveden and which opportunities are currently available.