Open Days 2026
Possibly inspired by Roman remains, Lord Darnley left detailed instructions for a square stone building with a 'prominent pyramid' surrounded by a dry moat, where he and his descendants could be laid to rest. It was completed in 1786, but never used.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
The Earls of Darnley were usually buried in Westminster Abbey, but by the late 18th Century, their vaults were full. In his will, the 3rd Earl John Bligh left instructions for a mausoleum to be built in Cobham Park. Designed by architect James Wyatt and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1783, the mausoleum was built under the supervision of another famous architect, George Dance the Younger. The mausoleum features a square stone building with a prominent pyramid roof rising steeply above. It was completed in 1786, but was never consecrated or used. The mausoleum is the most prominent feature in Cobham Park with the pyramid towering over the tops of the trees. Extensively vandalised in the 20th century and eventually damaged by fire, its future looked bleak until the building was featured in the BBC television series Restoration in 2003. Following successful grant applications to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Union Railways, restoration was undertaken on the condition that the mausoleum transferred ownership to the National Trust. In 2010, Darnley Mausoleum won the 'Conservation and Craftsmanship' category in the Kent Design Awards as well as Project of the Year. The mausoleum opened for visitors in 2014 and is open on selected days between April and September.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Supervised children are welcome
- Meeting point
A map is available at South Lodge Barn, detailing routes to the mausoleum and can be downloaded from the Visitor Information tab of the National Trust Cobham Woods and Mausoleum website
- What to bring and wear
Cattle graze the area year-round, and paths and tracks can be muddy in wet weather. We suggest stout walking shoes with closed toes and trousers. There is little shelter on this property.
- Accessibility
A full accessibility statement is available on the Accessable website: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/access-guides/cobham-wood-and-mausoleum-national-trust. The paths to the mausoleum have kissing gates but are generally accessible, although they may be muddy. The mausoleum has stepped access to both upper and lower levels and is not suitable for wheelchair or mobility scooter users.
- Other
There is no on-site parking. Please park at Shorne Woods Country Park, for which a small fee applies. The mausoleum is approximately a 2-mile walk from the parking and is waymarked. Toilet facilities are available at South Lodge Barn, including an accessible toilet. Dogs are welcome in the woodland but not in the mausoleum. Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout. The nearest refreshments are available in Cobham village, approximately a 15-minute walk from South Lodge Barn.
Upcoming events
Heritage Open Day 2026
As part of England's largest community festival of history and culture, we'll be opening our doors for free. Come and enjoy a walk through the beautiful woodland and take a guided tour of the 243-year-old Darnley Mausoleum.