Plan your visit to Cliveden

Visiting the 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 1 April – Saturday 31 October 2026 on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, subject to volunteer availability and weather conditions.

Please note

Access to the chapel is via outdoor steps (with a handrail), which may be slippery when wet. Assistance dogs only allowed inside the Chapel.

Guided experiences

Daily talks – ‘Tales of Cliveden’

Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers and discover more about Cliveden’s history and it’s people including Royalty, Dukes, Duchesses, Earls, Countesses, Lords, Ladies and celebrities of their day and find out how their legacy lives on at Cliveden today.

Talks run daily at 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2.30pm (subject to Volunteer availability). No tickets needed, check at the Information Centre on arrival for timings and meet on the South Terrace overlooking the views of the Parterre and Thames for the talk. Each talk lasts 30 – 40 minutes.

History walks

Step into Cliveden’s story on a volunteer-led history walks, every corner of Cliveden has a tale to tell, our wonderful Volunteers are ready to share them with you. Stroll through the estate and uncover stories of dukes, duchesses, gardeners and guests who helped shape Cliveden’s remarkable past.

Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis (12 people max per walk) from the Information Centre in the Walled Garden.

Walkings run daily (subject to Volunteer availability) starting from 11:00am and meeting at the Fountain of Love statue. Each walk lasts 60–90 minutes and covers up to 2 miles.

Walks include some inclines and steps, so may not be suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or young children. Assistance dogs only.

Garden tours

Garden tours run from 2 April – 24 September 2026. Step into the quieter corners of the gardens on a relaxed, gardener led tour running throughout the season. Each week offers a different glimpse into the estate’s planting, history, and ongoing conservation work, shaped by what’s looking its best on the day.

Garden tours are available every Thursday at 2pm, tickets are available on a first come, first served and can be collected from the Information Centre. Garden tours last approx. 1 hour.

These informal walks are designed to be friendly, informative, and rooted in the practical expertise of the people who care for the gardens year round. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and tours may vary depending on weather and horticultural activity.

Boating at Cliveden

Discover more about Cliveden’s long association with boating on the River Thames, including its connections to The Wind in the Willows and how you can hire a boat to experience this timeless pastime for yourself.

‘Boating at Cliveden’ operates four days per week (Thursday – Sunday) during term time and daily during the school holidays from April – October (subject to river and weather conditions). Head to the ‘Boating at Cliveden’ website to book your family boat trip. Head to the ‘Boating at Cliveden’ to book your family boat trip.

Refreshments and retail

At Cliveden, there is a range of food outlets available on your visit. Whether your looking for a sit-down lunch or a coffee to go, there’s something to suit your needs.

The Conservatory Café

The main café, biggest selection of food and drinks, from light bites to hearty lunches and meals designed specifically for little ones, there's a tasty treat for everyone at Cliveden. Hot food is served from 11.30am until 2.30pm. During the summer the Conservatory Café is open from 10.00am – 5pm and during the winter, 9.30am – 3.30pm.

The Refreshment Kiosk Grab and Go

The Kiosk is within the Walled Garden and is dog friendly. During the summer the Refreshment Kiosk is open from 9.30am – 5.00pm and during the winter, 9.30am – 4.00pm. On good weather days, we also serve ice creams from the Jude’s cart.

Please note: The Jude’s ice cream cart closes at 4.30pm during the summer months.

The Doll’s House Café

Make your way through the Water Garden to the Storybook Play Den and discover the Doll’s House Café. During the summer the Doll’s House Café is open from 11.00am – 3.30pm and during the winter, 11.00am – 3.00pm.

The Old Firestation Parlour

You can find this outlet at the back of the Conservatory Café. In partnership with our local ice cream supplier, Jude’s, here is the home of ice cream and snacks. Open from February Half Term - October Half Term, daily from 12.00pm – 5.00pm.

The Riverside Kiosk

Head to the Riverside Kiosk before you head onto your boat trip at Cliveden. Boating season at Cliveden runs from March – October. On good weather days, we also serve ice creams from the Jude’s cart. The Riverside Kiosk is open from 10.30am – 4.30pm during the spring and summer seasons.

The Woodland Lounge Trailer

The Woodland Lounge Trailer is a dog friendly, outdoor seating area is located at the Woodland Lounge, which is on Green Drive in the Woodlands (directional signage is in place). During the summer the Woodland Lounge Trailer is open from 10.00am – 4.00pm and during the winter, 10.00am – 3.30pm.

Picnics at Cliveden

For picnic areas, head to the picnic area opposite the Walled Garden (next to the service drive). There are also picnic benches / tables at the back of the Water Garden, by the river and at the Woodland lounge. Thank you for helping us care for Cliveden by bringing a bin bag and taking your rubbish home with you.

Gift shop and plant centre

Browse the gift shop and plant centre for souvenirs or gift ideas from the National Trust range and products local to Cliveden. The gift shop and plant centre is located in the Walled Garden. During the summer, the gift shop and plant centre is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm and during the winter, 10:00am – 16:00pm.

Second-hand bookshop

The Weighbridge second-hand bookshop is a substantial bookshop offering a wide range of pre-loved books, as well as some special, collectors' titles, kindly donated by you. The second-hand bookshop is located in the Gas Yard within the Walled During the summer, the second-hand bookshop is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm and during the winter, 10:00am – 16:00pm.