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Things to see in Polesden Lacey house

The Saloon at Polesden Lacey, Surrey
The Saloon at Polesden Lacey | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Discover the sumptuous interiors of Polesden Lacey, from the stunning décor in the gold Saloon to the inviting library and Margaret Greville's extensive collection of books and paintings. See this lavishly renovated weekend retreat to imagine the parties that took place here and the many famous guests who attended.

Discover a house to impress

The house the Grevilles bought in the early 1900's was practically a new building. They employed Mewès and Davis, the architects of the Ritz hotel, to help transform the interiors of their new weekend retreat. One thing's for sure – Mrs Greville wanted her house to impress.

'I want a room I can entertain Maharajas in.'

– Margaret Greville

Visiting the house

From 27 February, you can explore the house at your own pace from 11am-3.30pm.

Due to the nature of the historic interiors of the house, we ask that buggies are not brought inside. We have hippie carriers for infants and baby carriers for newborns available so please do ask for these as you enter the house lobby. We'll show you somewhere safe to leave buggies whilst you enjoy your visit.

See the Polesden Lacey homepage for details about opening times.

Writing-table in the Library at Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Writing-table in the Library at Polesden Lacey | © National Trust Images/John Hammond

Rooms you can visit in Polesden Lacey house

We open as many rooms as possible, but it does vary depending on conservation work taking place, including resting rooms and volunteer availability. During your visit you will usually be able to see the following:

  • Lobby
  • Central Hall
  • Dining Room
  • Picture Corridors
  • Saloon
  • Tea Room
  • Library (view from gib door)
  • Billiard Room
  • Smoking Room
  • Gun Room

The fantastic volunteers at Polesden Lacey are on hand in the rooms to share more detail about the history of the house and its collections.

Collections at Polesden Lacey

Discover the collection of the lavish country retreat of Margaret Greville, a popular and powerful socialite in the early 1900s.

Some of the most significant treasures in Mrs Greville’s collection and explore how she amassed masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest and best-known artists, as well as exquisite objects by Cartier and Fabergé.

Online picture guide

Fancy learning more about the collections at Polesden Lacey? Or perhaps you'd like to plan your upcoming visit in more detail? We now have a brand new online picture guide available here.

Portrait painting by Johann Zoffany
Painting of Eva Maria Veigel by Johann Zoffany, at Polesden Lacey | © National Trust Images/John Hammond

Treasured Possessions Exhibition, riches of Polesden Lacey

Marking 80 years since Dame Margaret Greville left Polesden Lacey and her collection to the National Trust, we’re showcasing over 100 treasures in a major exhibition.

The Saloon at Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Discover more at Polesden Lacey

Find out when Polesden Lacey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Houses and buildings 

Historic buildings are a treasure trove of stories, art and collections. Learn more about what makes these places so special and plan your visit.