Syon House — Attraction in London

Brentford, West London, Syon House and Gardens is a truly magnificent destination that seamlessly blends historical splendour with serene natural beauty. As the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, this estate offers a rare glimpse into England’s aristocratic past, making it a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and garden lovers alike.

Syon House itself is a neoclassical masterpiece. Originally founded as a monastery in 1415, the building was transformed into a stately home in the 16th century and later redesigned by the celebrated architect Robert Adam in the 18th century. Adam’s interiors are breathtaking, particularly the majestic Great Hall and the impossibly elegant Long Gallery, both of which showcase the best of his neoclassical vision.

The house has also earned fame as a filming location, with appearances in Gosford Park, Emma, and Bridgerton, testament to its timeless and cinematic beauty.

The gardens, landscaped by the legendary Capability Brown, are some of the finest in London. Spread over 200 acres, they offer tranquil lakeside walks, rare trees, and beautifully curated planting schemes. The Great Conservatory, built in the 1820s, is a stunning early example of glasshouse architecture and remains a centrepiece of the garden experience.

Whether you’re strolling through the rose gardens or enjoying the reflections on the ornamental lake, there’s a sense of peace and space that feels far removed from the bustle of the capital.

Syon House and Gardens is an absolute delight—less crowded than some of London’s better-known attractions, but every bit as impressive. Whether you're drawn by architecture, history, landscape design, or simply a quiet afternoon in a beautiful setting, Syon delivers. It's a hidden gem that deserves a place on...

Sumptuous 16th century house, gardens and conservatory. The interior of the house is by Robert Adams. Guy Fawkes of gunpowder plot fame is reputed to have hidden here. In 1547 enroute to Windsor from Westminster and whilst it's vanguard rested here overnight, Henry 8th's cadaver exploded out of it's coffin. In the morning dogs were discovered chowing down on his exploded remains. One of London's hidden gems. The gardens, woodland, lawns and lake were designed by Capability Brown are worth visiting alone. It is reported to have at least 28 different species of oak. And the mulberries were planted when it was a Bridgetine monastery and therefore older than everything else! And the conservatory is amazing. The estate's emblem is the Percy lion with a tail sticking straight out. An amazing house to see on the exterior from a bus over a wall behind a field of cows. Not an everyday sight in London. Nearest Overground Stations are Brentford and Syon Lane. Also within it's grounds is the oldest garden centre in the UK, a pond & fish emporium, Snakes and Ladders Children's adventure play centre and a hotel. Sadly the Butterfly House has been moved elsewhere in the UK. It is still one of the best days out in London for all the family. And quite often the grounds are host to special events. Their country shows are amazing. Or just take a walk through it from Brentford to Isleworth with the kids and dogs is nice...

The winter lights market has become quite intense in London. Syon House have been illuminating their gardens in November for several years and it keeps getting bigger and better. If you've not been for several years the key features are the same. The route is about a mile and a half around the lakes. The advantage of doing lights a bit earlier - in November is that many of the trees still have some leaves. There were some light features designed to appeal to children - with the roots of the swamp cyprus being cleverly turned into fairy homes, a dragons lair, and a glass outdoor room. There were some similarities with Kew with the giant cubes of light which change colour in synch with the music. It was busy without being overcrowded and it may suit very young children better than the longer route at Kew. Only slight frustration was we arrived at 16.15 (having been at Osterley earlier in the afternoon) hoping to get a hot drink but were disappointed. The cafe (which should have been open till 16.30) closed early because of the event. It re-opened later but this was after our ticket entry time. Its quite likely some people will arrive a bit early to this sort of event and want somewhere to sit in the warm and to have a hot drink before it starts. Overall a very enjoyable evening and with the exception of the catering glitch efficiently run...