I recently visited West Wycombe Park and had a wonderful experience exploring this historic estate. The park, with its beautifully landscaped gardens and impressive architecture, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring a mix of formal gardens, serene lakes, and charming woodland areas. Each section of the park has its own unique character, making the stroll through the estate a delightful journey of discovery. The views across the Chiltern Hills are breathtaking, especially from the higher vantage points.
One particularly intriguing feature is the picturesque bridge, which was famously used as a filming location in the movie Labyrinth. Standing on this bridge, I felt a connection to the cinematic history and the enchanting scenes from the film.
The centerpiece of the estate is the magnificent West Wycombe House, an exquisite example of Palladian architecture. The interiors are equally stunning, with opulent rooms that showcase an array of fine art and period furnishings. The guided tour of the house provided insightful details about its history and the Dashwood family who have lived there for generations.
One of the highlights of my visit was the peaceful Temple of Music, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The park also features several follies and classical temples, adding to its charm and historical intrigue.
Overall, West Wycombe Park is a gem that offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It’s an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, garden lovers, and anyone seeking a serene day out. I highly recommend a visit to this...
Read moreBuilt between 1740-1800 this is a fabulous step back in a decadent past with Sir Francis Dashwood. An absolute classic piece of neoclassical design as the columns and pediment might indicate the house is really marvel and the decoration continues inside where you can see many painted ceilings. Around the house Surrounding it the 18th century estate which is resplendent with dashwood touches such as the temple of Flora, music and Apollo to name but a few comprising classical buildings scattered around the park. The park has on site parking and a great many walks that can be undertaken across the park that also includes a lake. Views are excellent across the valley and of the various buildings. There is much to explore about the history of the house and park and it's owners, which is well...
Read moreLovely house surrounded by scenic grounds set in beautiful countryside. It is free for National Trust members, £10 for non-members and there is parking onsite. It is open Sunday to Thursday but only 2pm to around 4pm which feels rather restictive timewise. When the owner did his deal with the Trust, his family get to live there in perpetuity so presume that they doesn't want people picnicking on their lawns. The Caves and Monument are close but you wouldn't have time to do them from West Wycombe Park. Maybe go to them in the morning, have a spot of lunch and then head into West Wycombe Park in the afternoon. It is a lovely place to see all...
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