Ashdown House (NT)

Recommended by

Overview

In a beautiful position on the Berkshire Downs, this unusual Dutch-style house was built by the first Lord Craven for Elizabeth of Bohemia, the 'Winter Queen'. Sadly, she never got to live there as she died before it was finished. Inside the now-tenanted house, access is limited to the hall, the 100-step staircase where a collection of portraits and paintings are displayed, and the roof. Often compared to a dolls' house, the elegant building survived remarkably intact until it was requisitioned for use by the army during World War II, and subsequently left in a derelict state. It was donated to the National Trust in 1956 by Cornelia, Countess of Craven. Three herds of deer live in the woodlands surrounding the estate, which are open to visitors all year round. Other parts of the grounds, which contain a parterre, Balleroy ponies and Alfred's Castle, can be visited only when the house is open.

Location

LAMBOURN, RG17 8RE

About the area

Berkshire consists of two distinct parts: the western half, which is predominantly rural, with the Lambourn Downs spilling down to the River Lambourn and the Berkshire Downs to the majestic Thames, and the eastern half of Berkshire, which offers plenty of opportunity to get out and savour open spaces. Reading and Newbury are the county’s major towns, and the River Kennet flows through them both.

Area image

Lambourn Berkshire Things To Do in Berkshire

Ashdown House (NT)

LAMBOURN, RG17 8RE

01494 755569

Look for the VisitEngland award symbols on our visitor attractions – it means you’re in for a memorable and great day out.

Read more about our ratings

Ashdown House (NT)

Recommended by

Overview

In a beautiful position on the Berkshire Downs, this unusual Dutch-style house was built by the first Lord Craven for Elizabeth of Bohemia, the 'Winter Queen'. Sadly, she never got to live there as she died before it was finished. Inside the now-tenanted house, access is limited to the hall, the 100-step staircase where a collection of portraits and paintings are displayed, and the roof. Often compared to a dolls' house, the elegant building survived remarkably intact until it was requisitioned for use by the army during World War II, and subsequently left in a derelict state. It was donated to the National Trust in 1956 by Cornelia, Countess of Craven. Three herds of deer live in the woodlands surrounding the estate, which are open to visitors all year round. Other parts of the grounds, which contain a parterre, Balleroy ponies and Alfred's Castle, can be visited only when the house is open.

Location

LAMBOURN, RG17 8RE

About the area

Area image

Berkshire consists of two distinct parts: the western half, which is predominantly rural, with the Lambourn Downs spilling down to the River Lambourn and the Berkshire Downs to the majestic Thames, and the eastern half of Berkshire, which offers plenty of opportunity to get out and savour open spaces. Reading and Newbury are the county’s major towns, and the River Kennet flows through them both.

Explore Berkshire

Lambourn Berkshire Things To Do in Berkshire