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Chastleton
Discover the myths and memories of an ancient country house, a compelling time capsule of 400 years of family life
Chastleton, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire, GL56 0SU
Opening times for 5 July 2024
Asset Opening time House 13:00 - 17:00 Garden 13:00 - 17:00 Last entry into the house is one hour before closing. Following periods of heavy rainfall, we close the more formal parts of our garden to protect the grass paths and lawns. The bark path Wilderness Walk is open, regardless of weather, for visitors to enjoy, offering fine views of the house and other garden areas.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £14.30 £13.00 Child £7.20 £6.50 Family £35.80 £32.50 1 adult family £21.50 £19.50 Group Adult £12.35 Group Child £6.18 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
Dogs
Welcome on leads in the car park, parkland, forecourt and stable yard (assistance dogs only in the garden).
Car park
Toilet
Accessible parking available closer to the house, however please go to the visitor reception first to get your ticket. No step-free access to the house. House has one wheelchair for ground floor use only. Accessible toilets available near the house and in Visitor Reception. Braille guides available. Induction Loop in visitor reception. Baby changing facilities. Assistance dogs only in the house and garden.
Accessible toilet
Seating available
Induction loop
Steps/uneven terrain
Photograph album
Virtual tour
Ramped access/slopes
Wheelchairs available
By road
6 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold. Approach only from A436 between A44 (west of Chipping Norton) and Stow
Parking: free, 270 yards (short steep hill)
Sat Nav: Use GL56 0SP to the Greedy Goose pub (currently closed), then follow brown signs. Do not follow signs to Chastleton village.
By train
Moreton-in-Marsh 4 miles
By bus
The 801 Bus runs hourly between Cheltenham and Chipping Norton, connecting with rail services at Moreton-in-Marsh. For Chastleton alight at Little Compton (Brewery Lane stop) and follow road signs to Chastleton Village. This is a 1 mile walk along a lane, traffic is light, but be aware of cars.
Highlights
House
Jacobean mansion, built in the early 17th century.
Garden
Small and intimate series of spaces including the Best Garden, Kitchen Garden, Wilderness Walk and Croquet Lawns where the rules of the game were codified.
Church teas
Church teas are available on most open days, by arrangement of local charities and the Church (not National Trust).
Dovecote
Traditional dovecote, which belonged to a long-demolished house on the land.
Things to see and do
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The garden at Chastleton
A series of discrete spaces which provide an intimate setting for the house. Clipped topiary and neat croquet lawns are contrasted with the more natural Wilderness Walk. The newly-restored Best Garden offers changing floral displays from May to September.
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Visiting the house at Chastleton
Explore the house at Chastleton to discover historic textiles, rare glassware, and intricate plasterwork ceilings.
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Visiting Chastleton with your dog
Chastleton is a one pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome on leads in the car park, parkland, forecourt and stableyard (assistance dogs only in the house and garden). There may be restrictions in place on farmland or in woodland at certain times of the year, such as during lambing season. Please look out for any local notices advising of these restrictions while you're visiting with your dog.
Spotlight events
Behind Closed Doors: Textile Tours
Tuesdays 30 July and 24 September, 1.45-4pm: discover more about our unique textiles collection with a guided tour led by our conservation team. Chastleton is home to handstitched and woven textiles dating back to the 17th century, as well as more contemporary items. £25 per person.
Shopping
Shopping at Chastleton
Browse the second-hand bookshop, purchase some local home-grown produce, or pick up a few plants to create your own Chastleton garden back at home.
Upcoming events
Event
Behind Closed Doors: Textiles Tour
30 July and 24 September: discover more about the unique textiles collection at Chastleton, from handstitched and woven items dating back to the 17th century to more contemporary items.
Event
Behind Closed Doors: Chastleton Conservation Tour
29 October: spend the afternoon with our conservation team discovering Chastleton’s unique approach to conservation and what goes on behind the scenes to preserve this Cotswold gem.
About Chastleton
A rare gem of a Jacobean country house, Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by the prosperous wool merchant, Walter Jones, as an impressive statement of his wealth and power.
Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, the house remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years as the interiors and contents gradually succumbed to the ravages of time.
With virtually no intrusion from the 21st century, this fascinating place exudes an informal and timeless atmosphere in a gloriously unspoilt setting. We don't have a shop or tea-room, so you can truly imagine you have stepped back in time.
Important information
Last entry to the house is at 4pm to allow sufficent time to enjoy your visit.
History
Article
The history of Chastleton House
Chastleton was built as a display of wealth and status, but eventually fell into a state of romantic neglect. Discover the history of this fine 17th-century country house.
Art and collections
Chastleton’s objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Chastleton on the National Trust Collections website.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Chastleton.