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Cliveden
Glorious gardens and woodlands overlooking the River Thames
Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS
Important notice
Advance warning: Due to private event hire, there will be no house visits on Mon 19, Thurs 22 and Thurs 29 Aug. On Thurs 29 Aug the Conservatory café will close at 3pm. On Sat 31 Aug the Parterre, South Terrace and Duke's Garden will be closed.
Opening times for 31 August 2024
Asset Opening time Garden and Woodlands 09:30 - 17:30 Shop and Weighbridge Secondhand Bookshop 10:00 - 17:00 Conservatory Café 10:00 - 17:00 Woodland car park 09:30 - 16:30 Refreshment kiosk 09:30 - 17:00 Storybook play area and Maze 09:30 - 17:00 Dolls House Café 10:30 - 16:00 House tours Closed Please note, last entry to Cliveden is at 4.30pm in the Woodland Car Park, and at 5pm at the Main Gate.
MTWTFSS293031123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311OpenPartially openClosedAdmission 2024 (from 1 March)
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £19.00 Child £9.50 Family £47.50 One adult family £28.50 Group Adult £18.05 Group Child £9.03 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Bookshop
The Weighbridge second-hand bookshop is in the Gas Yard.
Kiosk
The Kiosk is in the Walled Garden and sells hot and cold drinks and snacks. A drinking water tap is available to refill water bottles on the side of the Kiosk.
Café
The Conservatory Cafe sells hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks and has indoor and outdoor seating.
Plant shop
Cliveden Plant Centre is in the Walled Garden, outside the Shop.
Car park
On site car parking (included within admission fees). The Main Visitor Car Park is in the Walled Garden at the top of the estate. The Woodland Car Park is located at the other end of the estate in the woodlands. Cycle racks are available in the Car Park. We ask you not to cycle on the estate. Speed limit - 15 mph across the estate
Shop
The Shop is in the Walled Garden and stocks a range of gifts, books, homeware, accessories and children's toys and books.
Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome at Cliveden and we have a dog walker's guide as to where they can go. Please scroll down to read our dog walking article for more information.
Toilet
Toilets in the Gas Yard, by the Conservatory, by the Storybook Play Den and the Woodland lounge are open and checked regularly. Accessible toilets are available at the Doll's House, next to the Storybook Play Den and in the Gas Yard. Baby-changing facilities in Female & Male Gas Yard, Conservatory Toilets and in both toilets at the Doll's House.
Guided tour
Cliveden House is currently leased as a luxury country hotel and generally not open to National Trust Visitors. However, from 4 March to 31 October 2024, on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, National Trust visitors can enjoy a 30-minute guided visit, every 10 minutes from 11am-12:30pm. Please ensure you have collected a ticket from the Information Centre.
Cliveden is located on a chalk hill overlooking the River Thames. There is a level access route around the formal gardens. The Cliveden Estate is large and there are a number of steps and steep slopes without handrails in the wider estate, especially going down to the river side which is unfenced. There are also unfenced lakes and ponds. Click on the drop-down boxes below for more information or please contact the Cliveden Estate Office directly.
Accessible route and/or map
The access route map is available from the Information Centre.
Level access to shop
The Shop is in the Walled Garden next to the Main Visitor Car Park.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are available at the Doll's House, next to the Storybook Play Den and in the Gas Yard.
Seating available
Benches are located throughout the route around the formal gardens.
Designated parking
Onsite parking is included with admission fees / membership. 22 designated disabled parking spaces are available in the main visitor car park.
Steps/uneven terrain
Paths around the formal gardens are laid to hard standing paths with a loose gravel top. Upon leaving the level access route, the Cliveden’s site is undulating with steep slopes in places and many steps (particularly when visiting Cliveden Riverside).
Induction loop
Hearing loops are installed at every fixed till point.
Transfer available
Our accessible shuttle bus service is available on request. Assistance dogs are welcome in this vehicle.
Level access to food outlet
There is level access to many buildings across Cliveden. The buildings without level access have permanent shallow sloping access.
Wheelchairs available
Two manual wheelchairs (including off road) and two all-terrain trikes (non-powered) are available from the Information Centre. We recommend hiring in advance of your visit. Please email cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01628 605069 to book.
By road
From M4 take exit 7 onto the A4 towards Maidenhead and follow the brown signs. After about 1.5 miles, you will turn right at traffic lights onto Berry Hill. Continuing on to become Cliveden Road, the woodland car park will be about 1.5 miles on your left and the main entrance a further 1.5 miles on your left. From M40 take exit 4 onto A404 to Marlow an exit at junction 2, following the brown signs. Bear left at the roundabout onto A4155 towards Bourne End. Follow the A4155 for about two miles through Bourne End and on towards Wooburn. At the third roundabout you’ll take the right-hand exit onto Hawkes Hill. Follow this road as it becomes Hedsor Hill, then Bourne End Road. After two miles, at the ‘Y’ junction, turn right onto Cliveden Road and the main entrance is a few hundred metres further on the right. Continue for a further 1.5 miles to reach the woodlands. The main entrance is opposite the Feathers Inn. Click on the map pin to plan your route. Please note: The main entrance is width and height restricted so if coming in an over-size vehicle please call us on 01628 605069 for details.
Parking: National Trust members park free. Please present your NT membership card, if a member on arrival through your car window.
Sat Nav: For the main entrance at Feathers Gate, please use SL1 8NS. For the woodland car park entrance please use SL6 0HJ.
On foot
Though it is possible to walk to Cliveden from both Bourne End and Taplow stations, we do not recommend it. Access is only available via country roads with no pavements and fast-travelling traffic.
By train
Taplow 2½ miles and Burnham 3 miles are both on the London Paddington to Reading mainline. Taxi office/rank at both stations. We do not advise walking from these stations along the main roads. These are country roads with no pavements and very fast traffic (60 mph). Bourne End 2 miles is on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line. There is no taxi rank. These stations are served by GWR and the Elizabeth Line.
By bus
Unfortunately there are no public bus services to Cliveden.
By bicycle
Nearest National Cycle routes are routes 50 and 61 to within 2 miles. See Sustrans for more details. The roads around Cliveden are single carriage-way country roads with 60 mph speed limits. We'd love for you to cycle to Cliveden and you can lock bikes up in the spaces provided in the Walled Garden. 5 year olds and under are able to bring small scooters and balance bikes onto the estate. Mobility scooters can also be taken onto the estate but please leave bikes with pedals by the Information Centre.
Planning your visit
Article
Plan your summer visit to the gardens
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens at Cliveden as you stroll through a series of areas in the impressive garden, each with its own special charm.
Article
Plan your summer visit with family
From fun walking trails to boating on the Thames in spring and summer, this is your one-stop shop to help you get the most out of your family visit to Cliveden.
Activity
Plan your summer boat trips
Discover all about the popular pastime of boating, links to Wind in the Willows, and how to hire a boat to enjoy the River Thames at Cliveden.
PDF
Highlights
Formal gardens
Enjoy 80 acres of year-round interest and colour, from the bedding scheme of the geometric parterre, hundreds of roses in the Rose Garden, an Oriental-inspired Water Garden, to Lord Astor’s sculpture collection and the impressive Cliveden Maze. There are spaces for everyone to enjoy, for quiet reflection or time with loved ones.
Current conservation works
We are working to repair the late 1890s Water Garden ponds. You'll see one empty pond whilst the concrete base is repaired. Find out more in the 'Things to see in the garden' page.
House visits
Step inside the house to hear Cliveden's stories from the Astor family and more. Today the house is leased as a luxury country hotel, therefore access is limited. See the 'Things to see in the house' page for details and how to visit.
Chapel
Head to the western side of the Parterre for a surprise; the unassuming domed building overlooking the river houses a wonderfully ornate chapel and the resting place for the Astor family. See the 'Things to see in the house and chapel' page for more details on opening.
Iconic River Thames
Soak up one of the prettiest stretches of the river, Cliveden Reach. The perfect spot for a picnic or a stroll at the river side. Treat yourself to a trip on a skippered cruises or a self-hire vessel. Head to boatingatcliveden.co.uk to book your river adventure.
Escape into the woodlands
Set high up on a steep chalk cliff, Cliveden gives visitors far-reaching views across Buckinghamshire. Explore over 300 acres of woodlands with secluded glades, tree-lined avenues and riverside views.
Holiday cottages
Stay in one of our two characterful riverside cottages nestled on the banks of the River Thames within the Cliveden Estate. Packed with charm, the cottages boast bright and modern interiors with beautiful views over the river, offering stays for two to four people
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see in Cliveden's house and chapel this summer
Take a guided tour of Cliveden house – now a luxury hotel – and visit the chapel, final resting place of three generations of Astor family.
Article
Things to see and do in the woodlands this summer
Discover majestic trees, tranquil glades and far-reaching views as well as some unusual features in Cliveden’s woodlands, including a flint grotto and part of a giant sequoia tree.
Article
Visiting Cliveden with your dog this summer
Cliveden is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome across many areas, with woodlands, riverbank and a formal garden all offering a variety of dog-friendly walks.
Article
Group visits at Cliveden this summer
Discover everything you need to know about booking specialist talks or bringing your group or school for a visit to Cliveden.
Article
Things to see and do with family this summer
From fun walking trails to boating on the Thames in spring and summer, this is your one-stop shop to help you get the most out of your family visit to Cliveden.
Article
Things to see and do in the gardens this summer
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens at Cliveden as you stroll through a series of areas in the impressive garden, each with its own special charm.
Top trails
Now that it is warming up and Spring is in full swing, why not get out for a breath of fresh air and dose of nature. At Cliveden there are miles of paths to follow through woodland and alongside the river. As the trees have shed their leaves, it's also the best time of year for far-reaching frosty views across to Maidenhead, Marlow and Windsor. We'd love for you to cycle to Cliveden and you can lock bikes up in the spaces provided in the Walled Garden. 5 year olds and under are able to bring small scooters and balance bikes onto the estate. Mobility scooters can also be taken onto the estate but please leave bikes with pedals by the Information Centre.
Trail
Cliveden gold walking trail
Take in tranquil riverside scenery, shady woodland, dramatic views of the Berkshire countryside and places of historical interest on this circular trail.
Trail
Cliveden green walking trail
Explore the woodlands, discover a former owner of the estate and take in glorious views of the River Thames, the surrounding countryside and Cliveden House.
Trail
Cliveden woodland walking trail
Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk taking in a play trail for the kids, picnic areas and spectacular views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.
Trail
Cliveden blue walking trail
A family-friendly woodland walk with a natural den and picnic area, plus a play trail featuring a rope swing, stepping stones and balancing beams.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Boating at Cliveden
Discover all about the popular pastime of boating, links to Wind in the Willows, and how to hire a boat to enjoy the River Thames at Cliveden.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating at Cliveden
Choose from a range of refreshments at the cafes and kiosks at Cliveden fuel your visit around the estate.
Article
Shopping at Cliveden
Our shop is open and offers something for everyone. Whether it’s environmentally-friendly alternatives for a more sustainable life, a gift for a loved one or an indulgence for yourself, every purchase helps us look after Cliveden for everyone, for ever.
Places to stay
Stay in one of our two characterful riverside cottages nestled on the banks of the River Thames within the Cliveden Estate. Packed with charm, the cottages boast bright and modern interiors with beautiful views over the river, offering stays for two to four people.
Cliveden Ferry Cottage
Views over the Thames from this half-timbered former ferryman’s cottage near the Cliveden estate.
Cliveden New Cottage
On the Cliveden Estate, this recently refurbished cottage has gorgeous river views.
Upcoming events
Event
Summer of Play
Explore Cliveden your own way this summer, with activities to do whether you want a short stroll or a longer adventure.
Event
Cliveden House Visits 2024
An opportunity to peek inside Cliveden House, which operates as a five-star hotel and is not usually open to the public. Tickets are required, please collect from them from the Information Centre on the day.
Event
Heritage Open Days 2024
As part of Heritage Open Days, Cliveden will be hosting various different tours from Tuesday 10 September - Thursday 12 September.
Event
Weighbridge second-hand bookshop - September Pop-up shop
The Weighbridge second-hand bookshop are hosting a series of pop-up shops over the next few months. Each month they will be displaying a different theme of books.
Event
Weighbridge second-hand bookshop - October Pop-up shop
The Weighbridge second-hand bookshop are hosting a series of pop-up shops over the next few months. Each month they will be displaying a different theme of books.
About Cliveden
Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden’s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone age.
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls and royalty as you explore a series of gardens, each with their own special charm. From the formality of the Parterre with its vibrant floral displays to the quirky statuary and topiary in the Long Garden, the gardens will delight you in every season.
The formal gardens give way to secluded glades, tree-lined avenues and picturesque riverside with miles of woodland walks to discover.
The house is now a luxury hotel, short guided visits run from March - October, dependent on volunteer availability. To join a house visit, please get a ticket on the day from the Information Centre.
History
Article
History of Cliveden
For over 300 years Cliveden was home to dukes, earls, viscounts and even a prince. Learn how it became a glittering hub for exclusive parties and political gatherings.
Article
The people that made Cliveden
Royalty, politics and some of the most prominent society names of the time made Cliveden the place it is today, including generations of the royal family and the notorious Astors.
Article
The history of the garden at Cliveden
Discover the background and history of some of the main features in the garden at Cliveden and who was responsible for commissioning and designing them.
Article
Who was Harriet, duchess of Sutherland?
Learn about Harriet, duchess of Sutherland, one of the great society hostesses of the age, and a driving force in re-building the Sutherland properties.
Art and collections
Article
Sculpture collections at Cliveden
Cliveden has many sculptures in its grounds, including ancient baboons and bold choices of ‘new art’ sculpture from Cliveden’s 19th-century owners.
Our work
Article
Our work in the garden
Discover what goes into the upkeep of this historic garden and the work of the team of gardeners and volunteers behind the scenes to keep the garden looking great all year round.
Our conservation projects at Cliveden
Discover more details about the conservation projects carried out over the past few years to look after the Grade I listed garden and house at Cliveden.
Article
Hampstead filmed at Cliveden
Find out about actor Diane Keaton’s experience of filming romantic comedy-drama Hampstead at Cliveden.
Article
How Cliveden inspired Disney’s Cinderella
Visit Cliveden and learn how features of the estate influenced and starred in Disney’s 2015 Cinderella movie.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Cliveden
Discover how and why to volunteer at Cliveden and which opportunities are currently available.