Things to see and do at Claydon

An ornate curving staircase made of dark wood and decorative metal work set in a grand hallway with ornate plaster details on the wall and a black and white checked floor, Claydon, Buckinghamshire — The ornate Staircase Hall at Claydon | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Home to the Verney family for over 400 years, Claydon has many tales to tell. Take in the elaborate wood carvings throughout the 18th-century house, then head out to the extensive grounds for a breath of fresh air.

Explore at your own pace

Claydon House is open from April until October, and you’re welcome to explore these wonderful rooms at your own pace. Find out more about how Claydon has been home to the Verney family for over 400 years, enjoy the beautiful wood carvings by Luke Lightfoot in the downstairs rooms, and explore Florence Nightingale’s bedroom from her time at Claydon House.

Four centuries of the Verney family at Claydon

The Verneys moved to Claydon in 1620. Rising to a position of power from royal favour, the family were torn apart with the arrival of the Civil War. Broken and plunged into debt, the family slowly rebuilt their lives through trade and marriage to become one of the most significant players in the county.

The process of rebuilding their lives started again and, with Victorian intervention, the house became a home once more – even becoming a regular destination for Florence Nightingale.

A child on Florence Nightingale’s wooden four poster bed at Claydon, Buckinghamshire — A child on Florence Nightingale’s bed at Claydon | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

What’s the Florence Nightingale connection?

She regularly visited her sister Parthenope, Lady Verney, at Claydon and had her very own suite of rooms in the house. You’ll be able to discover more on your visit upstairs.

Fancy some fresh air?

Enjoy the wonderful architecture of the house from outside. Explore the West Terrace and South Lawn, and look back at the impressive house. The South Lawn is the perfect spot for a picnic, bring your picnic blanket and basket, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the tranquil Claydon setting.

Next to the South Lawn are the private Claydon Estate Gardens. The Claydon Estate Gardens aren’t open to the public but are available for private hire. Find out more from the Claydon Estate website here. Please note, the rest of the Claydon Estate is private. Please keep to the public rights of way to explore further. 

You’ll also find All Saints’ Parish Church in the grounds at Claydon. The church is open when the house is open.

An adult and child playing frisbee on the grass outside the house at Claydon in Buckinghamshire in the sunshine — Playing frisbee at Claydon | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Try a children’s trail

Got some younger visitors with you today? Pick up a free children’s trail in the house. You’ll find things to spot as you go round to engage younger minds about the inspiration to be found at Claydon.

The haha (a type of sunken fence) and manor at Claydon House, Buckinghamshire

Discover more at Claydon

Find out when Claydon is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Eating and shopping at Claydon

Set aside some time on your visit to Claydon to head for this historic courtyard – run by Claydon Estate – to relax, shop, or to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at the Phoenix Kitchen.

Visitors looking at a gold framed portrait displayed in the richly decorated Saloon at Claydon, Buckinghamshire, set against blue patterned wall coverings between two wooden doors surrounded by ornate door frames

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The house at Claydon

See history brought to life at Claydon House: sumptuous craftsmanship in 18th-century interiors, displays of historic costume – and a connection to Florence Nightingale.

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