strawberry hill house

An unusual white Gothic style house, converted and extended by Horace Walpole, writer and art and antiques collector of the eighteenth century, as a country retreat and gallery. The collections were sold many years ago, but the house retains its atmosphere, and fine fireplaces and plasterwork. Much money has been spent on renovations, repainting and repairs. Indeed some of the house is still a work in progress. The tour gets better in the second half as this is more completely restored.There is a timed ticket entry system, and after a short introductory talk at the door you can wander at your own speed through the building. There are volunteers in most rooms, and all the volunteers from the ticket office to the tour end are chatty, friendly and helpful. Whether they will be as chirpy by November remains to be seen.The tour terminates at a pleasant cafe and restaurant, which was quite busy even in March, and may not cope at busier times.Afterwards we walked through the grounds of the adjacent St. Mary's University, and visited the cathedral and (upstairs) Crypt chapel, in the footsteps of two recent Popes. A little beyond is a small Gothic chapel from the Walpole era, which was said to be usually locked, but was open (maybe because it was a Sunday). I noticed some University offices nearby, so perhaps they have a key.Strawberry Hill House is open until November 9 2015, Mon. and Wed. 2-4.20(last entry), and Sat. and Sun. Noon to 4.20 (last entry). Admission £12 (free to HHA members, half price to NT and EH members.)

A Gothic Style House designed on the instruction of Horace Walpole and has seen better times but now that renovation and renewal is taking place to preserve it for the future it is possible to see behind the plasterwork/wallpaper etc. Sparsely furnished apart from some of the small bed-chambers the star room was The Gallery and its gilded features. Tours are timed and the enthusiasm of the volunteer guides is remarkable. Not much to see outside in the gardens but on a nice sunny day ideal for a picnic.

This is just a lovely house full of character to visit. You will marvel at the workmanship and vision that went into it.Lovely cafe as well

Sense of wonder going around this amazing house. The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and enhance the visit. The cafe serves a delicious range of cakes, so a good afternoon out.

We visited the amazing Gothic Folly, the home designed and lived in by Horace Walpole, with a group of friends on a wowcher ticket which included the house visit with a guided tour, and a cream tea in their cafe. The welcome to this wonderful wedding cake of a building was very warm, we were early so were offered the choice of having our tea before the tour, which we accepted. The scones were fresh baked, the servings of jam and cream were generous, and the teapot was refilled with a smile, which set us up nicely for the tour. Each room has its own volunteer guide who delights in informing you of the very interesting history of the house in general, and their room with its features, furnishings and artworks in particular. Ample parking and clean loos ensure the whole visit is pleasant and comfortable. Another of London's 'hidden gems'. Recommended.

I was delighted that Strawberry Hill House was chosen as the venue for this winter's Richmond Ice Rink, being part of my old Uni and also the venue for my wedding reception. Since its restoration began I have visited the house once or twice, though not recently - however our visit to the ice rink intrigued my children as to its interior, so a proper visit will be planned!I just wanted to review the ice rink visit and say how much I hope this venue will be chosen again next year. We were lucky to be invited for a free session as my daughter is in the same class as the son of one of this year's sponsoring firms. There is a small car park, I would say holding about 30 cars, but this was full, and so we parked along Waldegrave Road and walked a few minutes down. In the daytime Waldegrave Road is full of staff, students' and commuters' cars, but in the evening when we went these had gone. Beware of many local residents' only parking restrictions!Directions in are good and the House looks beautiful, spooky and intriguing with all its lights, so getting you in the mood for a different evening. A pizza oven area is located outside, with plenty of seating and efficient staff, and pizza was made and cooked swiftly. I think the pizza was the only hot meal offering though. My son had this and it was swiftly consumed! Head inside the main ice rink welcome area to pay, book 'penguins' and get your skates on (literally)! Also inside is a small bar selling soft and alcoholic drinks, and snacks such as quality crisps. My son (9) was happy to watch and take photos, while my daughter (7) and I, both novices, wobbled about on the ice! It is easy to skate close to the walls to hold onto, although crossing the gaps by the entrance is harder! I fell once, as did my daughter, but there are trained staff on the rink who will swoop in and pick you up within seconds! Thanks!!!The 'Stormtrooper' characters skating around also added to the fun and surreal experience!My only (very minor) negative points about the rink would be that there was quite a lot of water in the centre of the rink - though I strongly suspect that this was because it was an unseasonably mild evening for January (15C), and that there could have been more penguins for novices. I wish there was a penguin for adult novices!What made it though was the location - so quiet, unique and beautifully illuminated. My children, who hadn't seen Strawberry Hill House before, felt that it was very Hogwarts in its design!! They want to see inside, so I will be arranging a visit back so they can see what is inside (which I know to be as unique as the exterior)! We will also be returning for more skating next year.

Had a very pleasant experience skating at the ice-rink on Monday evening. The rink was quite empty which was nice. The staff running the rink are very helpful and friendly.It was lovely to skate and look at the Gothic Folly of Horace Walpole all lit up.Can recommend.

Very interesting - a visit to the first ever 'Victorian Gothic' style property.Downside - the tour starts with a chat outside - this took about 15 minutes and was too long for me to stand upright (disabled - with walking stick) - I believe you can ask for a chair.....Very reasonably priced Cafe (eg £3.50 for monster triple decker toasted cheese ploughman sandwich)Note: Limited Car-Parking - couldn't find any disabled spaces.Note: this property shuts in early November for the winter.

Having seen this building on the BBC programme Restoration, i was keen to see how it had faired, well I was not disappointed, the building is lovely. Restoration is still being under taken,but what has been done is beautiful. The staff there were so knowledgeable and interesting to listen too. From the tea rooms, which were charming to the Staff in the building it was a wonderful day out, shall visit it again in the Spring when I am sure that it will bring further suprises.

Great guideNot many of the rooms were accessible due to remodeling. easy to get to . Bus 33 stops right in front.Ground beautiful. Try the yummy scones

This building is so well restored and explained by the room guides. The displays are well detailed and the fully restored rooms are a delight, while those still being worked on are shown a a sympathetic manner. Timed entry means that there is no crowding and if you are a National Trust member then entry is half price. The whole place is very good value for money even at full price. However, the restaurant leaves a lot to be desired as it is overpriced in the extreme.My partner would have liked the cheese on toast but was abruptly informed that it only came on granary bread which she cannot eat. What if the problem of having a loaf of plain brown or white bread in the kitchen? So we ordered the Pygge Pye. Well if there was a prize for blandness these would have won hands down. A small pork pie with a crinkly edge filled with the most fatty and unappetising meat we have seen for a long time and with no appreciable flavour of anything other than the dollop of piccalli on the top and a few salad leaves around it. All for the princely sum of £5.95!! A 500ml carafe of house wine is £13.00. All served by staff who would not be out of place running a concentration camp. And then they have the cheek to add a 10% service charge to your bill which you have to ask to be removed. This is what happens when the catering is outsourced, in this case to a company called Brula. It spoiled our visit as everything else is very good.

I went to a wedding reception here several years ago when the college still occupied the house. Then I thought how much in need of TLC it was all salmon pink décor. What a transformation.It is hard to imagine that this was a rich boy's bachelor pad, there is so much gold leaf and intricate moulding..The Gothic Horror genuinely originate here long before Bram Stoker..The ticket takes the form of a guide book written and printed by Horace Walpole himself with notes to bring it up to date.The Strawbery Hill Trust are trying to find pictures and furniture of the 1780s as sadly the contents were sold off in 1842.This is a work in progress with more rooms to be restored.The shell seat in the garden needs repair.I think they close for the winter in the first week of November.There is a lift.

I had the opportunity to visit this estate, set beautifully in the Richmond/Twickenham area; the history and story behind this charming mansion has been magnificently captured through their lawns and the great and warm reception offered to the guests that visit to savour their scones and clotted cream or crumpets with jam. It was a real delight to find this place, as although I live in London, I never took the time to enjoy such sorroundings and would definitely recommend this to all who visit the country or want a peaceful and civilised environment on any afternoon. the restaurant staff are attentive and helpful and happy to indulge your every wimp. I tried the little shop on site and could not help but have a whole tub of Loseley Icecream!

I looked at the opening times and noticed the Garden was open at 10am but the house 12pm, suggesting there is a good garden, hence the two hour gap, but I also noticed it does not say Strawberry HIll House and Gardens suggesting the garden is nothing to shout about, it was the latter the garden is a bit plain. The house has lots of nice/different features such as arched doors not the usual rectangular, the stain glass windows are great - esp the semi circle in the tower. There are also some interesting fire places the stair case is not what I expected, I would have expected it to mirror the shape of the doors/windows. The library shelving is interesting although I am not too keen on the painting on the ceiling (not in line with the rest of the house). There is a beautiful room with the while and gold (Russian style) ornate ceiling - very nice. Staff friendly and help full and there are free lockers outside the house so you don't need to carry your bag around with you. Some of the rooms are not finished yet but I am sure they will be great when complete

Fascinating house with bags of history and quirky styles. Renovations continue so suspect I need to return after next year when they are due to finish. Difficult to wander around on your own as the voluntary guiding staff,although charming, are a bit enthusiastic. Good cafe