Strawberry Hill House: Twickenham’s gothic fairy-tale castle

Located in Strawberry Hill in Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House is just a 40-minute train journey from Waterloo Station with travel links via Wimbledon, Vauxhall and Clapham.

This 18th century house with its white turrets and opulent structure is considered to be one of the “finest” examples of Britain’s Georgian Gothic revival architecture.

This 18th century house is considered to be one of the “finest” examples of Britain’s Georgian Gothic revival architecture. (Image: Kilian O'Sullivan)

The house was established by Horace Walpole, who famously wrote The Castle of Otranto in 1764, which is famously known as the first gothic horror novel and made up the early foundations of the gothic horror literary movement.

The house was established by Horace Walpole, who famously wrote The Castle of Otranto in 1764. (Image: Christies)

This Grade I structure started from humble beginnings when it was converted from a few humble cottages formerly named ‘Chopp’d Straw Hall.’

The structure you can visit today has been open to the public for over 250 years and received a £10 million revamp in 2010.

This Grade I structure was converted from a few humble cottages formerly named ‘Chopp’d Straw Hall.’ (Image: Strawberry Hill House)

Today visitors can explore the many opulent rooms within Strawberry Hill House, including an ornate staircase and Instagram-famous long gallery featuring its striking red and gold colour scheme.

Visitors can explore the many opulent rooms and an ornate staircase. (Image: Matt Chung)

There’s also a library which is also used for events including weddings and with its structural bookcases it makes for a great photo opportunity.

The library with its structural bookcases makes for a great photo opportunity. (Image: Matt Chung)

Walpole collected plenty of oddities for his country retreat home in his time, plenty of which can be seen throughout the hose.

Some of the collection highlights include a Chinese goldfish bowl dating back to the 1700s and was one of 300 pieces that Walpole brought back to the house, along with a finely carved Elizabethan chair that was owned by Sir Peter Warburton, who signed the death warrant for Guy Fawkes.

The collection includes a finely carved Elizabethan chair that was owned by Sir Peter Warburton, who signed the death warrant for Guy Fawkes. (Image: Strawberry Hill House)

The house also features a collection of paintings including a collection depicting the lives of the Walpole family along with a collection of paintings of nobility and royalty including a portrait of King William III in the 1700s.

The house also features collections of paintings depicting the lives of the Walpole family, nobility and royalty. (Image: Matt Chung)

Alongside the house, there are also five acres of restored gardens to explore which were created by William Kent.

These romantic gardens feature a fine lawn, woodland areas, groves and flower beds.

On a walk around the gardens you’ll also find the famous ‘Shell Seat’ which is a popular photo opportunity for people visiting.

There are also five acres of restored gardens to explore. (Image: Strawberry Hill House)

If you get hungry you can stop off at the Garden Café, which can be found in the former Great Cloister of the house, offering garden views along with a range of seasonal treats, and drinks including exotic wines, craft beers and gins if you fancy a drink after exploring.

You can visit Strawberry Hill House and Gardens from Saturday – Wednesday from 10am until 4pm.

Tickets cost £14.50 for adults, £14 for Blue Badge holders, £7.25 for students, and free for under-16s, carers and members.