Name: Basildon Park
Rating: 5.0

Basildon Park

Reading RG8 9NR, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Basildon Park sitting elegantly in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland and gardens, this 18th-century house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, when it was de-requisitioned after the Second World War. With extraordinary vision, the Iliffes brought Basildon Park back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters.

The wooded parkland offers glorious seasonal colour, with spring bluebells, summer buttercups and autumn leaves, while the landscape has been carefully restored to offer wonderful views, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play. Winter walks are a must.

Price starts from £20.90 for Adults(18 years and over), £10.50 for Children(5-17 & under 5s free) and £52.30 for Family(2 Adults and up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

House: An 18th-century Palladian-style mansion, restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe after being requisitioned in the World Wars.
Parkland: A 400-acre park with four waymarked walks, World War Two Nissen Hut remains, historic trees and views of the house.
Formal garden: Formal garden designed in the mid-18th century by David Brandon, featuring Lady Iliffe's rose garden and the restored terrace balustrade.
Children's play area: The wild play area for little ones is next to the stableyard, with more den building areas out on the estate.
Visitor centre: Visitor Reception is located in the historic stableyard, with staff and volunteers on hand to help with any queries.
Shop and second-hand bookshop: The shop is in the stableyard and also contains a second-hand bookshop and reading nook.
The house at Basildon Park: This 18th-century Bath-stone house was inspired by Italian Palladian architecture. It was saved and lovingly restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, who brought Basildon Park back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters. Explore the richly decorated Neo-classical hall, a spectacular staircase with cantilevered stairs and arched first-floor gallery and an octagonal drawing room with heavily gilded ceilings.
The garden at Basildon Park: Created as a pleasure ground in the 1800s, falling into ruin in the early 1900s, and lovingly restored by the Iliffes in the 1950s, the garden at Basildon Park has had its ups and downs. Find out what you can enjoy in the gardens today, including a rose garden, Italian terrace and historic trees.
The parkland at Basildon Park: The Basildon Park estate spans 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland surrounding the house and garden. Discover the diversity of the flora and fauna in the historic parkland and enjoy the changing colours of the surrounding landscape.
Family-friendly things to do at Basildon Park: Keep all the family happy at Basildon Park, from playing at the ball run, adventuring on the wild play walk, or taking part in one of the seasonal trails.

Facilities

Car park: During the winter period our carpark has reduced capacity. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. We may have to intermittently close out entrance gates to avoid traffic on the main road. Bikes will not be allowed on site. If you are cycling to the property, you will need to leave your bike in the car park.
Dogs allowed: Dogs are allowed on leads in the grounds and gardens, but only assistance dogs are allowed in the mansion.

What to see

History of Basildon Park: Basildon Park was built between 1777–83 with the fortune made by Sir Francis Sykes through his service with the East India Company. In 1838 it was purchased by James Morrison, Britain’s wealthiest commoner, who housed his spectacular art collection in the house. Basildon Park was saved from demolition in the 1950s by Lord and Lady Iliffe, after being requisition during the Second World War. They made Basildon Park their home, filling it with treasures rescued from other estates which could not be saved.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park/history-of-basildon-park

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (18+): £20.90 with Gift Aid, £19.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17), under 5s free: £10.50 with Gift Aid, £9.50 without Gift Aid.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £52.30 with Gift Aid, £47.50 without Gift Aid.
Family (one adult): £31.40 with Gift Aid, £28.50 without Gift Aid.

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

House: 11:00 - 16:00
Grounds: 10:00 - 16:00
Shop: 10:00 - 16:00
Tea-room: 10:00 - 15:30
Last entry to the site is 3pm. House will be open from 11am to 4pm, last entry 3:15pm. Site closes at 4pm.

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park#place-opening-times

Address: Reading RG8 9NR, UK

Post Code: RG8 9NR

Council: West Berkshire

County: Berkshire

By road: We are 7 miles north-west of Reading, on the west side of A329. If you are driving, please leave the M4 at exit 12 and follow signs for Beale Park and Pangbourne, then signs to Basildon Park. Once you go through the main entrance gates, follow the path to the visitor car park where you are welcome to park.
By train: Pangbourne train station 2½ miles; Goring train station 3 miles. If you are travelling by train you can get off at Pangbourne or Goring & Streatley station and get a taxi to Basildon Park (it is only about a 5 minute car journey from the station). It’s best to pre-book a taxi as there is no taxi rank at either station. For more information about how to find us please call 01491 672382. It is possible to walk to Basildon Park from Pangbourne station but please be advised that it is around a 40 minute walk along a main road.
By bus: You may be able to get the Going Foward Bus to Basildon Park on selected days.
Car park: During the winter period our carpark has reduced capacity. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. We may have to intermittently close out entrance gates to avoid traffic on the main road. Bikes will not be allowed on site. If you are cycling to the property, you will need to leave your bike in the car park.