Waddesdon Manor (National Trust)
Waddesdon
Nr Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP18 0JH
England
Website
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/waddesdon-manor
waddesdonmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone
Information Line
01296 653226
01296 653211
Waddesdon Manor is a magnificent French Renaissance-style château housing the Rothschild Collection of art treasures. The garden is renowned for its seasonal displays, colourful shrubs and mature trees. There is a fully-stocked Rococo-style aviary, a superb cellar of wines, licensed restaurants, gift and wine shops. Events are organised throughout the year, including Christmas period.
Venue Type:
Museum
This French Renaissance-style château was built (1874-89) for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his vast collection of works of art. The Collection includes French Royal furniture, Savonnerie carpets and Sèvres porcelain as well as important portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds and works by Dutch and Flemish masters of the 17th century.
Collection details
Architecture, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art
Behind the Scenes in the Textile Stores - Costume and accessories
Join Curator, Rachel Boak, to learn about the amazing costumes and textiles in store and see where these treasures are kept. Each session features a different group of objects and relates them to the members of the Rothschild family who acquired them, and the sumptuous textiles on display in the house.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
All: £12 NT Member
All: £30
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Music at Waddesdon - Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
Following his hugely successful Waddesdon Manor debut in 2011, Jools Holland returns in a concert which will support the MAD About Waddesdon Festival taking place over the weekend.
Suitable for
When
7:30-10pm
Admission
Adult: £35
Child: £20 3-16 years
Booking Advisable.
In addition to a selection of food and drink available we will also be offering two special pre-concert catering packages: Gold package - Fast track entry, reserved parking, concert ticket, Pimms reception, pre-concert dining in the Manor Restaurant with wine, concert Champagne £95 per person.Silver package - Reserved parking, concert ticket, Champagne reception at the Aviary £50 per person.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Study Session: Fantasy from the Fire-Painted Maiolica at Waddesdon
Tin-glazed earthenware, produced in the 15th and 16th centuries, was much sought-after by the learned, the powerful, and the affluent. Known as Maiolica, it was appreciated for the technical skill required to produce it as well as the appeal of its vibrant colours, whimsical shapes and intriguing historical references. In the 19th century these early wares were enthusiastically collected by wealthy and intellectual Victorians for the same reasons.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
All: £12 NT Member
All: £30
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Windmill Hill Archive - Public Drop
The new Archive and Reading room at Windmill Hill is a new space to enjoy contemporary art. A unique opportunity to view the inside of this magnificent building, designed by Stephen Marshall architects. The archive is ten minutes from the Manor by car or you can reach it on foot.
Suitable for
When
2-4pm
Admission
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
MAD about Waddesdon
13,000 visitors and 2,500 performers over one weekend! Now in its 8th year, taking place on stages in front of the Manor and within the beautiful gardens, the MAD About Waddesdon Festival (Music, Art, Dance & Drama) showcases the best local talent of all ages. From choirs to drumming groups, disco dancing to rock bands, there really is something for everyone, including a full programme of free workshops. Visit www.madaboutwaddesdon.co.uk for more information
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Adult: £11
Child: £6
Family: £28
Booking Not Needed.
Please let us know any special requirements.
www.madaboutwaddesdon.co.uk.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
MAD about Waddesdon
13,000 visitors and 2,500 performers over one weekend! Now in its 8th year, taking place on stages in front of the Manor and within the beautiful gardens, the MAD About Waddesdon Festival (Music, Art, Dance & Drama) showcases the best local talent of all ages. From choirs to drumming groups, disco dancing to rock bands, there really is something for everyone, including a full programme of free workshops. Visit www.madaboutwaddesdon.co.uk for more information
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Adult: £11
Child: £6
Family: £28
Booking Not Needed.
Please let us know any special requirements.
www.madaboutwaddesdon.co.uk.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Behind the Scenes Tours
Once a month, you can join the Waddesdon guides to learn about life at the Manor, how it was used in the 19th century and how it was run. Explore rooms where the servants lived and worked and find out how we use these areas of the House today.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
All: £12 NT Member
All: £30
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Behind the Scenes Tours
Once a month, you can join the Waddesdon guides to learn about life at the Manor, how it was used in the 19th century and how it was run. Explore rooms where the servants lived and worked and find out how we use these areas of the House today.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
All: £12 NT Member
All: £30
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
As You Like It performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men
This all-male troupe of travelling players breathes new life into this summer comedy classic. As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance:cross-dressing and love-notes
poetry, gentle satire and slapstick and passion.
Suitable for
When
7:30-10pm
Admission
Adult: £17.5
Child: £10
Booking Advisable.
This event is in the Garden. Please dress suitably.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Local Food Heroes
Celebrate the finest local produce by joining us for a rare opportunity to dine at night in the Manor Restaurant. The evening begins with a glass of champagne followed by a four course dinner inspired by our local food heroes.
Suitable for
When
7:30-11pm
Admission
All tickets: £38.5
Booking Advisable.
Lounge suit.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All tickets: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All tickets: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Summer Whites and Roses Wine
An informal tasting of eight summer wines in the cellars. The selection will showcase a range of wines from various Rothschild estates, all suitable for summer drinking.
Suitable for
When
12:30-1:30pm
Admission
All: £10 NT Members
All: £18
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Artist's Talk - Contemporary Art Programme Darning the Land: Sewn
Join contemporary artist, Philippa Lawrence, for an introduction to her practice and the inspiration she drew for her work at Waddesdon, with a chance to view Darning the Land: Sewn and the carpet bedding on the Parterre in her company.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
All: £12 NT Member
All: £20
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Sherlock Holmes performed by the Pantaloons
How can one open-air show with just four actors possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Thearte Company put dynamic detective duo Homes and Watson through their paces as they tackle their most fiendish case yet in this delightfully inventive and hilarious show for all ages featuring live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it!
Suitable for
When
6-7:30pm
Admission
Adult: £12
Child: £9
Booking Advisable.
This event is held in the Gardens. Please dress suitably.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
A Midsummer Nights Dream performed by the Pantaloons
A Midsummers night. An enchanted forest. Puck and his magical fairy band tell a tale of lovers, mechanicals, and magical mayhem. The Pantaloons make their much-anticipated return to Shakespeare with this timeless comedy - told, as ever, in their own distinctive and anarchic style. "As exuberantly pop and literate as a performance by Arctic Monkeys."(The Times)
Suitable for
When
7-10pm
Admission
Child: £9
Booking Advisable.
Under 3's FREE.
This event is staged outside in the Gardens at Waddesdon. Please dress accordingly.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All tickets: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All tickets: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All: £15.5 NT Member
All: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
The tales of Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny by Quantum Theatre
With live music and all your favourite characters from both Peter Rabbit tales, Quantum Theatres delightful new production promises a magical and enchanting experience for young and old alike.
Suitable for
When
6-8pm
Admission
Adult: £12
Child: £9
Booking Advisable.
Under 3's FREE.
This event is outside, please dress suitably.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Ferrari Owners Club GB
The Ferrari Owners' club GB will return to Waddesdon Manor for their Summer Picnic.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Opera Brava
Opera Brava recently celebrated 25 years of presenting quality operatic performances sung in English. Making their debut performing on the North Front with the Manor as the spectacular backdrop, they will present two operatic classics: Puccini's heart-wrenching tragedy Madame Butterfly (Friday night) and Rossini's comic opera masterpiece The Barber of Seville (Saturday night).
Suitable for
When
7:30-10pm
Admission
All tickets: £25
Booking Essential.
Pre-performance supper available: 5.30pm Pimms reception, two course dinner in the Manor Reastaurant - £63.50 per person (including performance ticket).
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All tickets: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Children's tour of the House
A special children's tour - watch the Elephant automaton in all its glory and listen as a Waddesdon guide takes you through the ground floor of the House before we open to the public.
Suitable for
When
11:15am-12pm
Admission
Adult: £23
Child: £0 Children FREE
Booking Essential.
Please call Booking Office Mon-Fri, between 10.00 and 3.00.
This event sells out very quickly.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
A Celebration of Bordeaux
The evening will begin with an informal tasting of three fine wines from Bordeaux. Followed by a sumptuous four course dinner, each course will be accompanied by a wine from the most celebrated appelations of Bordeaux, including Pomerol, Pauillac, Sauternes and Graves.
Suitable for
When
7:30-11pm
Admission
All tickets: £95
Booking Essential.
Black tie.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Afternoon Teas with Live Music
Enjoy the Waddesdon afternoon tea experience accompanied by live music. Join us for exquisite open sandwiches, heavenly fancies and shamelessly indulgent homemade cakes.
Suitable for
When
4-6pm
Admission
All tickets: £23.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Wind in the Willows performed by Chapterhouse Thearte Company
Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure. What starts as a search for the best picnic spot rapidly turns into the most hilarious of escapades. Alive with music, song and dance, this magical family show is presented in beautiful traditional costume and features a woodland parade during the interval for everyone to join in with! Fun and frolics aplenty with this glorious new adaption of the classic novel loved by children and adults alike.
Suitable for
When
6-8pm
Admission
Adult: £13
Child: £9
Booking Advisable.
Under 3's FREE.
This is an outside event, please dress suitably.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Special Interest Day: Lacquer and Vernis Martin Furniture at Waddesdon
In the 18th century, the allure of lacquer, with its mysteriously exotic oriental origins, was huge for both patrons and craftsmen. Association Curator, Ulrich Leben, will examine the fashion for lacquer and look at some of the exquisite objects in the collection.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-4pm
Admission
All: £55 NT Member
All: £73
Booking Essential.
Coffee on arrival. The later a two course lunch with wine and afternoon tea and cakes.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Chilli Festival
Over 30 hand picked stalls with everything for the chilli fanatic or the intrepid chilli novice
an exciting range of plants and seeds, delicious chilli jams, exotic pastes and pickles, local chutneys and oils, relishes and sauces, plus chilli teas, cheeses and chilli beers. A selection of world foods will be available as well as homemade refreshments in the cafe. There will be live music, demonstrations and talks all weekend. £3 admission (under 16's free)
Suitable for
When
10:30am-4:30pm
Admission
Adult: £3
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Car parking is limited at this event. You may be asked to park at the Manor and board the free shuttle to the Plant centre.
Normal admission charges apply to Waddesdon Manor.
Ffi contact: Events and Shows, 01296 653230, marie.avery@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Chilli Festival
Over 30 hand picked stalls with everything for the chilli fanatic or the intrepid chilli novice
an exciting range of plants and seeds, delicious chilli jams, exotic pastes and pickles, local chutneys and oils, relishes and sauces, plus chilli teas, cheeses and chilli beers. A selection of world foods will be available as well as homemade refreshments in the cafe. There will be live music, demonstrations and talks all weekend. £3 admission (under 16's free)
When
10:30am-4:30pm
Admission
Waddesdon Plant CentreAll tickets: £3
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Car parking is limited at this event. You may be asked to park at the Manor and board the free shuttle to the Plant centre.
Normal admission charges apply to Waddesdon Manor.
Ffi contact: Events and Shows, 01296 653230, marie.avery@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Behind the Scenes: The Waddesdon Archive at Windmill Hill Shedding Light on Life at Waddesdon
Join our Archivist, Catherine Taylor, to learn more about the lives of those who lived and worked on the Waddesdon estate or at the Manor. We will use staff and tenants records from the archive to explore life behind the scenes at Waddesdon.
When
2:30-4pm
Admission
Windmill HillAll tickets: £12
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Behind the Scenes Tours
Once a month, you can join the Waddesdon guides to learn about life at the Manor, how it was used in the 19th century and how it was run. Explore rooms where the servants lived and worked and find out how we use these areas of the House today.
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
ManorAll: £12 NT Member
All: £30
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Rothschild Red Wines From Around the World
An informal tasting of Rothschild wines in the cellars. The selection will compromise of wines from France, Chile, South Africa, and Argentina. Peter Tompkins, our in house wine advisor will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
When
12:30-2pm
Admission
Wine CellarsAll: £10 NT Members
All: £18
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Heritage Open Day and Emergency Services Day
Once again we will be opening the House and Gardens free of charge as part of
When
10am-5pm
Admission
GardensBooking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Oxford Chamber Music Festival
Priya Mitchell (Violin), Founder/Artistic Director of OCMF, joins Guy Johnston (Cello), former BBC Young Musician of the Year, in a programme including the Ravel and Kodaly Duos, Bach's Invention and a work especially written for Priya and Guy by leading British composer David Matthews.
When
7:30-10pm
Admission
The Reading Room at Windmill HillAll tickets: £16
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Study Session: Sacred stitches exhibition tour
Join Curator, Rachel Boak, for a tour of the exhibition and an exploration of the collection tastes and interiors created by the members of the Rothschild family who acquired these extraordinary fragments of ecclesiastical textiles, many of which have not been displayed for over 20 years.
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
ManorAll tickets: £30
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
An evening of fine food - Autumn Glory
Celebrate the finest seasonal produce with our talented team of chefs by joining us for a rare opportunity to dine at night at Waddesdon. The evening begins with a glass of champagne followed by a four course dinner inspired by the Autumn months.
When
7:30-11pm
Admission
Manor RestaurantAll tickets: £38.5
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Behind the Scenes Tours
Once a month, you can join the Waddesdon guides to learn about life at the Manor, how it was used in the 19th century and how it was run. Explore rooms where the servants lived and worked and find out how we use these areas of the House today.
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
ManorAll tickets: £30
Booking Advisable.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Artists and Makers Fair at Waddesdon Plant Centre
Come along to meet a unique and eclectic mix of artits and makers from Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties. From potters to glass workers, print makers to silversmiths
you'll be able to see live demonstrations, speak to the artists and buy an amazing selection of works that you wont find anywhere on the high street.
When
10am-4pm
Admission
Waddesdon Plant CentrePer Item: £3
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Admission to the fair £3 All proceeds will be donated to Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and Helen and Douglas House.
Ffi contact: Events and Shows, 01296 653230, marie.avery@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Special Interest Day: An intimate Eye Paintings of the Dutch Goldren Age
Waddesdon Mnaor houses a small but important collection of Netherlandish paintings of the 17th century, including masterpieces by Pieter de Hooch, Gerardter Borch, Gerard Dou and Gabrial Metsu.Curator, Dr. Juliet Carey, leads a day looking closely at these luminous works. The group will consider the special appeal of these scenes of modern life, landscapes and cityscapes to Rothschild collectors in the 19th century as well as their place in the history of 17th and 18th century taste. The day will include a rare opportunity to go "over the ropes" to examine the paintings at close quarters.
When
10:30am-4pm
Admission
Manor RestaurantAll: £55 NT Members
All: £73
Booking Essential.
Coffee on arrival, two course lunch with wine and afternoon tea and cakes.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Study Session: The Waddesdon Archive, celebrating 100th wedding anniversary of James and Dorothy
Come and commemorate the 100th wedding anniversary of Mr & Mrs. James de Rothschild. Join our Archivist to learn more about James and Dorothy's relationship and to see their letters, diaries and photographs from our archive collections.
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
WindmillAll tickets: £12
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Special Interest Day: Clocks and Automata
Jonathan Betts, Curator of Horology at Royal Museums Greenwich will examine the history of clockwork automata and how clocks were created over the centuries. In the afternoon there will be an opportunity to view some Waddesdon's clocks more closely, with Johnsthan and National Trust Curator, Simon Chesters-Thompson. The day will end with the winding of the amazing elephant automaton.
When
10:30am-4pm
Admission
Manor RestaurantAll: £55 NT Member
All: £73
Booking Essential.
Please call Booking Office Mon-Fri, between 10.00 and 3.00.
Please let us know any special requirements.
Price includes morning coffee, two course lunch with wine and afternoon tea and cakes.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Study Session: A Marvellous Creation Exploring Baron Ferdinand's Estate
At the time of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschilds death in 1898, the estate compromised of well over 3000 acres with a number of farms (including Home Farm with its prize-winning stock and exemplary diary) and various areas of woodland.This morning offers a unique chance to examine parts of the original estate which Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild created in the 1870's and 1880's, and Starting at the Manor you will be taken around by minibus, pausing at various points to explore the late 19th-century agricultural estate of Baron Ferdinand's making.
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
GardenAll: £12 NT Member
All: £20
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Study Session: Putting the House to Bed demonstration morning
Waddesdon's curatorial and housekeeping teams explain and demonstrate how they care for the Manor and its matchless collection during their annual winter clean.
When
10:30am-12:30pm
Admission
Manor RestaurantAll tickets: £30
Booking Essential.
Please call Booking Office Monday - Friday.
Please let us know any special requirements.
Price includes morning coffee.
Ffi contact: Bookings, 01296 653226, bookings.waddesdon@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
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