I might sound a little middle-aged, but I bloomin’ love a National Trust day out! There are so many places near where I live that we can make the most of, but with restrictions as they are at the moment, you have to pre-book for a lot of places. My weekdays are so busy that I forget when the best time to get good tickets is, so lately, we’ve had a few last minute trips to places.
I have wanted to go to Clivedon for a while, a National Trust site which is also home to a hotel and restaurants (where Megahn Markle stayed the night before her wedding, don’t you know). I have heard from others just how amazin it is so knew I wanted to add it to my list. I managed to get tickets there finally, albeit at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon, but it was so lovely I’m glad we went. It would be good to make a whole day of it sometime as the grounds are just so vast there is so much to explore.
The House / Hotel
The house itself can be viewed on certain dates by the public and NT members, but normally, it is just used as a hotel, and there are a couple of restaurants there too ( I have heard their afternoon tea is incredible). As restrictions are as they are at the moment, we weren’t able to go inside on our visit this time, but hopefully sometime soon. You can wander all around the house though, there is an amazing patio and balcony overlooking the gardens which would just be incredible for a party or a wedding.
Right by the River Thames
Based in Buckinghamshire, Clivedon is right by the River Thames. You can walk down to the river to walk alongside it, which is really peaceful. There are always longboats to see and some rowers from time to time! The grounds are huge. There is a woodland area for lots of exploring and climbing (any dead tree and it is an instant climbing frame for my two).
There is also a walled garden area as well as water garden area which I think was probably my favourite (it was very Japanese-esque, and I do love a Japanese style garden). There was also a maze area which was closed, much to the children’s disappointment, but hopefully that will open again at some point soon.
If you are looking for a day out in the south, National Trust member or not, then Clivedon is the one! It is honestly so beautiful, the grounds and the building, and you could easily spend hours and hours there walking and discovering. There are plenty of picnic areas too, which I thought was great, so a good way to enjoy the day even more.
Have you heard of Clivedon before or ever been? It would be great to hear what you think.
