Cliveden House

Cliveden's journey begins in 1605, when the Mansfield family first acquired the estate. In 1666, George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, took ownership and built a house on the terrace, intended as a private hunting lodge where he entertained close companions and his mistress. In 1668, he fought a duel with the Earl of Shrewsbury at Barn Elms near Putney Bridge over the Countess of Shrewsbury. The Earl later died from his injuries.

In 1696, the first Earl of Orkney purchased Cliveden and made it his home with Elizabeth Villiers, the first cousin of the Duke of Buckingham. By 1737, Frederick, Prince of Wales, leased the property, though after his death in 1751, Augusta surrendered the lease and the Orkney family returned. In 1795, flames destroyed the main mansion, sparing only the wings. Another serious fire erupted in 1849, the same year the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland arrived.

The estate rose again. In 1861, architect Henry Clutton completed the water tower, topped with a structure inspired by Liberty in Paris. The Duke of Westminster acquired the house in 1868 and reworked its interiors. A new era began in 1893 when William Waldorf Astor bought Cliveden. After Mamie's death in 1894, he withdrew from society and focused on reshaping the estate, commissioning the Fountain of Love. His son Waldorf later received the house along with a tiara set with the Sancy diamond.

During the First World War, Canadians established a hospital here, with visits from Winston Churchill and the King and Queen. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited in 1932. In 1961, the pool became the backdrop to the meeting of Christine Keeler and John Profumo. The Beatles filmed scenes for 'Help!' here in 1965. Stanford University leased the house from 1969 to 1983. It became a hotel in 1985, joined with Chewton Glen in 2012, opened its spa in 2017, and in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex stayed on the eve of her wedding.

Cliveden House, a Grade I listed property, sits within 376 acres (152 hectares) of thoughtfully designed grounds. Broad terraces lead down to formal gardens arranged in geometric patterns. From the edge of the estate, the land stretches toward sweeping views of the River Thames.

The house standing today was rebuilt in 1851 after a major fire. The design came from Sir Charles Barry. Barry, famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament. He chose an Italianate style, visible in the balanced proportions and solid stone exterior. The water tower has become one of the estate's recognizable features. Smaller cottages and garden buildings are carefully positioned so everything feels connected rather than scattered.

Inside, the architecture carries through into a collection of distinctive rooms and suites. Some open onto private terraces complete with hot tubs and courtyard views, creating a quiet retreat within the wider estate. A few spaces include their own fireplaces, adding character. For something even more secluded, Spring Cottage offers a private riverside bolthole, set apart from the main house and right by the water.

Cliveden Dining Room

Cliveden Dining Room was once the grand Drawing Room of the house. Natural light pours in through tll windowns, with open views across the Parterre, the National Trust gardens, and the river Thames beyond. In the kitchen, Executive Head Chef Christopher Hannon leads the team with a clear focus on modern British cooking. Dishes feel thoughtful and precise, with clean presentation and strong seasonal flavors.

The menu follows what is fresh and available locally, so English ingredients shape both the three-course à la carte options and the seven-course tasting experiences. Plant-based diners are well looked after, too. Around 30 percent of the menu remains vegan or plant-based throughout the year. Whether you come for light bites or the full tasting menu, there is a real variety, and you are not limited to just one or two.

Opening hours: Dinner: 6 pm - 9 pm (daily); Sunday Lunch: 12 pm - 4 pm

The Astor Grill

Set inside the estate's former stables, The Astor Grill brings more relaxed energy to Cliveden House. These buildings once housed Lord Astor’s most prized horses, and today the equestrian theme still shapes the decor. The menu blends classic American flavors with British favorites. It works well for a laid-back lunch or an easy dinner, with a setting that feels stylish.

Dogs are welcome too, and there is even a dedicated menu for them after a walk around the grounds. A National Trust fee applies unless you show a valid membership card. Dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free, can be accommodated with advance notice.

Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Friday – Sunday); 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Monday – Thursday)

The Library Bar

Right by the Parterre, the Library Bar is all wood panels and history. It’s a great spot to start with a martini or one of Cliveden’s signature cocktails. After dinner, you can just kick back here with a drink and soak in the atmosphere. The place has its fair share of drama, too, from duels, scandals, and stories from Cliveden’s past, so it’s not just a bar, it’s a bit of history with your drink.

Afternoon Tea

If you're visiting Cliveden, afternoon tea is one experience many travellers plan into their day. It is priced at GBP 68 (USD 92) per person and includes your choice of tea or coffee along with a full selection of savory and sweet dishes. With a glass of Laurent-Perrier Heritage Champagne, it is GBP 88 (USD 119) per person.

You will find John Ross smoked salmon, Coronation chicken, and egg mayonnaise sandwiches in true afternoon tea style. There are also distinctive bites such as a Balmoral-inspired game pie and beef Yorkshire pudding. Warm plain and fruit scones are served with clotted cream and jam. A wide tea list features black, green, herbal, and fruit blends along with coffee on request. Vegan menus are available, and most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday - Saturday)

If you are planning a wedding and want an ambience that feels historic yet personal, Cliveden offers a full-service experience from proposal through the big day. The house was named a winner at the 2026 UK Weddings and Honeymoon Awards, and the team is hands-on to make the wedding as you imagine it to be. A dedicated wedding manager guides you through the process, whether you are planning a small gathering or looking to hire the entire estate.

There are three core wedding packages. The Romantic Package, Intimate Package, and the Classic Package, which can accommodate a maximum of 60 guests. For larger parties of more than 60 guests, exclusive use of the house is available, which can host up to 180 guests for a celebration. With a marquee, weddings can extend up to 250 guests. If you prefer something tailored, bespoke weddings can be arranged to reflect your style. The team can also connect you with recommended suppliers covering planning, photography, floristry, entertainment, and more.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Cliveden House, there's plenty to do beyond just staying on the estate. The extensive gardens and woodlands are perfect for a stroll to spot birds or walk along one of the family-friendly trails. Kids will love the Woodland Play Trail, and for anyone curious about nature, there are foraging walks where you can learn about plants.

If you want something more active, try archery, axe throwing, laser clay shooting, or air rifle sessions. All are run by instructors, so you don't need experience. Walking trails range from easy routes with scenic views to longer paths that take you to quieter parts of the grounds, including riverbanks. You can also enjoy luxury boating along the Thames.

For a mix of history and unique adventure, the Windsor Carriages experience is worth checking out. You head to Windsor Castle, take a guided tour, and then enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor Great Park. Whether you are exploring the woods, trying some outdoor activities, or wandering the estate's trails, there's a lot to see and do for everyone.

During the festive season, Cliveden House comes alive with seasonal charm. The house is decorated with twinkling lights, wreaths, and festive touches everywhere. Guests can enjoy a special afternoon tea or join in private dining for a more intimate holiday meal. For bigger celebrations, the Astor Grill and the Astor Apres Ski Terrace offer cozy spots inspired by Alpine chalets, perfect for Christmas lunches, dinners, or ringing in the New Year.

Cliveden also hosts immersive house parties with multi-night stays, feasts, Champagne, and lively celebrations. If you want a quieter break from the holiday buzz, the Sparkle Spa is a peaceful way to relax.

Cliveden House is a venue that works as well for private celebrations as it does for business gatherings or meetings. The hotel has a range of elegant rooms that have welcomed legendary guests. For corporate retreats, teams can combine meetings in stylish spaces with unique team-building activities, from woodland challenges and country sports to guided walks, which help colleagues connect well. Private events, whether birthdays, anniversaries, or special parties, can be hosted in exquisite dining and function rooms, or the whole house can be booked exclusively for a truly memorable celebration.

The Cliveden Spa, set within the grounds of Cliveden House, is a peaceful retreat. The spa features an indoor as well as an outdoor pool, indoor treatment rooms, and serene relaxation areas, providing a perfect escape from everyday stress. One popular option focuses on scalp health, offering treatments designed to soothe dryness and irritation and nourish the scalp while easing tension in the neck and shoulders.

Another indulgent choice combines a soothing back, neck, and shoulder massage with a revitalizing facial, complemented by a wellness juice on arrival and lunch, and a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Guests can also enjoy the on-site gym with views of the pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a pickleball court. Guests looking for flexibility can enjoy a tailored spa day, choosing treatments while relaxing by the pool, sauna, or quiet areas.