Strawberry Hill House London
London’s Gothic castle
Strawberry Hill House is one of London’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Originally a modest house on the banks of the Thames at Twickenham, the property was purchased in 1749 by Horace Walpole. He was the youngest son of the first British Prime Minister and would go on to become one of the most celebrated writers of the 18th century.
Well-educated, well-travelled and well-to-do, Walpole spent the rest of his life transforming the building into his own ‘little Gothic castle’, complete with battlements, arched doorways and stained glass windows. This was a place where he could write, entertain and display his growing collection of books, art and antique curios. It was also here, in the dreamlike ‘gloomth’, that Walpole composed the first ever Gothic novel: ‘The Castle of Otranto’.
After his death in 1797, the house fell into the hands of a series of descendants, including John and George Waldegrave, who tragically sold almost all of the treasures their great-grand uncle had left behind. In fact, it wasn’t until 2004 that work began to restore Strawberry Hill House to its original condition.
Of the 20 or so rooms open to the public today, the most memorable include: the Library (with its chimneypiece inspired by the medieval tombs of Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral), the staircase (notable for its carved balustrades and Gothic trompe-l’oeil wallpaper) and the Gallery (with its fan-vaulted ceiling and extraordinary array of paintings). Allow at least an hour for your visit and relax in the café and garden afterwards.
About this spot
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in London
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Art Deco haven
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
Ellie
Swain
Aux pains de papy
Best croissants in London
They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
by
Angelina
Ivanova
Wellcome Collection
Let's talk about health
Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
by
Angelina
Ivanova
The Barbary
North African small plates
The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
by
Angelina
Ivanova
The Derby
Oval's one-stop pint shop
The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.
by
Harry
Thompson
Kew Gardens
Botanical garden paradise
"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
by
Ellie
Swain
Canopy Brewery
Beer under the railway tracks
"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
by
Andrew
Bright
Yum Bun
It's what it says on the tin
"Yum Bun" makes Taiwanese-style buns in London. It doesn't claim to be authentic, but it's absolutely delicious and has great value for money lunch boxes!
by
Mark
Meyer
Tayyabs
Mind-blasting curries
"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
by
Mark
Meyer
Sambrook's Brewery
Battersea beer station
"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...
by
Andrew
Bright
Mondo Brewery
A secluded beer heaven
"Mondo Brewery" in London is a meeting point for me and other appreciators of hoppy liquid gold. Plenty to love, but no other taproom has free popcorn!
by
Andrew
Bright
Heading to London?
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves London
Get to know our other Spotters from London
As featured on:
