Cliveden, Taplow: Gardens, History and How to Visit

Cliveden, above the Thames near Maidenhead, combines grand formal gardens and woodland walks run by the National Trust with a five-star hotel in the house where the Astors entertained. Come for a day in the gardens, join a short house visit between March and October, or stay overnight for the full experience.

This guide was updated on 5 November 2026 using the National Trust and Cliveden House websites. Check opening times and prices before you visit.

Cliveden at a glance

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A short history

According to Cliveden House, George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, bought the estate in 1666 and built the first house for entertaining. In 1893 it was bought by William Waldorf Astor, who gave it to his son Waldorf and daughter-in-law Nancy in 1906. Nancy Astor later became the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons, and the house became famous for its political and society gatherings.

During the First World War, a Canadian Red Cross hospital stood on the estate. In 1961, Cliveden was where Christine Keeler and the minister John Profumo met, the start of the Profumo affair. The Beatles filmed scenes for Help! here in 1965, and in 1985 the house opened as a luxury hotel.

The gardens and woodlands

Cliveden's gardens, cared for by the National Trust, stretch along a chalk ridge high above the Thames. The great Parterre, below the house, has some of the finest views in the Thames Valley. The marble Fountain of Love, carved in Rome in 1897, stands at the head of the main drive. There is also a maze, formal garden rooms, and woodland paths down to the river, which are especially beautiful in autumn.

Guided garden tours run from April to September. In winter, the gardens close earlier in the afternoon, so check the National Trust's opening-times calendar before you go.

Visiting the house

Because the house is a working hotel, National Trust visitors can see a few rooms on short guided visits, which in 2026 run from 2 March to 29 October. Tickets are included with admission but are issued on the day from the Information Centre, so arrive early. House visits can be cancelled for hotel events; in 2026, they did not take place on some dates in September and October.

Staying at Cliveden House

Cliveden House is a five-star country-house hotel and spa. Non-guests can also book a meal or afternoon tea, subject to availability. In winter 2026–27, the hotel runs festive afternoon teas, a New Year house party and an après-ski terrace from 20 November 2026 to 28 February 2027.

View hotels near Cliveden

Getting there

Cliveden is a short drive from Maidenhead and the M4 and M40 motorways; parking is included in admission. By train, the nearest stations are Taplow, Burnham and Maidenhead, all on the line from London Paddington; from there it is a taxi ride or a long walk. It makes an easy day out from London or Windsor.

See our United Kingdom travel guide and UK attractions outside London for more ideas.

Cliveden: FAQ

Can you go inside Cliveden House?

Yes, on short National Trust house visits from March to October, or by staying at or dining in the hotel.

Is Cliveden in Berkshire or Buckinghamshire?

Cliveden is in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, close to Maidenhead in Berkshire; its postal address uses Maidenhead.

Is parking free at Cliveden?

Parking is included in admission, and National Trust members park free.

Sources and planning checks

Facts were checked on 5 November 2026 against the National Trust and Cliveden House. The 2026 admission prices and winter garden hours could not be confirmed and should be checked on the National Trust website before you visit.

Affiliate note: Photos4Travel may earn a commission if you book through the hotel link in this article.