Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor, managed by the Rothschild Foundation, is a property belonging to the National Trust. Unlike most other National Trust properties, Waddesdon Manor has its own dedicated website.
Admission to Waddesdon Manor is free for National Trust members, while non-members can purchase tickets at the gate. The Manor is situated in Buckinghamshire, near the popular shopping outlet Bicester Village, which has been frequented by holiday shoppers from the Far East and the Middle East.
Arriving
Waddesdon Manor is located near Bicester Village, making it an ideal stop for a mix of nature, history, and shopping.
🚗 Drive Time:
London – ~1.5 hours
Leicester & Birmingham – ~1 hour 45 minutes
Waddesdon Manor is easily accessible for day trips from London or the Midlands. The drive from Leicester (via M1) or Birmingham (via M40) takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The car park is located at the following address:
Waddesdon Manor Car Park c/o Manor (Marketing Dept, Silk St, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0LH)
For directions, you can refer to this map: https://goo.gl/maps/mjoaDcHuAWUYEKMcA
The car park, which is free for National Trust members, is very large. Public toilets are located near the car park, inside the Welcome Pavilion just behind the Ticket Office.
Walking/shuttle bus to the Manor from the car park
- 🚶♂️ Walk (20 minutes): slightly uphill along a gravel and dirt path
- 🚌 Shuttle Bus (Free): Ideal if you have little ones or a buggy!
We arrived late in the morning and parked easily at the main visitor car park. Parking costs £4 for the day, and from there, a shuttle bus (included in your ticket) takes you straight up to the Manor. On certain days when there’s an event like the Easter Egg hunt, you are advised to pre-book the ticket for the shuttle bus due to limited capacities.
However, do be aware that on weekends and holidays, there can be long queues for the shuttle bus. If you have older children or don’t mind a gentle walk, you can skip the wait and walk to the Manor instead. It’s about a 20-minute walk slightly uphill along a gravel and dirt path — not too steep, but possibly tricky for pushchairs or very young toddlers. We saw several families choose this route to avoid the bus queue and enjoy the peaceful countryside view along the way.
That said, on hot summer days, we’d recommend taking the shuttle bus — the walking path offers little to no shade, and under the bright sun, it can feel quite exposed and tiring, especially for younger children. So unless your kids love walking and the weather is mild, the bus is definitely the more comfortable choice.
Visiting the Manor
The Manor itself exhibits a distinct French influence and is definitely worth exploring, with an impressive array of art and collections. The entrance to the Manor is situated on its north side (see the map below). As you approach, you’ll discover the magnificent water fountain in front of the mansion, surrounded by a charming Italian garden. We consider it to be one of the finest in the UK.
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- Waddesdon Manor House – Dining Room
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- Porcelain and Arts Collections in Waddesdon Manor House
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- Waddesdon Manor House Interiors – Sculpture
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- Waddesdon Manor House – Dining Room
Inside the Manor, you’ll find:
Grand dining halls fit for a king or queen
Incredible art & antique collections
Hidden treasures & interactive exhibits
The Manor itself is truly impressive — like a fairy-tale French château perched on a hill. While the house interior may not appeal much to younger kids, the outdoor grounds and gardens are perfect for families.
We spent lots of time wandering the formal gardens and wide open lawns, with plenty of space for kids to run around. The carefully trimmed hedges, fountains, and sculptures kept the grown-ups interested while the children enjoyed chasing butterflies and spotting statues.
Gardens
The gardens have plenty of open spaces for picnics and games. Best spots for family photos: 📍 South Fountain & Italian Garden – Picture-perfect!
📍 Tulip Parterre (Spring) – A colorful dreamscape
📍 Aviary & Hidden Trails – Peaceful walks with kids
🌟 Tip: The aviary is a hit with younger kids.
If you visit Waddesdon Manor with kids, don’t miss the Aviary — it’s definitely one of the most charming and family-friendly corners of the estate.
Tucked away near the formal gardens, this beautifully restored Victorian birdhouse quickly became a favourite with the children.
It’s a wonderful little stop for curious minds — and a quiet break from running on the lawns or exploring the playground.
Picnic
On sunny days, Waddesdon Manor becomes a perfect picnic destination for families. We noticed that many visitors came well-prepared with picnic blankets, folding chairs, and even small pop-up tents — an excellent idea, especially for families with young children.
Since the lawns are vast and open, shade can be hard to find on hot summer days. Setting up a tent not only provides a comfortable place for little ones to rest but also shields them from the strong sun. We saw lots of families choosing the large grassy area on the north side of the Manor, near the famous wine bottle sculpture — this spot offers plenty of space, great views, and easy access to the nearby gardens and facilities.
We brought simple picnic food and drinks, and the kids enjoyed running barefoot on the soft grass between bites. It’s a relaxing and affordable way to make the most of your day at Waddesdon, without needing to rely on the café for every meal or snack.
Tip for parents: If the weather’s warm and sunny, consider bringing a lightweight tent or sunshade, as there are few natural shaded spots near the main picnic lawns.
Café /Restaurant/Gift shops
Within the east wing of the building, there is an underground public toilet accessible through a tunnel. Additionally, the building houses a restaurant, café, and gift shop. Unlike typical National Trust gift shops, This particular gift shop provides a wider range of drinks, food, and snacks, including cured ham.
Winey
Some wines at Waddesdon Manor winey , such as the Château Lafite Rothschild 1982, are exceptional. Given its proximity to the Bicester outlet, this wine holds significance for Chinese tourists. During the 1990s, Château Lafite Rothschild 1982 (Chinese: 82年的拉菲) featured in many Hong Kong films, symbolising luxury and wealth.
Waddesdon Manor Playground / Play Area
The Woodland Playground – A Big Hit with Kids!
One of the best family features at Waddesdon Manor is the Woodland Playground, located just past the Stables area.(see the map and pictures below) Our children absolutely loved this — there are climbing frames, tunnel slide, basket swing, trail, climbing net, and Spring riders catering to toddlers and young children.
It’s fully fenced, safe, and surrounded by trees offering some shade — perfect for a little play break before exploring more of the estate.
For more details about the playground, please visit:Waddesdon Manor Playground
Waddeson Manor Map
Useful Information
Address: Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH, UK
- Parking: Waddesdon Manor Car Park,
c/o Manor (Marketing Dept, Silk St, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0LH
Opening Hours, Tickets: Please refer to the official website:
👉 https://waddesdon.org.uk/visit/
