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): A scenic tree-lined wood-chip trail.
🚌 Shuttle Bus (Free): Ideal if you have little ones or a buggy!
The Manor itself is situated atop a hill, requiring a 20-minute walk to reach it. The shortest path to the Manor is paved with wood chips, offering a pleasant walking surface if you visit with children. However, during the summer, walking under the sun can be quite hot. A more convenient option is to take the free shuttle bus service available from the Welcome Pavilion. The bus will transport you to a drop-off point near 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.
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). 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.
Even if your kids aren’t into history, Waddesdon’s French château-style architecture will capture their imagination. Inside, you’ll find:
Grand dining halls fit for a king or queen
Incredible art & antique collections
Hidden treasures & interactive exhibits
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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.
Gardens
There’s a lovely garden and an Aviary, where you can find many different types of birds in cages. The garden around the manors is the ideal location for picnics.
The gardens are breathtaking, with 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, but it’s small and can get crowded.
Waddesdon Manor Playground / Play Area
To the east of the Manor, near the stable, you’ll find Waddesdon Manor’s children’s playground (see the map and pictures below), equipped with various facilities such as a climbing frame, tunnel slide, basket swing, trail, climbing net, and Spring riders catering to toddlers and young children. For more details about the playground, please visit: Waddesdon Manor Playground .
Waddeson Manor Map
Visitor Map
Parking:
Waddesdon Manor Car Park,
c/o Manor (Marketing Dept, Silk St, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0LH
