Strawberry Hill House London
London’s Gothic castle
Madeline from London
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.
London Spotter Madeline
About this spot
Our London City Guide
Find your way with 289 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in London
Loafing Cafe
Bakery, Creperie, Sanctuary in Bow
Loafing Cafe is a combination of bakery, with excellent sourdough, a cafe and creperie with a garden. Enjoy the comfortable seating and the warmth of the team!
by
Ramona
Liberoff
Spring Restaurant
Beautiful, seasonal and central
Anyone you take here (including yourself) will love you for it. Spring is a rare thing in London: grand, but calm, luxurious but simple, fancy but very friendly.
by
Ramona
Liberoff
Bard Books
Books, Coffee, Community in Bow
Bard is a bookshop & cafe with an amazing selection of books, addictive coffee and pastry. Don't miss the calendar of readings, events, book clubs, and quizzes.
by
Ramona
Liberoff
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
Rochelle Canteen
Creative Cuisine in East London
It's always been magical to press the discreet buzzer and walk into the quiet brick-walled garden of Rochelle Canteen, leaving gritty East London behind.
by
Ramona
Liberoff
Crown Café
Family owned café on Strand
In an area full of chains, visit the family-run Crown Café. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches & their pastel de nata and they make a great cup of tea.
by
Danielle
Broadhurst
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
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
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 Nickel Cinema
Rebel Cinema in Clerkenwell
The Nickel Cinema is a 37-seat gem that revives NYC grindhouse spirit with little-known films and a vintage-filled bar. Unmissable for true film lovers!
by
Ramona
Liberoff
E Pellici
First class fry-up
A beloved East London classic, E Pellici offers hearty Italian–English food, strong coffee, and warm family-run charm to a lively mix of locals and visitors.
by
Ramona
Liberoff
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
Heading to London?
289 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to London?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 289 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:
