Twickenham is a suburban area and town in Greater London, lying on the River Thames 10.2 miles west-southwest of the centre of London. It has an extensive town centre and is famous as being the home of rugby union, with hundreds of thousands of spectators visiting Twickenham Stadium, the world's largest rugby stadium, each year. The historic riverside area is famous for its network of 18th-century buildings and pleasure grounds, many of which survive intact. This area has three grand period mansions with public access: York House, Marble Hill and Strawberry Hill House. Another has been lost, that belonging to 18th-century aphoristic poet Alexander Pope. Among these is the Neo-Gothic prototype home of Horace Walpole which has given its name to a whole district, Strawberry Hill, and is linked with the oldest Roman Catholic university in the country, St Mary's University, Twickenham.
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5.0 based on 45 reviews
In 1813 England's great landscape painter J.M.W Turner built a small villa, Sandycombe Lodge, on a large plot near the Thames at Twickenham. Here, the painter became an architect. Sandycombe Lodge has been carefully restored to allow visitors to experience Turner's House as he lived in it, and to reflect on his relationship with the beautiful local landscape.
Having seen some of Turner's paintings at Petworth House, last year, we decided to book a visit to Sandycombe Lodge. Delayed by the virus, we were not disappointed by our visit last Friday. We were warmly greeted in the garden and given an introductory talk on Turner and the house. There were only eight in the group, which gave the impression of a personal visit and a great feeling of safety, in these social distancing times. The house was definitely a home, very interesting to visit and the bonus of the extended exhibition of Turner paintings, on loan. All staff were very knowledgable. Afterwards, we wandered down to the Thames, walked in Marble Hill park ( where we easily parked the car) and had a delicious lunch in The Crown ( using your voucher) Altogether, a great day out.
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Discover Strawberry Hill House, Horace Walpole’s magnificent 18th century ’little gothic castle’. Set back from the River Thames in Twickenham, it has captivated visitors for over 250 years. This enchanting House & Garden inspired Walpole to write the first ever gothic novel, ‘The Castle of Otranto’ and today, is internationally famous as Britain’s finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture.
This is a fascinating house to visit with its unusual neo-gothic features which must be some of the earliest u its kindi in England (it prefigured the 19th century gothic revival). Unfortunately many of the original artworks were sold off in 1984. However about 150 items were returned for display in their original positions in the house for an exhibition between Oct 18 to feb 19. There is an excellent free app giving a virtual tour of this exhibition (lost treasures of strawberry hill house). There were volunteers in each room which gave excellent explanations of the major features of interest. Note that there is a 50% entrance fee reduction for National Trust members and other similar organisations. I particularly enjoyed the magnificent gallery (see photo).
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Lovingly curated history and artifacts of Twickenham's past including information about Eel Pie and its famous musical history. Full of unexpected surprises about the town's history through the decades.
4.0 based on 90 reviews
We liked the guided tour and we learnt a lot about the house and remarkable Henrietta Howard, who was a mistress of King George II. Recommend it.
5.0 based on 3 reviews
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