Waddesdon Manor and Dorton House

Enjoy private tours of two magnificent and contrasting Grade I houses on the edge of the Chilterns.

Waddesdon Manor is an outstanding country house that is managed by the Rothschild Foundation independently of its owner, the National Trust, bequeathed in 1957 by James de Rothschild. The house was built in a mostly Neo-Renaissance style, copying individual features of several French châteaux between 1874 and 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild (1839–1898) as a weekend residence for entertaining and to house his collection of antiquities. As the manor and estate have passed through three generations of the Rothschild family, the contents of the house have expanded to become one of the most rare and valuable collections in the world, in particular its impressive art. Our pre-public tour will include all the state rooms and will focus on the architecture and the various breathtakingly beautiful collections. 

Later visit Dorton House, a stunning Jacobean country mansion, steeped in history and built in a horseshoe shape between 1596 and 1626 by Sir John Dormer from local clay fired at the bottom of nearby Brill hill. The house sits on the site of an earlier estate, its impressive structure standing as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and refinement. The architect of Dorton House remains unknown, but the property is renowned for its elaborate 17th century plaster ceilings, grand fireplaces, and intricate wooden panelling. The Saloon features a particularly fine panelled screen, adorned with a carved frieze and strapwork crests, demonstrating the artistry of its era. Architectural enhancements were made in both the late 18th and 20th centuries, adding to its character and charm. Since 1955, this remarkable secret gem has housed Ashfold School but this Grade I building remains remarkably unspoilt despite several changes of ownership and usage.

Tickets £88 including a two-course pub lunch at the Akeman Inn, Kingswood. Lunch options to be made available to attendees in March 2026