A Day Trip to Osterley House: What to See and Do at this Historic Landmark
Located in the picturesque borough of Hounslow in London, Osterley House is an 18th-century English country house with a fascinating history. This historic landmark is a hidden gem in London, from its grand architecture to its lavish interiors and beautiful gardens.
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What Do Other Visitors Say?
A lovely relaxing place to visit. The house is fascinating and the garden and grounds beautiful. But it was the atmosphere and friendliness of the place that we really appreciated.
(TripAdvisor Review – Llondoner)
The Osterley manor was purchased in 1562 by Sir Thomas Gresham, a financial representative for Elizabeth I. He first constructed ‘a faire and stately brick house’ on this land in the 1570s.
The name of Osterley House comes from Old English for ‘sheepfold clearing.’ The sheep are long gone, but the estate still stands.
In 1713, the estate was acquired by the Child Family as Sir Francis Child came into possession of
Osterley. Around 1760, Sir Francis’ grandson commissioned an extensive remodel of the property.
In 1761, it was purchased by Robert Child, a member of the prominent banking family, who later passed it down to his daughter Sarah Sophia. During her ownership, the house underwent significant renovations and became the magnificent Georgian-style property that we see today.
The present house was built in the late 18th century by Robert Adam as a place where the Child family could host acquaintances.
Remodeling work focused on finely decorated interiors and developing a landscape featuring a series of small lakes.
Approaching Osterley House
Taking the tube in London, visitors will want to get off at Osterley Station. From there, it is a short walk down the road to the Osterley Park and House property.
A long tree-lined driveway and path lead the way to Osterley Park and House, one of the last surviving country estates still found in London.
Approaching the magnificent mansion is an awe-inspiring experience. The large property has lush
gardens, an expansive park, and a small lake – all in the middle of the city. Ducks swim in a lake that beautifully reflects clouds from the sky and enhances the park-like setting.
Turning past the small lake near the entrance, you will first glimpse Osterley House – a grand estate on acres of grounds.
Tour the Magnificent Osterley House
Visitors to Osterley House can explore its opulent rooms, each with their unique history and design. From the grand entrance hall, complete with marble columns and a stunning domed ceiling, to the intimate boudoirs and bedrooms, there is no shortage of beautiful spaces to discover. Inside is a museum-quality collection of artwork, antiques, and historical architecture.
The Long Gallery at Osterley
Entering the Gallery Room, we viewed the museum-quality artwork adorning the green walls. Masterpieces of the art world hang on the walls in the gallery room. Classical styles of paintings include portraits, Italian architecture, birds, and biblical scenes. The main gallery room holds Crewel Work Furniture and long gallery fireplaces. A lacquer ship sits behind glass to protect the over 300-year-old piece from damage. Large vases stand appropriately on either side of an ancient wooden chest.
During our visit, we chatted with the docents to learn about the history of the estate. And having a special family-related interest in the WWII period related to this property, we discussed the home’s connection to Hollywood silent-film era actress Virginia Cherrill, known as Lady Jersey, during her tenure in England.
Osterley House Interior
The Drawing Room has an elegant ceiling and paintings adorning the walls.
The Tapestry Room takes its name from the 18 separate tapestry pieces covering the room’s walls. Tapestry-covered chairs and chimney board complement these.
Visiting the State Bedchamber, we learned that upon receiving the bill for the bed itself, Robert Child was immensely concerned. Tearing up the bill, he said, “No one must ever know what it cost!” The 8-poster bed pays homage to the goddess of love, Venus. The corners of the bed have images of sphinxes. The green-themed room has a color that is associated with spring and fertility. This entire room is noted as a shrine to love and an ode to sleep.
The Etruscan Dressing Room bears Greek and Etruscan imagery.
The upper floor was closed during the week of our stay in London due to a movie filming on the property grounds, but we enjoyed viewing the entire ground floor of the property.
The Former Residence of The Earl and Countess of Jersey
George Child Villiers, the 9th Early of Jersey, opened the Osterley property to the public in 1939. The National Trust has done extensive work to present this property as it would have looked in the late 18th century.
The Gardens of Osterley House
After enjoying an informative walk through the interior of Osterley House, venture outside to wander the expansive gardens, which cover many acres. A walk through this beautiful landscape can almost allow you to forget you are still in the heart of urban London. The frequent airplanes that fly directly over the property, however, are a reminder of the proximity to Heathrow Airport.
Designed by renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, the gardens boast formal lawns,
ornamental lakes, and even a classical temple. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and enjoy the scenic views or participate in one of the many activities and events held throughout the year.
Our stroll in the gardens took us past herbaceous borders, vegetable beds, and rose gardens. We passed the original Robert Adam summer house, where lemon trees dotted the outside area.
A structure in the garden area called ‘The Temple of Pan’ is where Osterley guests would have found a place to relax. The Jersey family restored this building during their residency here in the 1930s. Inside are medallion heads on the walls, which are believed to represent art, literature, and the seasons.
In the middle of an otherwise urban center, Osterley Park also provides a refuge for wildlife. Its habitat is home to woodpeckers, bats, owls, hedgehogs, and various birds of prey.
A Setting for Socialite Gatherings
Throughout its history, the garden area was central to entertaining guests at the property. In 1939, Osterley House once again provided a setting for entertaining socialites. A Georgian Ball was held here under the patronage of Queen Mary, with attendees marveling at a glamorous affair. Recalling its 18th-century legacy, a beer garden was offered in the gardens, and fireworks dazzled attendees as they lit the sky over the lake. At the same time, an orchestra played music from Handel’s Water Music. Lord Jersey appeared in a blue velvet suit reminiscent of clothing once worn by Francis Child—Lady Jersey dressed as the 4th Countess in a custom-tailored blue and silver dress.
It was also in 1939 that Osterley House was opened to the public. During this exhibition year, a marvelous display of art ranging from impressionist paintings to contemporary art attracted nearly 27,000 people.
Osterley House Today
In 1949, Osterley House was donated to the National Trust by its then-owner, the 9th Earl of Jersey. Since then, it has been open to the public and has welcomed millions of visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the aristocratic way of life in 18th-century England. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a hub for cultural events, such as concerts and outdoor film screenings.
Planning Your Visit to Osterley House
Ready to explore Osterley House for yourself? The house is open year-round on Wednesdays through Sundays, and tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the kiosk.
Entry is free for National Trust members.
Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours and audio guides to learn more about the rich history of this magnificent property.
And after your visit, remember to stop by the gift shop for souvenirs and treats inspired by Osterley House.
You can also enjoy refreshments on the grounds at the Osterley House Cafe.
Getting to Osterley House
Osterley House is located in the suburban area of Osterley, West London – Isleworth UK. It can be easily accessed by public transportation or by car.
If you travel by train, the nearest station is Osterley Station on the Piccadilly Line. From there,
it’s a short 10-minute walk to the house through a lovely residential neighborhood.
Osterley House is conveniently located near the A4 and M4 motorways for those driving. Free
parking is available on-site for visitors.
You can also reach Osterley House by bus, with multiple routes stopping nearby.
Osterley House and Park Address: Jersey Rd, Isleworth TW7 4RB, United Kingdom
Why We Visited Osterley House
Our visit to Osterley House was prompted by doing family research. My dad, a Polish refugee during WWII, entered the Royal Air Force stationed at RAF Halton. During those years, he, along with several other young Polish boys, was taken in for holidays by Virginia Cherrill.
Our research before arrival in London identified Osterley Park and House as one of the residences where Virginia Cherrill (Lady Jersey) lived during the war years, along with nearby Richmond
Palace; one of these two properties is where young Bolesław Dobrucki enjoyed a lavish respite from the harshness of WWII.
It was exciting to enter this ‘palace of palaces,’ especially knowing the connection to my family
history from my dad. Bolesław Dobrucki, to his adopted aunt, Virginia Cherrill. We were impressed with the house’s grandeur upon our visit and wondered how it would have impacted young visitors during the war years.
One of the docents confirmed that Osterley House is where Virginia Cherrill (Lady Jersey) would have put up a group of boys from the Polish Army. So, with this information, our encounter with
Osterley House becomes more personal and emotional.
Film and TV at Osterley House
From its early days to the present, Osterley House and its stunning gardens have been popular filming locations for movies and television shows. Its elegant architecture, beautiful interiors, and sprawling grounds make it a picturesque backdrop for various stories set in different eras.
Some notable films shot at Osterley House include “The Young Victoria” (2009), where the
house stood in for Buckingham Palace, and “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), where the Temple of Apollo was used as a location for Wayne Manor.
Television series such as “Doctor Who,” “Downton Abbey,” and “Victoria” have also filmed scenes at Osterley House, taking advantage of its grandeur and historical charm.
But perhaps one of the most famous appearances of Osterley House on screen was in the 1985 James Bond film “A View to a Kill.” The house served as villain Max Zorin’s French estate, showcasing its versatility as a filming location.
With its long and diverse history, it’s no wonder that so many productions have chosen Osterley House as their filming location. And with its continued popularity, we can expect to see
more of this stunning property on our screens.
Recommended Places to Stay Near Osterley House
Here are several more top-rated places to stay near Osterley House. These lodgings meet our special criteria for top-rated lodgings:
Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford – Located in Brentford, Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford is in the city center and near the airport. Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are notable landmarks, and the area’s natural beauty can be seen at Syon Park and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Petersham Hotel – Located in Richmond, The Petersham is in the historic district. Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are notable landmarks, and shopping travelers may want to visit Westfield London Shopping Centre and Oxford Street.
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel – Near a metro station, London Heathrow Marriott Hotel is in Heathrow Villages, a neighborhood in Hayes with reasonable airport proximity.
Search for more lodging options below:
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Osterley House is indeed worth visiting for its historical significance and architectural beauty. The house has several rooms to explore and is presented as it would have been in its prime. It offers a wonderful atmosphere, and the park area is free to enter. Be aware that parking charges are noted as being relatively high. Still, from our visit, we believe it is a hidden gem in London.
Osterley Park is famous for several reasons. Its rich history dates back to the Tudor era. The property gained significant fame in the late 18th century when it was transformed by the renowned architect Robert Adam. The park is also noted for its remarkable collection of paintings owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Finally, the name ‘Osterley’ itself, first noted in 1274, derives from Old English words meaning ‘sheepfold clearing,’ adding an additional layer of historical significance.
If you’re planning a visit to Osterley House in London and want to bring your furry friend along, here’s what you need to know about dogs on the premises. While dogs are not permitted in the formal gardens, they are allowed off-lead within the designated area on the front lawn. However, keeping them on a lead in other areas of the park, including the Stables Courtyard, Causeway, cafe, and shop, is important. Inside Osterley House and Gardens, only assistance dogs are permitted. So, plan accordingly and enjoy exploring this historic site with your four-legged companion!
Additional information regarding Osterley House
Station: Piccadilly Line (zone 4)
Further reading: Lucy Porten, Osterley Park and House, History Press, 2017
Website: National Trust – Osterley Park and House
Listen to Our Osterley House Podcast Episode
Check out more hidden gems in London
Richmond Palace – Former Royal Residence hidden in London
Enjoy a Visit to the Wonderful Osterley House in London
We departed Osterley House and Park, thankful to experience its history and understand the home’s connection to its World War II inhabitants.
Whether you’re a history buff, an avid gardener, or simply looking for a beautiful day out, Osterley
House has something for everyone. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and picturesque gardens, it’s no wonder this stately home is a must-visit destination in London.
Thanks for reading. We hope you’re inspired to visit Osterley House and Park – and we hope to see you at the places where we go!
Art & Julie
osterley #osterleyhouse
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