🏡Strawberry Hill House

📍 268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4ST, London 🕒 Open Sat–Wed 11:00–16:00 (last entry 15:00); Garden & Café open 09:00–16:00  🎟️ House tickets ~£14.50–16; concessions, children free; Garden free  ⸻ 🌟 What Makes It Special • First Gothic Revival villa: Built by Horace Walpole from 1749–1790, the house blends playful medieval-inspired façades—turrets, battlements, pointed arches—with interiors like fan-vaulted ceilings and stained-glass details reminiscent of Henry VII’s Chapel . • Spectacular interiors: From the dramatic Long Gallery’s papier‑mâché vaulted ceiling and crimson damask walls to the intimate Gothic library with carved cupboards, the decor is theatrical and imaginative. • Personal museum feel: Once home to Walpole’s vast curios collection—oddities, portraits, and antiques—though much was sold in 1842, the restored rooms still evoke his eclectic taste. • Extensive restoration: After near collapse, a £10m restoration (completed in 2010) revived its confection-like exterior and ornate interiors, earning cultural heritage awards. ⸻ ✅ Why Visit • A pioneering architectural marvel: It launched Britain’s Gothic Revival and influenced later iconic structures like the Palace of Westminster. • Immersive atmosphere: Each room tells a story—from spooky “gloomth” stairwell to bright gallery—perfect for fans of literature, architecture, and theatrical design. • Perfect half-day trip: Easy train ride from central London, with charming gardens, café, and even family-friendly events in summer. ⸻ 💡 Visitor Tips • Allow ~2 hours: Explore house, stroll garden, sip coffee in the cloister café. • Book online: Save on tickets and secure entry—site has limited capacity per day. • Visit early or off-peak: Less crowded and best for photos of interiors and exterior façade. • Enhance experience: Guided tours or tactile models (for visually impaired) add depth to the visit. #trip #博物馆 #historicallandmarks #familytrip #历史古迹 #景点拍照指南