Weston Park

About

A most welcoming stately home, gifted to the nation in 1986. From the Front Hall, with its tribute to the 3rd Earl’s love of horses, the Victorian Library furnished with over 3,000 books, the unique Gobelin tapestries, specially commissioned for the House, to the stunning Dining Room, which houses one of the country’s most impressive collections of paintings including works by renowned artists such as Sir Anthony Van Dyck. The beauty and tranquility of the House is the result of centuries of creativity, collecting and patronage of artists and craftsmen, by generations of one family, the Bridgemans, Earls of Bradford.

Weston has a team of volunteer guides who will happily enlighten you with information on the treasures of the rooms, as well as offer anecdotes from times gone by.  There is plenty for children to explore in the House through a selection of trails.

The House operates on a free-flow basis on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays and is by guided tour every 45 minutes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The attractions include the House, Temple Wood, Walled Gardens, Adventure Playground, Miniature Railway, Gallery and Gift Shop, Stables Coffee Bar and Restaurant.

Why not stay in their award winning high quality self-catering accommodation - see the website for further info.

Temple Wood, Formal Gardens and Parklands

Temple Wood is part of Weston’s extensive grounds and is one of the jewels in the crown of Capability Brown’s work, showcasing his virtuosity as a landscaper.  A naturalistic and romantic paradise, over the last 15 years the estate has gradually returned the landscape to Brown’s original vision.

Capability Brown designed the Temple Wood Pleasure Ground as a relaxing haven for the Bridgeman family. Brown was commissioned to create the wood to please all of the senses, and it still does today.  Within the woodland, visitors can enjoy a stroll, spot the wildlife that makes its home in the scenery, and see a host of historic sights.

In addition to exploring the natural delights of Temple Wood, families can enjoy the highly popular Woodland Adventure Playground. This much loved area of the park is home to swings, slides, cargo net, climbing wall, ground level trampolines, rotational nest swing, log swing, large sandpit complete with sand diggers plus, at nearly 40 metres, one of the longest double zip wires in the country!

The Walled Kitchen Gardens originally produced fruit and vegetables for the Bridgeman family, their guests and staff.  The 4.5 acres of garden were built on the sheltered south facing slope with the walls dating from the late 18th century.  

The Southern Walled Garden was restored in 2005 and is now to home to a Yew Hedge Maze, labyrinth and grass mazes as well as heritage varieties of apple trees, a sensory garden and a brood of chickens.

The Northern Walled Garden, which was originally divided into four areas by paths to enable a four year rotation of crops is also being restored on a gradual basis and is currently home to Jacob and St Kilda sheep, which are heritage breeds and sculptures. A wild flower meadow, changing displays of contemporary sculpture.

Group Visits

We welcome groups at Weston Park, 

Behind the Scenes Tours These tours offer an intriguing glimpse of parts of the House not normally open to the public. Who were the staff and where did they live and work? How did the great house operate in the Victorian times when the 3rd Earl and his family would throw huge house parties? The tours also give an insight into the work of the Weston Park Foundation who are charged with the conservation of the House and its magnificent collection.