Ashdown House
Oxfordshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Upper Lambourn Rd, Lambourn, Hungerford RG17 8RE
Telephone 01793 762209
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 2:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 2:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Ashdown House is a 17th-century hunting lodge built for the Earl of Craven, possibly as a refuge for Elizabeth of Bohemia, the "Winter Queen." It's tenanted and open only by pre-booked guided tour, and reviewers are clear the interior visit is compact - essentially the staircase and roof views - so it pairs well with the surrounding walks, including one to the nearby Uffington White Horse.
Worth the trip
The roof viewpoint at the top of the staircase, the standout feature of the interior tour.
Before you go
Book your ticket in advance, and know the interior visit is brief - reviewers suggest treating it as one stop on a day of walks rather than the main event.
Reviewers consistently highlight the need to book a guided tour in advance, with the guides themselves praised as knowledgeable and engaging in bringing the house's royal and wartime history to life. The house tour is noted as relatively short, focused mainly on the staircase and a rooftop terrace with views over the surrounding walks and deer, rather than furnished rooms. The surrounding National Trust woodland and circular walks, including routes toward the nearby Uffington White Horse and King Alfred's Castle, are repeatedly called a highlight in their own right. There is no cafe on site, though toilets are available.
17th-century hunting lodge built for the Earl of Craven, tenanted, visited only by pre-booked guided tour
“A lovely estate with some very nice walks. House is just staircase and roof views. You can beat the 40 mins on the stairs by staying outside until 35 mins into the timed tour”- John TJ, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “National Trust car park is open every day with access to the extensive woods, with various sheltered trails to explore.” - Debbie Smith
- Guided tours
- “The tour guide was great, and very knowledgeable about the place.” - Pete / Hel
- Terrain & accessibility
- “There are four steps before we enter the house, so the hall and after we went up to the top floor where there is a terrace from where you can explore the gardens and deer.” - Marta Foronda
- Facilities
- “The house has toilets for customers but there isn't any coffee shop yet.” - Marta Foronda
Common questions about Ashdown House
Where is Ashdown House?
Ashdown House is in Oxfordshire, England, at Upper Lambourn Rd, Lambourn, Hungerford RG17 8RE.
Do you need a ticket to visit Ashdown House?
Yes - Ashdown House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Ashdown House?
The roof viewpoint at the top of the staircase, the standout feature of the interior tour.
Is Ashdown House a ruin or still intact?
Ashdown House is largely intact - 17th-century hunting lodge built for the Earl of Craven, tenanted, visited only by pre-booked guided tour.
