Marble Hill House

Marble Hill House is looked after by English Heritage and is free entry. The house itself had a few rooms to wonder through, and the room guides seemed fairly knowledgeable. Outside there is grounds to wonder through, including gardens and an ice house. For the children there is a family guide where they can go looking for things etc, which seemed to keep our daughter entertained!

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My Samoyed boy loves this beautiful historical mansion as he a rescue dog from South Korea and moved to the UK a year ago. For him its a very large dog friendly park and so peaceful. Paddy-Posong simply loves it.

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This English heritage site, free to access, offered a wealth of history to explore during a Sunday stroll. The site became particularly captivating when you spoke to the volunteers, who brought the stories to life. There was ample green outdoor space for walking, running, and for dogs and children to play.

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Marble Hill house is the former home of Henrietta Howard and is the last complete survivor of the elegant villas that bordered the Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court in the 18th century. Henrietta's story is an interesting one, born into the wealthy Hobart family of Blickling Hall in Norfolk she was the mistress of king George II who gifted her the funds to build Marble Hill house. Later the house was owned by Johnathan Peel,the brother of Sue Robert Peel and later again by the Cunard family of shipping fame. Inside the house are numerous portraits including Henrietta, George II and other influential people if the time. There is a mahogany staircase which would have been very expensive and it is believed that George II had a hand in this two. The poet Alexander Pope was a frequent visitor to Marble Hill and was thought to hold a candle for Henrietta but this was not reciprocated. He had a hand in the design of the gardens and was also able to invite his literary friends including Johnathan Swift. Eventually Pope withdrew no doubt due to the fact Henrietta was not romantically attracted to him. The house is managed by English Heritage but is currently free to enter for all. There is a car park which is free for members and chargeable for non members. There are public toilets on the ground floor of the house including an accessible toilet. Refreshments are available at the former stable block a few minutes walk from the house. The gardens and parklands are quite large and again free to all, a great place to picnic,walk your dog, exercise etc. and is close to the Thames path.

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This free to visit English Heritage site can be viewed in 15-30 minutes. It’s not huge but starts with a few minute video, then able to see 6-8 recreated rooms. The volunteers were wonderful in sharing extra details and rooms interesting, with great views from the upper floors. Gardens in the back lovely as well, and cafe a two minute walk away in the former stables block. Toilets onsite at both the house and cafe. Car park is pricy but free on street parking or accessible via public transit.

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