Strawberry Hill
Horace Walpole’s ‘little Gothic castle’ is a manifesto in plaster and light: a playful, brainy reboot of medieval style that launched the Gothic Revival and helped spark the Gothic novel. Paper-thin fan vaults, mirrored vistas and sugar-white tracery turn corridors into stage-sets; volunteers animate the rooms with sharp anecdotes. Expect a compact visit (60–75 mins) rich in “spot the reference” moments—and a calm garden for a post-tour wander.
Opening Hours
What's not to miss inside?
The Gallery
Icon of early Gothic Revival interiorsIts glittering, gilded ‘fan vault’ isn’t stone at all—papier-mâché and wood painted to dazzle on a budget.
📍 First floor, east range
The Tribune
Walpole’s private ‘treasury’An octagon inspired by Renaissance studioli, built to display prized curios—prototype ‘cabinet of curiosities’ vibes.
📍 First floor, octagonal room off the Gallery
The Stair & Hall Sequence
Cinematic movement through spacePointed arches, light-wells and sudden reveals turn an ordinary stair into a piece of theatre.
📍 Ground to first floor
Garden Circuit
Picturesque framing for façadesPlanting and path curves were designed to ‘edit’ the house—one façade at a time like turning pages.
📍 Lawn and shrubbery around the house
Inspire your Friends
- Walpole coined the word “serendipity” in a 1754 letter—written while living at Strawberry Hill.
- His DIY ‘Gothic’ was intentionally theatrical: many ‘stone’ details are lightweight plaster and papier-mâché.
- In 1842 a month-long ‘Great Sale’ dispersed the house’s treasures; recent shows have reunited some pieces temporarily.
