Chiswick House is a Palladian villa in Burlington Lane, Chiswick. Arguably the finest remaining example of Neo-Palladian architecture in London, the house was designed by Lord Burlington, and completed in 1729. The house and gardens, which occupy 26.33 hectares (65.1 acres), mainly created by architect and landscape designer William Kent, is one of the earliest examples of the English landscape garden.
After the death of its builder and original occupant in 1753 and the subsequent deaths of his last surviving daughter, Charlotte Boyle, in 1754 and his widow in 1758, the property was ceded to William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire, the husband of Charlotte. After William’s death in 1764, the villa passed to his and Charlotte’s orphaned young son, William, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. His wife, Georgiana Spencer, a prominent and controversial figure in fashion and politics whom he married in 1774, used the house as a retreat and as a Whig stronghold for many years; it was the place of death of Charles James Fox in 1806. Tory Prime Minister George Canning also died there, in 1827 (in a bedroom in the John White wing buildings).
During the 19th century the house fell into decline, and was rented out by the Cavendish family. It was used as a hospital from 1892. In 1929, the 9th Duke of Devonshire sold Chiswick House to Middlesex County Council, and it became a fire station. The villa suffered damage during World War II, and in 1944 a V-2 rocket damaged one of the two wings. The wings were demolished in 1956. Today the house is a Grade I listed building, and is maintained by English Heritage.
Visitor Information for Chiswick House and Gardens
Opening times, admission costs, and travel directions. Chiswick House and Gardens, W4 2RP.
The Gardens
Open every day from 7am until dusk, all year round.
There is no charge for visiting Chiswick House Gardens and the Conservatory
The House
Sunday – Wednesday and bank holidays 10am – 6pm
Ticket prices for Chiswick House are as follows:
Adult: £6.30
Children (Age 5-15): £3.80
Family Ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children): £16.40
Concession: £5.70
Children under 5 and English Heritage Members, National Art Pass Members: FREE
15% group discount for eleven or more paying visitors if one person makes payment for the group.
The Conservatory
Open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm
Free entry (donations welcome)
The Café
Open every day from 8.30am. Closing time varies throughout the year. See the Café page for full details.
Listing Details
- Address: Chiswick House and Gardens, Hogarth Lane W4 2RP.
- Phone: (0) 20 8742 3905
- Website: http://www.chgt.org.uk
- Get there by bus: 190
- Get there by tube/train: South West Trains
- Wheelchair access: Yes
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Additional information:
Accessibility to Chiswick House and Gardens
Information on accessibility to Chiswick House and Gardens.
Access to the Gardens and Café
The majority of paths within the gardens are level or gently undulating and have a smooth or thin gravel surface. The steep incline on the Classic Bridge can be avoided by taking a short signed detour around the Northern end of the river. Benches are provided throughout the gardens.
Access to the House
The house is reached via a gravel courtyard. There is one step at the entrance and a ramp is available if required. All areas of the ground floor can be accessed and contain some seating. The first floor is reached via a narrow spiral staircase. If on arrival you find this staircase is difficult to manage the house staff can provide alternative access via the external portico steps.
Weather permitting a stair climber is available to the first floor via the portico steps. If you require the stair climber or wish to book the use of a wheelchair for use within the house please contact Chiswick House staff in advance of your visit on tel no. 0208 995 0508.
Café and Conservatory
These buildings are fully wheelchair accessible
Toilet Facilities
Public toilet facilities including those for disabled use are situated beside the Café.
Parking
The public car park for the house and gardens is situated just off the westbound A4 and clearly marked by a brown tourist board entrance sign. The car park has spaces for 60 cars (including 3 free disabled spaces).
The house and café can be reached via a 5 minute walk along level gravel paths. If you require disabled parking closer to the House please contact House staff on 0208 995 0508 to book a parking place within the gardens. Spaces are limited and booking is required.
Visually Impaired Visitors
An audio tour is included in the admission price to the House. Visitors to cellars should be accompanied as there are steep steps and low ceilings. Barrels in the cellar may be touched.
Hearing Impaired Visitors
An audio tour with hearing loop is included in the admission price to the House.
Opening Times
- Monday 7am- 7.30 pm
- Tuesday 7am- 7.30 pm
- Wednesday 7am- 7.30 pm
- Thursday 7am- 7.30 pm
- Friday 7am- 7.30 pm
- Saturday 7am- 7.30 pm
- Sunday 7am- 7.30 pm
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