Waddesdon Manor

About 5 years ago in late April - early May - (can't be sure which) we went with family members. We bought tickets upon entering, no waiting. It is a magnificent place, as Rothschild really fancied French chateaux. We were there several hours, it is not a place to rush through.

I'm not sure I have been there in May? Maybe, probably, but I don't remember. I go frequently but am often on holiday in May.

It is a really fun place at Christmas, and the run up to Christmas with the big tree and all the presents and candlelight. The shop is fun in the run up to Christmas, too. Although it is a National Trust property it is still run by the family trusts, so the shop is different than all other shops.

I've been many times in the summer and always enjoy seeing how the residents in the aviary are doing. You know when you are getting near when you hear the screeching.

The grounds are fabulous all the year round. I would have thought May would be very nice, with the tree leaves all stretching out and the flowers getting started. It shouldn't be particularly crowded as long as you avoid the two bank holiday weekends in May, and the half-term.

The house is much the same year round, with more light through the windows when the days are longer. The Gentleman's Apartments are only open certain days of the week. Check the website for details.

I'm a member of the National Trust so I never have to wait in a queue to enter but I can't ever remember particularly long queues to enter.

In fact we were there last year (don't remember the month) when both sides of the drive, and the lawns either side were chock a block with American muscle cars there (I was looking for a 440) for a show and I walked straight into the restaurant for a meal. No fuss no muss.

Thank both of you SO MUCH for your answers!

My husband and I thought that it would be WONDERFUL to visit, but we GREATLY appreciate both of you confirming our thoughts.

We are really looking forward to visiting!!!!

Thanks again,
Virginia

We were there the end of April about 3 years ago. It was FREEZING cold! But, in spite of that we loved the visit. Spent several hours.

Hi Sharon,

It looks like we have many of the same interests.

Thanks for letting me know that you really liked seeing this.

The house and the gardens look AMAZING on the Internet. The Internet has a way of making almost anything look good.

I really appreciate knowing your personal experience was great, even though the weather was less than inviting.

One final question....did you use an Overseas National Trust card to see some of the things?

Thanks again,
Virginia

Hi Virginia. We did not use an overseas National Trust Card. I typically look at what we are wanting to see and whether it makes sense dollar-wise to purchase. On this particular trip it did not.

The weather in May here can be very hot (75 degrees) or it can be cold and wet! May is often better weather than June. The gardens at Waddesdon will be better at the end of May than at the start.

Waddesdon house and grounds are closed every Monday and Tuesday, apart from Bank Holiday Mondays (this year 4th and 25th May) when they open, so plan your trip carefully. The gardens are open 10 - 5pm and the house 12 - 4pm each day. It depends on how much detail you want to cover in the house but 2/2.5 hours should cover both the house and the gardens. Weekends will be busier than weekdays, so it is advisable to get there when it opens at weekends, particularly if they have vintage car displays or such like. 25 - 29 May are school holidays in the UK, so places will be busier and accommodation is generally more expensive.

The cream teas in the cafe at Waddesdon are huge (pot of tea, 2 scones, cream and jam) - big enough to share between two!

Waddesdon is over-the-top French style and if you want to balance this with something smaller, restrained and more typically English, Ascott House near Leighton Buzzard is also owned by the NT and is c 13 miles 25 minutes drive away.

If you are visiting other National Trust properties during your visit, it may be worth buying an annual ticket. They have a website www.national trust.org.uk which can help. Many NT properties close on a Monday.