Strawberry Hill House is an 18th Century Grade I listed building in London, which is recognised as probably Britain's finest example of architecture in the Georgian Gothic revival style. The house was created by the writer Horace Walpole, and inspired some of his work. Walpole also kept an enormous amount of valuable works of art and antiquities in the home.

In the 18th Century Lady Waldegrave took over the running of the house, and added areas of entertainment. The house was bought in 1923 by St. Mary's University College, and, in 2007, the Strawberry Hill Trust were leased the house. The house was subsequently restored and opened to the general public.

Things to see and do

For those who are planning to visit Strawberry Hill House there are many things to see and do whilst you are there. Here is a list of some of the interesting things not to miss:

The rooms at the Strawberry Hill House Twickenham are lit in a spectacular fashion, through renaissance glass and the hall and staircase have a Gothic grandeur about them. The Great Parlour was originally used by Robert Walpole as a dining room and contains furniture that are replicas of the original sofas.

The Library has had extensive restoration work, while the Holbein Chamber is notable for its purple walls and for housing drawings by the Dutch master Hans Holbein. Paintings are being restored in the Gallery, but the papier mâché restoration is complete, and the rich Norwich damask on the walls is one of the room's most striking features. By comparison, the Round Room has hangings of crimson silk.

Intricate restoration work in the Tribune has brought much of the beauty of the original windows back to life. The Great North Bedchamber is hung with crimson Norwich damask and includes a Portland stone fireplace.

Several items of historical significance post-Walpole can be found in the Beauty (Discovery) Room, including part of wallpaper designed by William Morris and Lady Waldegrave's bell system. The Museum Room was originally the Servants Hall and tells the story, through its artefacts, of the people who owned, lived in, and are associated with the house. The house's Garden is being restored, including Walpole's lime trees.

Strawberry Hill hosts several Gothic related events, and in 2012 has hosted a Twilight Tour and a Gothic film season.

Opening Times

The house is open between 2pm and 4:20pm from Mondays to Wednesdays, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4:20 pm. The house is closed to the public on Thursdays and Fridays. 
From October 31st, 2012, the house won't be open to visitors until the spring of 2013.

How to get to Strawberry Hill House

By Bus:

• The 33 bus, Hammersmith to Fulwell, via Twickenham and Richmond. Stops outside the house at the Strawberry Vale Stop. Runs every 6-10 minutes during the day. 

• Route R68, Kew Retail Park and Hampton Court Station. Every 15 minutes, calls at Michelham Gardens. The house is less than 5 minutes walk away from the stop.

By Rail:

• From Waterloo to Strawberry Hill Station. Approximately 5 to 10 minute walk from the station. There are four trains an hour, and two on Sundays.

By Tube:

• District Line to Richmond, catching a R68 bus in the direction of Hampton Court. Get off at Michelham Gardens.