Experience 500 years of a family home, history, art and nature

Still very much a family home and only open to the public for just two months each year, Althorp was purchased by the Spencer family in 1508 and extensively remodelled in the 18 th century by renowned English architect Henry Holland.

Visitors are invited to explore 17 magnificent rooms housing one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, pictures and ceramics, telling the story of the Spencer family through the ages until August 31.

Don’t miss the extraordinary grandeur of the 115-ft long Picture Gallery, an exquisite survivor of the original house, or the numerous furnishings and fireplaces taken to Althorp from Spencer House in London for safekeeping during WWII.

Connoisseurs will enjoy Althorp’s extensive collection of priceless paintings, including Sir Anthony van Dyck’s War and Peace as well as works by Stubbs, Reynolds, Rubens and Gainsborough. Every room displays extensive information about Althorp’s fascinating history, but don’t be afraid to ask one of the super knowledgeable attendants if you’d like to know more. Alternatively, free audio tours narrated by the 9 th Earl Spencer are accessible through QR codes on visitors’ own phones.

Of course, Althorp was also the childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales and visitors are welcome to wander through the arboretum and walk in the gardens, which are still enjoyed by generations of the Spencer Family. For many visitors, the tranquil park with its exceptional collection of veteran Oaks and rare herd of black Fallow deer is a highlight.

You’re welcome to enjoy your own picnic surrounded by nature. Alternatively, the Stables Café in the Grade II-listed, Palladian-style Stable Block offers a variety of local food and drink, including Afternoon Tea, and the Gift Shop offers lots of mementos of your visit.

Visitors can choose to tour the house and grounds, or grounds only, with adult tickets starting at £18. Or better yet, be one of the few to uncover the hidden stories of this extraordinary home by embarking on one of the Exclusive Tours, with the opportunity to experience Althorp in rare privacy and a luxurious Champagne Afternoon Tea included. A variety of concessions are available, including for Historic House Association members.

For full details and to book tickets and Afternoon Tea, go to https://althorp.com/