(Photo: Sarah Jackson)
More photos
Open:
Saturday 12:00–17:00
+ Sunday 12:00–17:00
Description:
Roehampton Great House originally stood on this site, built in 1625 for the Lord High Treasurer of England under Charles I. Some of the foundations are still visible in the cellar of Grove House. James Wyatt built the present house in 1792 for Sir Joshua Vanneck.
Now part of Roehampton University, the beautiful listed grounds of Grove House were first laid out in the 18th century, when Capability Brown is believed to have been consulted.
The formal gardens, lily pond with fountain and limestone terrace were added in the 19th century, as well as the grotto (it is said, to deaden the noise from the adjacent convent!) There is also a lake, a sham bridge, and a mausoleum. The icehouse was only discovered in 1998, when exploratory work on the grotto revealed a bricked-up door.
Activities:
Refreshments in the Terrace Room. Information sheets and self-guided walks.
Entrance:
Roehampton Lane
Nearest postcode: SW15 5PJ
Sells tickets.
Buses:
72, 265 and 493 stop outside, 85 and 170 a few minutes' walk away
Station:
Barnes (1km)
Car Parking:
Parking available on site.
Access:
Most of the circuit of the garden is accessible by wheelchair. There are some steps but alternative routes are available. Uneven surface in places.
Dogs:
Working assistance dogs only
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 26/05/2010