About

Marble Hill is the last complete survivor of the elegant villas and gardens which bordered the Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court in the 18th century. It was begun in 1724 for the remarkable Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II when he was Prince of Wales, and friend of some of the cleverest men in England. The house and gardens were planned by a coterie of fashionable connoisseurs, including Mrs Howard's neighbour, the poet Alexander Pope.

A lovely Palladian villa still set in 66 acres of riverside parkland, Marble Hill was intended as an Arcadian retreat from crowded 18th-century London. It became renowned as a salon of literary wits, gathered round their learned hostess. The compact but carefully planned interior is focused on the first floor 'Great Room' where Mrs Howard held court.

Marble Hill's interiors have been exquisitely restored and recreated, and some of its dispersed original contents have been re-assembled from as far afield as Philadelphia and Melbourne, Australia. There is also a fine collection of early Georgian paintings, including portraits of Mrs Howard and her circle. There can be few places in England which better recall the atmosphere of Georgian fashionable life. A display recreates the Chinese wallpaper Henrietta Howard hung in the dining room. A unique paper has been designed to fit the room, each sheet different and hand painted by Chinese artists.

 

Group Visits:

A day out at this idyllic Palladian mansion is a treat for any group. A self-led group visit is free-of-charge.

For groups that want to delve deeper into the story of this magnificent house and it's world-reknowned art collection, Marble Hill offer exclusive guided tours.

• Marble Hill: House & Park tour

Let our expert introduce your group to the house and the grounds and how it has come to be the beloved park it is today. This tour will bring to life some of the former features of the estate as well as those remaining, such as the Ice House and Grotto. Maximum 25 pax per tour. Duration: 2 hours.

• Marble Hill: House Highlights tour

Let our knowledgeable guide reveal the story of Marble Hill house to your group. Built for Henrietta Howard, it is a textbook example of Palladian architecture, its superb collection of early Georgian artworks and furnishings are a pleasure to behold. Maximum 25 pax per tour. Duration: 1 hours.

Guided tours must be booked in advance.

 

School Visits:

Book a free, self-led visit to Marble Hill and organise your day to suit your curriculum needs.

Free, self-led visits are available Wednesday – Friday, 10am - 4.30pm from 1st April to 31st October.

 

Expert-led discovery visits: 

Let our experts bring the history of Marble Hill House to life for your students during an interactive outdoors Discovery Visit.