
There’s something undeniably magical about the idea of a grotto, isn’t there? And no, not just because of the association with Santa Claus. A covert little cavern that’s been nestled underground for hundreds of years? I’m sold. And so it comes as pretty great news that London has its very own subterranean grotto that (every so often) opens to the public.
Pope’s Grotto is the only surviving slice of the home of one of Twickenham’s most illustrious former residents, Alexander Pope. Packed full of colourful mosaics, mineral formations, shells, statues, and a whole lot of mystery; the grotto is a true twinkling gem in London’s overflowing trove of hidden treasures.
Credit: @curiouslondon_ via Instagram
The history of Pope’s Grotto
Way back in 1719, celebrated poet, satirist, translator, letter-writer, and garden-designer, Alexander Pope, bought himself a villa on the banks of the River Thames in Twickenham. Shortly after moving in, he decided to add grotto-builder to his already rather lengthy CV (because, why not?), and began constructing a series of passageways underneath his villa.
Having a grotto beneath your house was pretty standard among rich folk at the time. But whilst most grotto’s were fairly small and shallow, Alexander Pope (being the overachiever that he evidently was) decided to dig a long tunnel leading to two rooms, deep beneath his house. In 1725 – exactly 300 year ago – Pope’s Grotto was complete, and the rest is history.
After Pope’s death, the house itself was sold, demolished, and later turned into a school. But deep beneath the riverside building, the grotto still remains. The ornate details that adorn the grotto’s walls showcase just how intricate the work that went into its construction was. It is now a Grade II* listed building, and – after years of careful restoration, courtesy of the Pope’s Grotto Preservation Trust – is (a few times a year) opened to the public, so that mere mortals like you and I can have a snoop around it and soak up some of its historic atmosphere.
Pope’s Grotto is only open to the public on selected days throughout the year. Spaces fill up very quickly, so find out more and plan your visit here.