A country estate with 40 acres of gardens to explore
Syon Park, House And Gardens, London’s last surviving ducal residence and home to the Duke of Northumberland, boasts 40 acres of lovely gardens within an incredible 200 acres of wider parkland, as well as the stunning Great Conservatory. Comprising of some magnificent interiors, Syon House has been home to the Percy family for over 400 years.
While there are many stunning green spaces you won’t believe are in London, Syon House is an absolute must-visit. About an hour by train or bus, this breathtaking, Grade-I listed building and its gardens are worth a making a bit of a journey.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Syon House
1. An architectural and artistic gem
Designed by Robert Adam, a Scottish neoclassical architect and interior designer, the building is known for being some of his best work. It’s also home to an extensive art collection, including antiques collected by the Percy family over a number of centuries. And, designed by Charles Fowler in the 1820s, the Great Conservatory is a picture-perfect botanical paradise.
2. Teeming with wildlife
The parklands are home to a diversity of habitats in a comparatively small area (although it is technically seen as part of a larger expanse of green space, including Kew Gardens and Richmond Park), which means there’s a huge variety of wildlife living in the grounds. Syon’s Tide Meadow – 40 acres of tall grass washland – is actually considered a Site of Special Interest.
3. Syon boasts an impressive tree collection
There are some incredible trees scattered around, dating back to the 18th century at most. These include over twenty Champion trees; the largest specimens in the Country. Due to a bit of neglect over the years, an extensive programme of replanting began, and over the last fifteen years the amount of tree species grown at the estate has doubled or more to over 400.
What can you do at Syon House?
Firstly, you can choose to get lost in the gardens. If you’ve had enough of the big city, this is the perfect place to visit. There are 40 acres of superb gardens to explore, surrounded by 200 acres of parkland, which, between them, have over 600 years of history. Make sure you take a peek inside Syon House, explore the Great Conservatory, and for any refreshments, head to either the Courtyard Restaurant or Clocktower Café at Hillier Garden Centre (adjacent to Syon House).
Another fantastic time to visit is for Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland event in November, when the park is illuminated with fantastic lights and visuals, forming a trail around the lake and ending at the Great Conservatory. It’s a truly breathtaking affair.
Syon Park has continued to host a wide variety of events throughout the years, including charity dog walks, The Great British Bake Off, and even provided a setting for Bridgerton. What’s more, the popular Candlelight series that are classical concerts illuminated by flickering candles has called Syon Park and House home for a while too.