Syon House, Park, and Gardens is a real treasure just outside central London—home to the Duke of Northumberland and London’s last surviving ducal residence. With 40 acres of beautiful gardens set within 200 acres of expansive parkland, it’s the perfect blend of history and nature. The Great Conservatory and the elegant interiors of Syon House, which has been in the Percy family for over 400 years, make it an unmissable destination.
While Greater London is full of stunning green spaces, Syon House is truly one of a kind. Just an hour by train from the city center, this Grade-I listed building and its lush gardens are absolutely worth the 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).
Syon Park has hosted a variety of events over the years. These include charity dog walks and The Great British Bake Off. The estate also served as a setting for Bridgerton. Additionally, the popular Candlelight series, featuring classical concerts illuminated by flickering candles, has called Syon Park its home for a while too.