Hidden gem village with 'magical' gothic manor and quirky attraction happening this month

A quaint village just a half-hour journey from London has been lauded for its enchanting 18th-century gothic manor, steeped in history and linked to the renowned writer and politician, Horace Walpole.

Strawberry Hill, nestled in Twickenham, southwest London, is famed for the stunning Strawberry Hill House and Garden. It's a stone's throw away from the riverside and offers easy access to trains heading into London.

The house was the brainchild of Horace Walpole in the 18th century and has welcomed visitors for over 250 years. Walpole purchased the property in 1747 and transformed it into his dream of a petite 'Gothic castle', which served as his summer retreat.

READ MORE: Gorgeous UK seaside town where you'll always hear waves crashing

READ MORE: UK's 'best seaside town' has independent shops and Caribbean-worthy beaches

Throughout his lifetime, Walpole opened the doors to locals keen on exploring the house. Following his demise, the property was inherited by his cousin's daughter, the sculptor Anne Seymour Damer, before being passed down to various members of the Waldegrave family.

A few years back, the house underwent a restoration thanks to a whopping £10million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The World Monuments Fund, English Heritage, and contributions from the local community and other foundations.

In 2010, the house was reopened to the public and subsequently bagged the Georgian Group Award for the best restoration of an 18th-century country house, along with the Europa Nostra Award, reports the Express.

Tickets are priced at £14.50 for adults when booked online, £10 for students, and £7.25 for children, while under-fives can enter free of charge. Local residents, Blue Badge holders, and English Heritage members are all eligible for a discount.

The property also plays host to Britain's most eco-friendly flower festival each September, transforming the estate into a "faery-tale realm where imagination runs wild".

Over 50 of the nation's top floral artists create spectacular displays that will "weave nature's untamed beauty into every corner of this gothic masterpiece".

Strawberry Hill's gardens can be visited free of charge and welcome guests from Saturday through Wednesday, 9am-4pm. The five-acre grounds have been lovingly restored to mirror their original 18th century design using period maps, paintings, and Walpole's personal accounts.

The Grade II* listed gardens are recognised as being of "national importance as a reminder of a fascinating period in garden history".

Guests have heaped praise on the property's character and remarkable past, with one Trip Advisor reviewer saying: "I enjoyed this house more than any that I can remember - and that's a lot. Lots of little surprises, friendly and knowledgeable guides and a delightful and good value cafe."

Another visitor said: "A friend and I spent a lovely few hours here today. The house is quirky and interesting, but what impressed us particularly was the charming and welcoming manner of every single member of staff we encountered."

A third added: "A very interesting house to visit and comes with a lot of history. The stewards in each room have so much information to impart and they deliver it very well and make it interesting. There is so much to see in the house and so much varied detail and is well worth a visit."

Another guest praised the property's "marvellous architecture and decorative arts", alongside the "welcoming and knowledgeable" staff.

Next to the property sits St Mary's University, boasting its spectacular chapel constructed above the library. Created by Sir Albert Richardson, the chapel drew inspiration from the medieval Albi Cathedral and has welcomed papal visits.

Radnor Gardens, positioned along the waterfront, lies just a brief stroll away. The gardens feature a café and children's playground alongside expansive open areas and majestic trees that draw crowds for outdoor dining.

The summerhouse and gazebo originate from the mid-18th century, when poet Alexander Pope called the area home, whilst a bowling club also operates on the grounds. Angling is allowed with proper permits, meaning you'll frequently spot locals casting lines and unwinding by the water's edge for lengthy periods.

Strawberry Hill House is a mere 34-minute train ride from Waterloo Station, with four trains departing every hour from Monday to Saturday, and two per hour on Sundays. If you're opting for the tube, take the District Line to Richmond, then hop on the 33 bus towards Fulwell or the R68 towards Hampton Court.

For those hitting the road, there's a complimentary car park on site, though spaces are limited.