The story
Horace Walpole, son of the first prime minister, bought a small house in Twickenham in 1749 and transformed it into a Gothic "castle". He filled it with art and curiosities and wrote The Castle of Otranto, often called the first Gothic novel.
The house was restored in 2010, bringing back its colourful interiors.
What to look for
- The Gallery, with its gilded ceiling.
- The Library and its Gothic bookcases.
- Stained glass.
- The garden.
Why it's worth seeking out
Strawberry Hill is not a real medieval castle but a playful eighteenth-century fantasy of one. Walpole borrowed details from cathedral tombs and screens and recreated them in papier-mâché, plaster and paint, creating rooms that are theatrical rather than solemn. The result influenced generations of architects and helped make the Gothic style fashionable again in Britain. The restoration brought back the original colours and many of the collections Walpole loved, and the small garden has been replanted. For anyone interested in architecture or literature, it is one of the most original houses in England.
Combine it with
Marble Hill House, Twickenham riverside and Eel Pie Island are nearby.
Visiting tips
Check opening days before visiting. Allow about two hours.
Getting there
Strawberry Hill station is a short walk. With Mason & Green, we can combine Strawberry Hill with Marble Hill and Ham House.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Strawberry Hill House?
Horace Walpole.
What is the Gothic Revival?
A style inspired by medieval Gothic architecture.
Did Walpole write a novel there?
Yes, The Castle of Otranto.