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Suitable for all walking abilities, but limited wheelchair access at Syon House |
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Availability: Sundays to Thursdays from March until the end of October |
Syon House & London's Arcadia
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In the 18th century an Arcadia or idyllic pastoral landscape was created in West London - an area that attracted the high and mighty, and still does! |
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Half measures avail us nothing - this was grand grand grand. |
Syon House, home to the Dukes of Northumberland for over four hundred years is the last ducal residence to survive in the Greater London area. Full of beauty and magnificence, great paintings and furniture this is perhaps the finest Robert Adam interior in the country. Combine our entertaining tour of this very grand property with an exploration of well-heeled West London known as London’s Arcadia.
This morning we meet in Richmond at 10-30am to purchase morning refreshments. Richmond, named by Henry VII for his favourite Earldom in Yorkshire, possesses a timeless charm more akin to a village than a town. A gateway of the Tudor Palace still remains on Richmond Green once the scene of tournaments and pageants and today surrounded by elegant period houses. During the 18th century, an Arcadia or “idyllic pastoral landscape” was created here along the Thames. Magnificent Royal and Aristocratic palaces, gardens and parks were constructed and linked by a series of avenues and then set within a framework of meadows and woodland. Our Arcadian coach tour includes the only view in the UK protected by an Act of Parliament and some beautiful houses including Noel Coward’s childhood home.
We arrive at Syon House for lunch with time to explore the garden centre before our afternoon tour of the simply astonishing Graeco-Roman interiors of Syon House. The grand scale and splendour of the Great Hall resembles the Imperial Rome of a Hollywood epic. The vivid Red Drawing Room displays Cipriani's incredible painted ceiling of 239 medallions. But Adam's true genius is revealed in the 136ft Long Gallery where the original Jacobean wood panelling was replaced by delicate plasterwork and "finished in a style to afford variety and amusement," especially for the ladies. From the eleven windows there is a spectacular view over the last tidal water-meadow on the River Thames. A popular film location, you may recognise rooms from the BBC drama “The Lost Prince” or the acclaimed film “Gosford Park”.
We return to the Garden Centre Café for tea before heading home at 4-45pm.
Suitable for all walking abilities but with limited wheelchair access at Syon House.
This trip is available Sundays to Thursdays March to the end of October.
Price: Adults:
£19.50 Seniors: 18.50
Coach Mileage: 15
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