Houghton Hall & Gardens

Houghton Hall is one of the grandest survivors of the Palladian era, built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

It is a showcase of the work of architects James Gibbs and Colen Campbell, complemented by the richly ornamented interiors of William Kent, and furnished to reflect Walpole’s wealth and power. The Hall is the home of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Walpole’s descendent, and his family.

Surrounded by traditional parkland, Houghton has a spectacular herd of white fallow deer. The award-winning five acre Walled Garden, which recently featured in Monty Don’s British Gardens, includes a breath-taking double-sided herbaceous border, a formal rose parterre, and a rustic temple designed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman.

Stephen Cox at Houghton Hall 4 May – 28 September 2025
A major exhibition by the acclaimed British sculptor Stephen Cox will be presented across the park, gardens and interiors of Houghton Hall from 4 May to 28 September. The exhibition will represent the largest and most comprehensive group of work the artist has ever shown. Spanning over 40 years, it will include work conceived and produced all over the world from India to Egypt, Italy and the UK. Stephen Cox is one of the most revered British artists of his generation, best known for his monumental works in stone. His work is known worldwide, with celebrated exhibitions including MOMA, New York and the National Gallery and Tate Britain, London. Using traditional techniques, he has carved marble, alabaster and porphyry, and was the first artist for many centuries to gain access to the Imperial Porphyry Quarries in the Eastern Mountains of Egypt.

Other contemporary sculptures on display in the grounds include works by Sean Scully, Rachel Whiteread, Phillip King, Anya Gallaccio, James Turrell, Jeppe Hein, and Richard Long.

The interior of the imposing stables building was as carefully considered as the house, with superbly constructed brick vault ceilings supported on timber pillars. The stables were planned to house 80 horses of different qualities, the most valuable having their own stalls, whilst the coach horses would share.

The stable block also houses the Model Soldier Museum, which holds The Cholmondeley Collection of Soldiers, one of the largest private collections in the world, the gift shop and the café.

Dogs are allowed in restricted areas only – see website for details. Assistance dogs welcome.