Chiswick House is one of the earliest and most important neo-Palladian villas in England and was once home to Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was portrayed by Keira Knightley in the 2008 film The Duchess. Discover the House, gardens – the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement – and its RIBA award-winning café this summer
A brief history
Built by the third Earl of Burlington between 1726 and 1729, Chiswick House is an elegant classical villa inspired by his tours of Italy. The architect and designer William Kent and the Earl worked together on the construction, rejecting the showy, Baroque style that was fashionable in England at the time. Instead, they favoured a simpler, symmetrical design; a ‘neo-Palladian’ style that soon spread across Europe and America. Explore the House, its surrounding gardens and the programme of events this summer.
Old-fashioned fun
A magical vintage village green circus has pitched up its tent in the Walled Garden. Giffords Circus (to 27 Jun) has brought its brand-new show ¡Carpa! inspired by a style of theatre that was popular in 1920s and 1930s Mexico. Pre-book tickets online from £10.
In July, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, one of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies, will present William Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy As You Like It (6 Jul, 7.30pm and 9.30pm). It’s a rare opportunity to see this great play as it was first performed: in the open air, by an all-male cast and with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Bring a chair and get ready for awesome entertainment.
For one weekend only, a big screen will be pitched in the Walled Garden thanks to The Luna Cinema (22-24 Jul). The semi-autobiographical award-winner Belfast will play on Friday before firm favourites take to the screen. On Saturday, the classic rags-to-riches story Pretty Woman will play and Marilyn Monroe’s ultimate comedic masterpiece Some Like It Hot will play on Sunday. There’s fabulous food, a full bar and brand-new deluxe seating options this year. It’s perfect for a summer evening out with friends or a romantic date night.
Party time
Come August, the festival season will be in full swing. Broadcaster, bestselling author and podcaster Fearne Cotton brings her Happy Place Festival (6-7 Aug) to Chiswick once again. Following the huge sell-out success of the festival in 2019, this year promises to be bigger and even better. The festival is a creative space for self-love and healing. Festival-goers will get to hear enlightening talks and exclusive podcast recordings, take part in creative workshops and find sanctuary this summer.
I’m incredibly excited to bring back the Happy Place festival live to London and Cheshire this year. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of happy faces enjoying all we have to offer. It’ll be a real celebration of connection and joy.
– Fearne Cotton
Concluding the season, Pub in the Park will bring the perfect combination of a magnificent music line-up and mouth-watering food. The lineup includes everything from R&B and soul to rock and pop. Dance like no one’s watching to acts including Craig David TS5, The Sugar Hill Gang, Beverley Knight, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Some pubs and restaurants that will appear include The Mariners by Paul Ainsworth, award-winning Hoppers, serving Sri Lankan and south Indian-inspired dishes, and Kerridge’s Bar & Grill – and more, of course!
“We’re so excited to be bringing some seriously top notch chefs and their incredible pubs and restaurants to the towns we love this year. Food is at the very heart of what we do. I’ve had a sneak peek at the menus and I’ve definitely got my eye on a few of the dishes – we can’t wait for you to try them!”
– Michelin-starred chef and founder of Pub in the Park, Tom Kerridge
Listen up!
Part hypnosis, part therapy, {Paradise in the Sun} Or a garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers is a new immersive audio experience in the Kitchen Garden. Celebrate community and the sensory power of nature as you slow down and disconnect from the noise of the city and reconnect with nature. Walking along the multi-sensory route accompanied by the audio guide, you’ll be encouraged to reflect, lie on the grass, look up to the sky and soak up the smells and sounds of the garden. This mindful walking experience invited you to fully engage with your surroundings and take enjoyment in the simple pleasures of the Kitchen Garden. Available Thu-Sun, 10am-4pm until 30 October, admission is included in Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden tickets, bookable online.
So there you have it. You’re invited to a summer filled with films, festivals, food and ferocious fun at Chiswick House and Gardens. Enjoy!
Essential Information
Open Thurs-Sun, 10am – 4pm. The Gardens are open daily, all year round from 7am to dusk.
Accessible by Tube via Turnham Green, overground via Chiswick or by bus routes 190, E3 and 533.
Tickets for the House and Kitchen Garden can be booked in advance via the link below. Walk-ins are welcome, so if you are visiting the Gardens for a stroll please do come inside for a visit.
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