There are few places that can match the traffic jams in central London. The bumper-to-bumper roads around commuter time can easily drive someone mad. On a recent journey to the British city, I was in one such jam—only this time I didn’t have a care in the world. In less than an hour I would be in a place with flowers, a sprawling lawn, and plenty of fresh air.
Early spring 2025 I went to the UK with a group of girls, and specifically to the Cliveden HouseWe heard about a five-star luxury retreat in Berkshire (England) after Meghan Markle stayed there with her mother The night before her marriage. It’s not just her stay here that makes it special. The 350-year-old history of the palace and its proximity to central London are what make it so magical.
The mansion’s past is full of both salacious and sophisticated elements for those who enjoy historical British drama. For example, the story includes a high-profile scandal involving a conservative MP, a dancer aged 19, and a Russian spies that caused a major government controversy in the 1960s. The original house from 1666, and its replacement from 1824, were both destroyed by fires. Cliveden House has been a popular spot for British monarchs since George I. The 47 rooms of Cliveden House have each been named in honor of one.
Cliveden House (pronounced Cliffden after the cliffs it was built on) is romantic and reminiscent of the Astor family. Bridgerton Filming locations Downtown AbbeyS famous Highclere CastleIt is only about an hours drive (Cliveden has even been mentioned in Downton Abbey once). The glamour of the past is as easily recalled as the current one. Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and other notable guests were once present. Ornate rooms are filled with rich materials like rugs, buttery golden trimming, antique furniture and crystal chandeliers. There are also oil paintings and lavish patterned drapes.
Cliveden House
Views from the perches behind the mansion overlooking a formal garden parterre and 376 acres National Trust Gardens, as well as the River Thames. Enjoy the view while sipping an Aperol spritz at the old library.
The riverside is accessible via a tree shaded path or a long staircase cut into the hill. Cliveden House is the perfect place to take in the River Thames. special boat trips and picnicsIt is possible to arrange a vintage boat ride at your convenience. You can choose between a variety of vintage boats, depending on how many people are in your group. There are also several options for menus: afternoon tea, champagne and light bites or a full meal. You can charter the boats for an hour up to a whole day—the longer trips taking you for more extensive sightseeing or even to a nearby town, like Henley or Windsor.
Adam Lynk/Cliveden House
The group I was with decided to take a leisurely boat ride down the River Thames in the Belmont, an elegant 33-foot slipper from the 1930s, complete with glossy wood panels, before dining at the hotel’s upscale restaurant. Cliveden Dining Room. We had a great view of Cliveden House from the high vantage point on the boat. It was the only thing that stood out among the dense forest. The experience was atypically quiet and quaint, which surprised three Americans. We were able to enjoy a quiet respite, which is unusual for city dwellers. This was the best part of our weekend. It combined many of Cliveden House’s most attractive features, including its living history, beautiful landscape, and British culture of leisure.
Cliveden House was a great day trip in London for us, but it’s also a perfect stopover for those who are traveling from or to Heathrow airport, which is just 20 minutes by car. Cliveden House’s spa features an outdoor pool, two hot tubs and rustic brick walls. It is the perfect place to relax on a sunny Saturday or Sunday.
Cliveden House
In the tranquil and light-hued space of the spa in the home, which was opened in 2017, there are treatments available. There is also a Jacuzzi indoor, a steam room, sauna and gym. The spa is available to day and overnight guests, and offers a membership program.
Tennis courts are also available. afternoon high teaFitness classes, country sports and falconry are available, as well as exploring the grounds, which feature sculptures and elaborate fountains.
Whether you have a day or an entire weekend for a fit-for-British-royalty countryside experience, Cliveden House is easy to access by car or train, with the nearest stops at Taplow and Burnham, and well worth the short journey for what feels like a far-away escape.
