Traffic jams are common in London’s central area. 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 HouseAfter hearing about it, we decided to visit the five-star luxury spa resort in Berkshire. 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 sophisticated and salacious 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 scandal within the government in the 1960s. The house that stands today was built after fires destroyed the manor in 1666 and the replacement one in 1824. Cliveden House is a place so grand it has hosted every British monarch since George I. To honor this lineage, each of the 47 rooms in Cliveden House are named after a different 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 dripping with English country chic are filled with rugs, buttery golden trimming, antique bookshelves and furniture, crystal chandeliers, oil painting, and patterned drapes.
Cliveden House
The views from the perches on the back of this mansion, which overlook a formal parterre, 376 acres National Trust gardens and the River Thames are breathtaking. Enjoy the view while sipping an Aperol spritz at the old library.
Cliveden House guests can enjoy the River Thames by walking along a tree shaded path or using a long staircase built into a gentle slope. Cliveden House is the perfect place to take in the River Thames. special boat trips and picnicsIt is possible to arrange a private boat ride at your convenience. You can choose between a variety of vintage boats, based on the size and composition of 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
After dinner, my group decided to cruise the River Thames on a 33-foot Belmont with its glossy wood paneling from the 1930s. It was a great way to spend an hour. 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. For three Americans in particular, this experience was authentically quaint and unexpectedly private. The stretch of River Thames was almost entirely ours. It was a rare experience for three city-dwellers to have such a peaceful respite. It was the highlight of our weekend. We were able to combine Cliveden House’s best features: living history and picturesque landscape with British leisure culture.
Cliveden House, where we stayed, is an ideal day trip destination for anyone in London or those traveling to or from Heathrow Airport, only 20 minutes away. 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
The spa at the house, with its window-lined space, opened in 2017. It features a tranquil, light-hued environment, as well as an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room. Both day guests and hotel visitors can use the spa. It also offers membership plans.
Tennis courts and other activities are available on-site. afternoon high teaThere are fitness classes, falconry and country sports. You can also explore the vast grounds with their sculptures, fountains, and other features.
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.
