Englefield House
Late sixteenth-century house largely rebuilt in the 1850s by Richard Armstrong and sitting in its own extensive park.
Englefield, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 5EN
Facilities
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Parkland / open spaces
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
There is an inscription on a stone staircase in Englefield Gardens which reads, “If you help towards Englefield Garden either in flowers or invention you shall be welcome thither”.
This inscription was taken from a letter written in 1601 by Sir Edward Norris, the then occupier of Englefield House, and shows that a garden was managed and cared for on the Estate over 400 years ago.
However, the origins of the gardens as they appear today were created in the late 1860’s with the building of the stone balustrades and staircases by Italian craftsmen.
In 1936 the woodland garden on the hill above the house was created by thinning the forest. At the same time the stream was constructed and the area planted by Wallace & Barr of Tunbridge Wells. Much of the original planting is still in place and this includes varieties of rhododendron, azalea, camellia, magnolia, hamamelis, parrotia, cornus, davidia and acer. The lower terrace was redesigned in 1974 by the redoubtable landscape architect Lanning Roper.
The grotto at the top of the stream is a more recent addition to the gardens and is lined with a mosaic of pine cones. Near the entrance gates is a children’s garden with water jets hidden in four small statues as well as slides and swings – great fun for younger visitors.
A walled kitchen garden has recently been restored to produce many varieties of fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers (access to the walled kitchen garden is only for groups that book in advance). The gardens themselves are enclosed by our magnificent deer park and provide stunning views over our lake and surrounding countryside beyond.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
The Englefield Estate offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and conditions for each attraction:
The Gardens
The gardens at Englefield Estate are open to visitors every Monday throughout the year, including Bank Holidays. The opening hours are as follows:
- April to October: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- November to March: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The entrance fee is £5.00, payable into a secure box at the garden gate. Entry is free for RHS and NGS cardholders as well as children. Visitors do not need to book in advance unless arranging a group tour. Please note that picnics, ball games, and dogs (except guide dogs) are not allowed. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities at the gardens.
Group Tours
Group tours are available from March to October, Tuesday to Thursday, for a minimum of 20 people. These tours are led by the Head Gardener and must be booked in advance. For more information or to book, email [email protected].
Englefield House
Englefield House is a private residence and is not open to the public.
Englefield Stores & Tea Room
The Englefield Stores & Tea Room, located in the village, offers food, drinks, and local produce. Toilets are available for customers of the store and tea room only.
Accessibility
Parts of the gardens are terraced or on a hillside, making wheelchair access difficult in some areas. However, much of the gardens can be accessed if the ground is firm after dry weather.
Special Events
The Snowman Trail, a festive event, will run from 18th December 2025 to 5th January 2026, offering families a winter walk through the estate's woodlands.
For more information about the estate, its history, and other offerings, visitors are encouraged to explore the estate's facilities and services.
Historic Houses members visit for free, gardens only.
Adults: £5.00
Children: Free
From March to October we are able to accommodate group tours in the gardens Tuesday to Thursday for a minimum of 20 people. Tours are led by our Head Gardener.
Group tours must be booked in advance.
[email protected] or 07585 509747.
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Englefield, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 5EN
6 miles west of Reading, off of the A340. 1 mile from the village of Theale.
Train to Theale station where you can catch a taxi to the house (approx 5 minutes away).
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