Syon House Great Conservatory - © Russ Hamer
Syon Park consists of a historic house and gardens and are surrounded by a 200 acre park offering visitors an interesting historic attraction to explore. The site is located in Brentford, Middlesex, close to west London. Visitors can see the impressive historic house with the state rooms being a particular highlight, the gardens offer a chance to enjoy a wonderful English garden, the park was landscaped back in the 18th century by the renowned Capability Brown.
Attractions
Syon Park has a rich history that dates back centuries, the house is the last remaining ducal residence along with its country estate in Greater London. The house is London home to the Duke of Northumberland, the residence has been owned by the family for over 4 centuries. The site has been described by John Betjeman as 'The Grand Architectural Walk', it is located on the site of a medieval abbey.
The abbey was originally founded back in the 14th century by St Bridget and completed in 1431, however in 1539 the abbey was dissolved by King Henry VIII, in 1547, the site was rebuilt as a house. Over the years the house has hosted a number of royal visitors including Queen Catherine of Aragon, Queen Victoria and the current Royal Family.
Currently the house is still used as the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. The great location and facilities mean that the site is a great one for entertaining and hosts a number of weddings, parties and filming over the course of the year.
The Great Hall, one of the most spectacular areas of the house, the area is grand and is said to resemble the Imperial Rome as would have been shown in the movies. The room was designed as a place where the Duke's guests would be welcomed to the house. There is some stunning decorative stucco work in the room to see in what is a very grand and imposing room.
The State Dining Room is one of the highlights of the house and is decorated in the colours white and gold, the colours were inspired from designs in France. There are a number of marble statues that represent the mythological gods and goddesses of food and wine located in the room.
The Red Drawing Room is a colourful room that houses a number of oil paintings of the Stuart Royal family, a highlight is the paining showing King Charles I and his son. The ceiling provides an interesting feature with some 239 medallions.
The Long Gallery was created as a place for ladies to retire to, the room is 136 feet in length and features some intricate plasterwork, there are some eleven windows and some offer inspiring views of the river Thames.
The Gardens at Syon are among the most famous and admired features of the site. The gardens are well known for their collection of rare plants and trees, the park was landscaped in the 18th century by Capability Brown that helped raise the profile of the park and gardens, today they are registered as a Grade I landscape reflecting the importance of the gardens.
Notable features in the gardens include the ice house, it has been used since 1760 and its purpose was to make ice for desserts such as sorbets and ice creams as well as helping to cool champagne and wine.
Great Conservatory is seen by many as the highlight of the gardens, the 3rd Duke of Northumberland commissioned Charles Fowler to build a conservatory back in 1826, it would be the first of its type and was made out of gunmetal, glass and Bath stone. The original purpose was for the Great Conservatory to be a place to showcase the collection of exotic plants owned by the Duke.
How to Get There
The house can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
The site is located to the west of central London. Visitors from the M4 west can take the exit at junction 3, turn right at the roundabout and follow the signs fro the A4 & London. At Gillette corner turn right and follow the signs for Syon Park.
From central London take the A4 towards West London, take the M4 and exit at junction 2, drive on the A4 up to Gillette corner then left to Isleworth and Syon House.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is TW8 8JF.
By Train:
From Waterloo Station in central London trains are available to Kew Bridge then bus numbers 237 or 267 or using the North London line train to Gunnersbury Station and then taking the bus 237 or 267.
By Underground:
The closest Underground (Tube) station is at Richmond and Kew Gardens, both are approx one mile away. Alternatively visitors can go to Gunnersbury Station on the District Line and take the bus number 237 or 267 to get to the Park & House.
By Bus:
There are various local bus services that service the area. The route numbers include 237 & 267 bus to the Brentlea Gate bus stop. From here the Pedestrian entrance is close by.
Contact Details
Syon Park
Brentford
Middlesex
TW8 8JF
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8560 0881
Fax: +44 (0)20 8568 0936
email: info@syonpark.co.uk
Website: Syon Park
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Syon House: Open from the middle of March until the end of October:
From 11.00 until 17.00 (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays) with last entry at 16.00).
The Gardens are open daily:
From 10.30 until 16.00 (daily from November to February)
From 10.30 until 17.00 (daily from March until October)
Last admission is one hour prior to closing time.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
For Syon House, Gardens & Great Conservatory:
Adults: £9.00 approx, Children: £4.00 approx, Concessions £8.00 approx & Family Ticket: £20.00 approx.
For the Gardens & Great Conservatory:
Adults: £4.50 approx, Children: £2.50 approx, Concessions £3.50 & Family tickets: £10.00 approx.
Facilities:
The Refectory offers visitors with a range of snacks, refreshments and lunches.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Syon Park Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
Follow sensible travel safety tips and ensure valuables such as your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Brentford in Middlesex ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. See the journey planner for door to door directions. Check the latest traffic updates before travelling.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
