Ascott House and Gardens
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
About Ascott House and Gardens
A traditional manor house set amid specimen trees, shrubs and lush herbaceous borders, Ascott house and garden makes for a perfect day trip.
Ascott House is a Half-timbered house originating from 1606, transformed by the Rothschilds in the late 19th century. Your self-guided tour leads through five ground-floor rooms where you can find our knowledgeable House volunteers to answer your questions and point out some of the House’s more hidden features. Filled with the renowned Ascott Collection, they feature everything from 17th-century paintings and 18th-century furniture, to rare Chinese ceramics.
Mellow, modern spaces sit amid grand designs. In the contemporary Lynn Garden, landscaped circles meet moated islands and infinity pools. Find a peaceful seat among the flowers and enjoy the moving water and busy bees in the planted beds. Meanwhile in the lower part of the Gardens, the jagged Cornish slates of the Ascott Circle add texture and a burst of modern art.You can stroll along the 100-yard Madeira Walk beside borders of delphiniums and old roses – a riot of mauve, lilac and blue – or explore the leafy fern garden and the fragrant Scented Walk. In spring you can wander among apparently endless sweeps of glorious daffodils. In summer watch carp glide in the Lily Pond while bright blue dragon flies buzz by.
Ascott House and Gardens hosts a dynamic programme of exhibitions, events, and activities throughout the season. From outdoor theatre performances and self-guided trails to house and garden tours and cricket matches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for special events in Leighton Buzzard, these are memorable experiences for the whole family to cherish.
Beautiful gardens to relax in and historic Ascott House
Ascott Estate offers a charming day out in Buckinghamshire, with beautiful gardens to relax in. Enjoy vibrant daffodils in Spring and the shade of the lily pond in Summer. The historic Ascott House is home to incredible art, including works by Stubbs, Gainsborough, Rubens, and Rodin, along with exquisite furniture and Chinese ceramics. Explore wildlife, peaceful birdsong, and scenic views. Take a break at the Tea Room, then pick up a souvenir or a plant grown by Ascott’s gardeners to take home.
Explore 30 acres of stunning gardens, vibrant flower beds, and iconic features like the Dutch Garden and Magnolia Dell. Relax at the Pavilion Tea Room and enjoy events like outdoor theatre, tours, cricket matches and much more.
The historic Ascott House is home to incredible art, including works by Stubbs, Gainsborough, Rubens, and Rodin, along with exquisite furniture and Chinese ceramics.
It’s a breathtaking blend of history, art, and nature!
Explore 30 acres of stunning gardens
One of the best gardens to visit in Buckinghamshire
Grand and graceful, intimate and exciting, Ascott Gardens offer endless things to explore.
Our showpiece features are unique and photogenic – memorable settings for photos of a great day out. Whether you like formal planting, geometric hedges and brilliant blooms, or whether you like to run, rest or discover – you can find it all in Ascott Gardens.
An iconic piece of the Gardens is Ascott’s vast Topiary Sundial. This huge evergreen timepiece is made from neatly-trimmed hedges of box and yew. Its Roman numerals are framed by a fitting motto: “light & shade by turn but love always”
Dynamic programme of exhibitions, events, and activities throughout the season
From outdoor theatre performances and self-guided trails to house and garden tours and cricket matches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for special events in Leighton Buzzard, these are memorable experiences for the whole family to cherish.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, 11:30 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 11:30 - 17:00
- Thursday, 11:30 - 17:00
- Friday, 11:30 - 17:00
- Saturday, 11:30 - 17:00
- Sunday, 11:30 - 17:00
Ascott House and Gardens is open Tuesdays - Sundays until Sunday 14 September, 2025
House and Collection open 1pm to 4pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (18+-18+) : £12.50
- Child (5-17) : £6.25
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
House and Collection
Adult: £7
Child (17 and under): £3.50
Under 5s: Free Admission
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Ascott House and Gardens by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Our Tea Room team prepares daily light lunch options, including freshly made sandwiches, toasties, savory quiches, and a wide selection of pastries, including sausage rolls. We also offer crisps and other snacks, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Ascott House
Ascott
Wing
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 0PT
England
Tel: 01296688242
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
Taxi: 5-10 minute taxi ride from Leighton Buzzard train station. 10 minute ride from Leighton Buzzard town centre.
Train: Leighton Buzzard is 30-50 minutes by rail from London Euston, and 90 minutes away by train from Birmingham.
Buses regularly stop near the Main Gate to Ascott. Entrance to the Estate is via the visitor entrance which is approximately a 600 metre walk. There is no designated pathway to access the visitor entrance by foot from the A418.
Arriva Beds & Bucks bus services operate to these stops as well as the Red Rose travel local services. We recommend checking individual providers for up to date information on travel times and services.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 11:11 06/08/2025
Ascott House and Gardens Reviews
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