Osterley Park and House is a National Trust site located in Isleworth, West London, and one of the last surviving country estates in London. Osterley Park and House is a wonderful National Trust site for exploring the outdoors and one of my top places to see the spring flowers in London. In this post, I will share details on exploring the park and gardens at Osterley House and tips for visiting Osterley Park National Trust with kids.
Osterley House
The neo-classical Osterley House was originally a Tudor house built in the 1570s by Sir Thomas Gresham. Osterley House was acquired by wealthy banker Sir Francis Child in 1713, and in the 1760s, Sir Francis Child’s grandson commissioned Robert Adam to transform Osterley into a lavish “palace of palaces” for entertaining the Child family’s friends and clients.
The House is now open from Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm (last entry 3.15pm). Upon arrival visit the Garden Kiosk to collect your timed house ticket. House tickets cannot be pre-booked online and are available on a first-come first-served basis from the Kiosk. All visitors will need to collect a ticket before entering the House.
I was very interested to find out that parts of the 2012 Batman film, Dark Knight Rises (with Christian Bale), were filmed at Osterley House, that served as a double for Wayne Manor. In the movie, there’s an entrance to the bat cave behind a bookcase, which is actually a real secret passageway behind one of library bookcases at Osterley House, shown below. If you’re interested in seeing more, London Landmarks has a YouTube video that shows which Dark Knight Rises scenes were filmed at Osterley House.
Gardens at Osterley House National Trust
Another highlight of visiting the Osterley House gardens in spring is to see the row of vibrant blossom trees.
Woodland Trails at Osterley House
With acres of parkland on the estate, there is plenty to explore in the parkland behind Osterley House.
Laminated maps of the gardens at Osterley House are handed out at the gate, showing the various year-round activities and sights to look out for along the way.
We first came across the Temple of Pan, which was built in the mid-18th century as a place of relaxation for Osterley’s visitors.
Osterley Park National Trust with Kids
The first stop on the play trail at Osterley House National Trust consisted of several tree stumps and a log fort.
As we made our way along the play trail, we had stunning views of Osterley House across the meadow.
This was the next stop along the trail had more to climb, along with swings.
Bluebells at Osterley House
During the springtime, the woodland at Osterley House is one of the best places to London to see bluebells.
Related: Best Places to see Spring Flowers in London
Related: Best Places to See Spring Flowers in London
Stable Café at Osterley House National Trust
The Stable Café serves light meals and homemade cakes with indoor and outdoor seating. For around £5, I purchased a kid’s meal for Little T, which consisted of a half sandwich, a juice drink, fruit and a couple of snack. The meal came with a picnic box with activities on the box and a pack of stickers. Overall, the food at the café was good value with a selection of healthy options as well as some baked goodies to enjoy with tea or coffee.
I hope you have found this post on Osterley Park National Trust with kids helpful! Stay tuned for more updates as I add more photos and details from our previous visits exploring the park and gardens at Osterley House, one of our favourite places to enjoy the outdoors in London.
What’s On at National Trust Osterley House and Gardens 2024
Easter Egg Hunts at National Trust sites
27 March – 14 April 2024
Make your way along the Easter trails and Easter egg huts at many of the National Trust sites around London over the school holidays. The price of the National Trust Easter trails are £3 per child (for members and non-members) and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end. Normal admission applies.
Experience the fun of the fair at Osterley House as you explore the gardens, with 10 Summer Fair themed activities. Prices are £3 per trail (normal admission applies) which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. Read more on the Osterley House Easter Egg hunt.
Find more inspiration for things to do over the school holidays in our post: Easter Activities in London for Kids 2024
Osterley Park and House Address
Jersey Road, Isleworth, London TW7 4RB
Opening Hours: Garden and café open year round (excluding 25 & 26 December), 1000 – 1600. The House is now open from Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm (last entry 3.15pm).
Tickets: Free entry for National Trust members. Garden tickets – £6 for adults; £3 for children – apply on Monday & Tuesday when the Winter Exhibition is closed. Winter Exhibition & Garden tickets – £10 for adults; £5 for children – apply Wednesday – Sunday when both Winter Exhibition & Gardens are open. Winter Exhibition tickets cannot be booked in advance, please collect a timed ticket from the Garden Kiosk on arrival.
Parking: £6 per car in the pay and display lot at last check. Free parking for National Trust members, pre-booked coaches and blue badge holders.
Good to Know:
There are acres of parkland free to enter where dogs are welcome, with designated on and off-lead areas. You can also bring along a picnic to enjoy in the park and gardens.
A farm shop is located just after the main entrance, and before the parking lot, selling fresh vegetables and flowers.
