Clandon Park

About

Behind the scenes at Clandon Park, work continues throughout 2019 to develop the National Trust’s vision and masterplan for Clandon, including the first working plans for the rebuild and restoration of both the house and gardens.

In the meantime, until November visitors have the unique opportunity to see the fascinating brickwork bones of this grand Palladian mansion, in its raw, post-fire state.

Since the fire in 2015, the National Trust has opened more of the house each year to share as much of the building as possible with its visitors. This year, two purpose-built walkways take visitors into some of the most significant rooms on the ground floor, and into the basement, in to the deepest and most fire-damaged spaces of Clandon Park.

On the ground floor, the walkway allows visitors to see both the extraordinary survival of significant architectural features, as well as the extent of the fire damage in the Saloon, State Bedroom and Marble Hall. In the basement, visitors are led to the impressive and beautiful undercroft - a vaulted room under the Marble Hall - which pre-fire visitors will remember as the restaurant. This includes an exhibition charting the design challenges and key questions that the National Trust is considering during the hugely complex project, as well as a display of some of the salvaged collection items which were rescued from the house.

From the undercroft visitors can pass into a protected viewing area which gives sight of the full extent of the fire damage, with dramatic, vertical views from basement floor to scaffolding roof

At the end of the exhibition, visitors are invited to share their thoughts as the National Trust works with its architects, specialist advisers and stakeholders to develop plans for Clandon’s future. 

Visitors can also relax in the tranquil 4 acre garden.  A pictorial trail guides you through the garden, using historic images of the house and garden to whisk you back in time.

Please note: hard hats and high-vis jackets will be provided and must be worn at all times whilst in the house and basement. This experience is not suitable for children under two years of age.