Cliveden House
/ About
Cliveden stands on chalk cliffs above the Thames at Taplow, in 376 acres of National Trust gardens and woodland. Charles Barry built the present house in 1851 for the 2nd Duke of Sutherland, and under the Astors it became the private party house of the social and political elite: Churchill, Chaplin and Roosevelt were guests, and a meeting by its outdoor pool set off the Profumo affair. It now runs as a hotel on a lease from the National Trust, with 47 bedrooms and suites and Spring Cottage, a three-bedroom retreat on the riverbank.
The oak-panelled Great Hall and the Cliveden Dining Room, once the Drawing Room and facing south over the Parterre, each take 120 guests and are let for private events only on exclusive use. The French Dining Room is the set piece. William Waldorf Astor bought Madame de Pompadour's gilded panelling from the Château d'Asnières in 1897 and had the room rebuilt around it, and it now seats 60 at five tables. The Boudoir and the Tote were Lady and Lord Astor's sitting rooms, and Lord Astor's wine cellar is a vaulted dining room for 12.
Waldo's, in the former servants' quarters, connects to a Screening Room, and across the Clocktower Courtyard the Churchill and the Motor House fill the garages that once held Lord Astor's Rolls-Royces. The Astor Grill, in the restored stables, can be hired on its own with its terrace. On exclusive use the house seats 130, takes 180 for an evening party and includes every bedroom and the spa, with a downstairs space the house offers for a late party.
/ Rooms Available
Exclusive Use of Cliveden House
Exclusive HireThe whole house taken privately: every dining room and sitting room, 47 bedrooms and suites, Spring Cottage and the spa, with a red-carpet welcome, valet parking and the full team given over to the event. Up to 130 seated for dinner and 180 for an evening party, with a downstairs space the house offers for a late party.
The Great Hall
Exclusive HireThe oak-panelled hall at the heart of the house, with its carved staircase and family portraits. It takes 120 guests for a ceremony or a wedding breakfast and is let for private events on exclusive use.
The Cliveden Dining Room
Exclusive HireThe hotel's main restaurant, originally the Drawing Room: south-facing, hung with paintings and looking over the Parterre, the gardens and the Thames. It takes 120 guests and is available for a private event on exclusive use.
French Dining Room
PrivateMadame de Pompadour's 18th-century gilded panelling from the Château d'Asnières, bought by William Waldorf Astor in 1897 and rebuilt here with its table and chairs. Views over the river and the estate; 60 on five tables of 12, 28 at one long table, 80 for a reception.
The Screening Room
PrivateAn air-conditioned screening room for films, presentations and launches, which connects to Waldo's. Dining for 40 at round tables.
The Churchill
PrivateA daylit room in the old mews garages of the Clocktower Courtyard, beside the Astor Grill, with its own paved courtyard. Up to 50 for dinner.
The Motor House
PrivateOnce the garage for Lord Astor's Rolls-Royce collection, now a banqueting room on the Clocktower Courtyard, opposite the Churchill. Up to 50 for dinner.
Waldo's
PrivateTwo interconnecting rooms in the house's former servants' quarters, with a fireplace and paintings from Cliveden's history, air conditioning and wifi. 28 on two round tables.
The Astor Grill
Exclusive HireThe informal restaurant in the restored stables, hired exclusively with the Grill and its terrace for relaxed lunches and parties.
The Boudoir
PrivateLady Astor's former sitting room on the ground floor, framed in blue drapes and looking over the Parterre and lawn. It connects to the Tote; 24 for dinner.
The Cellar Dining Room
PrivateLord Astor's private wine cellar, restored with brick walls, pillars and a vaulted ceiling. One table for 12, and a room for wine tastings.
The Tote
PrivateLord Astor's sitting room beside the Boudoir, arranged around a fireplace, for dinners of up to 12.
Spring Cottage
Exclusive HireA three-bedroom cottage on the riverbank below the house, built as a summer house and tea room, with its own mooring and garden. Private dining for six.
/ Perfect For
/ Features
AV Equipment
- – Projector
Catering
- – In-House Luxury Dining
- – Bespoke Menus
Venue Specs
- – Valet Parking
- – Dedicated Events Team
- – Outdoor Terrace
- – Wi-Fi
/ Getting Here
/ You May Also Consider
