Name: Houghton House
Rating: 5.0

Houghton House

Hazelwood Lane, Bedford, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Houghton House today is the shell of a 17th-century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. It was built around 1615 for Mary, Dowager Countess of Pembroke, in a mixture of Jacobean and Classical styles: the ground floors of two Italianate loggias survive, possibly the work of Inigo Jones.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Houghton House: Houghton House was built in the early 17th century by Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, as an elaborate hunting lodge. An unusual mix of Jacobean and classical design, it retains two important early elements of classical architecture in the form of its two loggias, which have been attributed to Inigo Jones. The house may have been the inspiration for the ‘Palace Beautiful’ in the 17th-century Christian writer John Bunyan’s religious epic, The Pilgrim’s Progress. When it was dismantled in 1797, the ruins survived as a garden feature in the grounds of nearby Ampthill Park.
A Hunting Lodge: Mary Herbert, Dowager Countess of Pembroke, was a well-connected member of the royal court. She commissioned Houghton House in 1615 on land granted to her by James I (r.1603–25).
A Family Home: Mary died later that year, and the estate was granted by James I to the Bruce family. Robert Bruce, Earl of Ailesbury, was a key figure in the restoration of Charles II in 1660. Whereas previously Houghton had only been occupied during the summer months, the Bruces made it their main country seat, and occupied it throughout the year. The original staircases were in the corner turrets, but they inserted a grand staircase in the hal l to create a ceremonial route between the hall and the great chamber above. The staircase was made of elaborately carved wood; the decorative plasterwork, including niches at mezzanine level, is still visible.
Later History: In 1738 the 4th Duke of Bedford bought Houghton. His son, the Marquis of Tavistock, lived there from 1764 until he died in a hunting accident in 1767.
The 5th Duke of Bedford rented the hunting park to a neighbour. Subsequently unable to let the house without the park, he ordered Houghton to be dismantled in 1794. The interior was completely gutted, leaving no hint of its former glory.

Facilities

Parking: Small car park at the left side of the lane about 500 metres north east from the junctioin with the B530, just before Houghton Park Cottages which are on the right. From the car park there is a 200-metre walk up the lane to the gate for the property and a further 200-metre walk to the ruins from the gate. Please be aware that there is no turning area at the gate onto the property.
Food & Drinks: There are no facilities on site but there are grassed areas that are lovely for a picnic and taking in the views. Please be aware that there are no litter bins so visitors need to take rubbish home with them. The town of Ampthill is just over a mile away with a variety of shops and places to eat.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/houghton-house/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily from 10 am until 6 pm or dusk, whichever is earliest.

Address: Hazelwood Lane, Bedford, UK

Post Code: MK45 2EY

Council: Central Bedfordshire

County: Bedfordshire

Road Access: 1 mile north-east of Ampthill off B530, 8 miles south of Bedford.
Bus Access: Stagecoach in Northants service 42; Grant Palmer service 42, 44, 197 & 200; Flittabus services.
Train Access: Flitwick or Stewartby, both 3 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: Small car park at the left side of the lane about 500 metres north east from the junctioin with the B530, just before Houghton Park Cottages which are on the right. From the car park there is a 200-metre walk up the lane to the gate for the property and a further 200-metre walk to the ruins from the gate. Please be aware that there is no turning area at the gate onto the property.