Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Halloween at Horace Walpole's Gothic Castle
Gothic castle transformed by candlelight and botanical art
About
Step into Horace Walpole's 'little Gothic castle' this Halloween, transformed into the stage of his darkest imaginings. From October 25th to November 2nd, 2025, the house will be alive with flickering candlelight and unsettling stories, echoing the very atmosphere Walpole cultivated. Explore bewitching botanical displays and take part in a family-friendly Halloween Garden Trail. For a deeper thrill, the 'Strawberry Hill After Dark' event on October 31st offers an uncanny, candlelit experience.
Our Take
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Gothic literature enthusiasts, families, couples
Vibe
Eerie, enchanting, historic, mysterious
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate (outdoor garden trail and bat walk)
Special Events & Promotions
- Halloween at Horace Walpole’s Gothic Castle
- Strawberry Hill After Dark (Oct 31)
- Halloween Garden Trail (Oct 25 - Nov 2)
- Halloween Bat Walk (Oct 10, 14, 17)
- 20% off for Richmond Borough residents
- 10% off for National Trust properties visitors (Osterley Park and Ham House)
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
$$
Duration
The Halloween Garden Trail runs daily from Oct 25 - Nov 2. 'Strawberry Hill After Dark' is on Oct 31. Bat Walks are on Oct 10, 14, 17.
Ages
All ages for Garden Trail; 'Strawberry Hill After Dark' likely for older audiences due to thrill factor.
Neighborhood
Twickenham
Timed Entry
Yes
Featured Performers
- Gaia Eros
- Dimitris Koutroumpas
- Jane Sked
- Leanne Smith
- Violeta Marozaitė
- Vanessa Jayne
- Amy Belle
- Chatu Madhvani
- Nong Smitinand
- Anita Li
- Meesh Nah
- Bridget Parke
Organizer
Strawberry Hill House Trust
Practical Information
Parking
Free parking is available on-site but is limited. Five 'Blue Badge' disabled parking spaces are available. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking and permit-controlled parking on surrounding roads.
Accessibility
The FAQ mentions five 'Blue Badge' disabled parking spaces. Specific accessibility details for the house and garden are not detailed in the provided text.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed
Food & Drink
Sweet treat reward from the Garden Café for the trail. 'Moonlit elixir' available at 'Strawberry Hill After Dark'.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book 'Strawberry Hill After Dark' tickets well in advance, as they are likely to sell out quickly due to the limited date and unique experience.
- Consider attending the Halloween Bat Walk if you're interested in nocturnal nature and Gothic lore; these are special fundraisers and may require separate booking.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the house and garden, especially if participating in the Garden Trail or attending the 'After Dark' event.
- Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on specific timings for the Garden Trail and 'After Dark' events, as details can change.
- If traveling by car, be prepared for limited parking and consider using public transport options, which are well-detailed on their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Strawberry Hill House open?
They are open Saturday – Wednesday, 11 am-4 pm, with last entry to the house at 3 pm. The gardens and Garden Café are open 9 am-4 pm on these days. From Summer 2025, they will be open 7 days a week during school holidays.
How long should I allocate for my visit?
An average visit to the house typically takes 1-2 hours.
Can I get a refund for my tickets?
Tickets are non-exchangeable, non-transferrable, and non-refundable. However, visitors are welcome to gift their tickets to someone else if they cannot attend.
Is photography allowed inside the house and garden?
Photography is permitted, but flash photography, filming, tripods, and large cameras are not allowed unless a private visit is booked. They encourage visitors to tag them on Instagram @strawbhillhouse.
What are the ticket prices for 'Strawberry Hill After Dark'?
Standard tickets for 'Strawberry Hill After Dark' are £25, and student tickets are £17.50.
