RoutesHiking trails & RoutesUnited KingdomEnglandSouth East EnglandBuckinghamshireSouth BucksTaplow
Fountain of Love – Cliveden House and Gardens loop from Cookham
RoutesHiking trails & RoutesUnited KingdomEnglandSouth East EnglandBuckinghamshireSouth BucksTaplow
Fountain of Love – Cliveden House and Gardens loop from Cookham
Easy
4.5
(2)
84
hikers
Fountain of Love – Cliveden House and Gardens loop from Cookham
01:10
4.30km
60m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 0 m for 3.74 km
Customers only
After 3.81 km for 498 m
Customers only
Waypoints
A
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1
375 m
Fountain of Love
Highlight • Historical Site
The Fountain of Love is a two colour marble sculpture by Thomas Waldo Story. It was commissioned by Lord Astor in 1897. The shell dish features three groups of statues which are all signed and dated by the sculptor. The shell was made from two large antique marble blocks joined together and based on tufa rock.
Carrara marble figure of a half-fallen woman with very long wavy hair, arms outstretched to welcome cupid. Left figure from the monumental, two-colour marble group, The Fountain of Love, designed and carved in Rome by Thomas Waldo Story (1855-1915) son and pupil of the American dilettante sculptor William Wetmore Story (1819-95). The figures are signed and dated 'Waldo Story Roma 1897'.
nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/766173.1
Carrara marble figure of a half-fallen woman with very long wavy hair, arms outstretched to welcome cupid. Left figure from the monumental, two-colour marble group, The Fountain of Love, designed and carved in Rome by Thomas Waldo Story (1855-1915) son and pupil of the American dilettante sculptor William Wetmore Story (1819-95). The figures are signed and dated 'Waldo Story Roma 1897'.
nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/766173.1
Tip by
2
872 m
Cliveden House and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
Cliveden is an Italianate mansion and estate at Taplow, Buckinghamshire, England. Set on banks 40 metres (130 ft) above the River Thames, its grounds slope down to the river. The site has been home to an earl, three countesses, two dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor.
Tip by
3
1.18 km
Cliveden Chapel (Octagon Temple)
Highlight • Religious Site
A surprise is in store if you head to the western side of the Parterre... the unassuming domed building overlooking the river houses a wonderfully ornate chapel, also known as the Octagon Temple.
From tea room to chapel
Dating from 1735, the building was conceived for Lord Orkney by architect Giacomo Leoni. Guests would enjoy wandering along the cliff top paths before taking tea and enjoying the view from the ‘Prospect Room’. The building was converted into the final resting place for the Astors by William Waldorf Astor in 1893 which included the complete remodelling of the interior. Inside, vibrant glass mosaics cover the walls, whilst an elaborate inlaid marble floor and brilliantly stained glass windows add to the opulence.
Take a peek inside
From March to October, the chapel is open to visitors. Unlike the house tours, there's no need to pick up a timed ticket, just make sure you call in advance to check it's open. Simply pop in and our friendly, knowledgeable stewards will be on hand to chat and share the history of the building. As the chapel is a family mausoleum, we ask that you don’t take photographs inside.
The exact opening times are as follow;
From 5th March – 31st October*
Mondays: open 1.30-3.30pm
Tuesdays: open 1.30-3.30pm
Thursdays: o.pen 1.30-3.30pm
Saturdays: open 11am-1pm
Sundays: open 11am-1pm
*our on-site conservator has advised if the weather is too harsh we will not open the Chapel, this is to protect the delicate tiles from the elements.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-chapel-at-cliveden
From tea room to chapel
Dating from 1735, the building was conceived for Lord Orkney by architect Giacomo Leoni. Guests would enjoy wandering along the cliff top paths before taking tea and enjoying the view from the ‘Prospect Room’. The building was converted into the final resting place for the Astors by William Waldorf Astor in 1893 which included the complete remodelling of the interior. Inside, vibrant glass mosaics cover the walls, whilst an elaborate inlaid marble floor and brilliantly stained glass windows add to the opulence.
Take a peek inside
From March to October, the chapel is open to visitors. Unlike the house tours, there's no need to pick up a timed ticket, just make sure you call in advance to check it's open. Simply pop in and our friendly, knowledgeable stewards will be on hand to chat and share the history of the building. As the chapel is a family mausoleum, we ask that you don’t take photographs inside.
The exact opening times are as follow;
From 5th March – 31st October*
Mondays: open 1.30-3.30pm
Tuesdays: open 1.30-3.30pm
Thursdays: o.pen 1.30-3.30pm
Saturdays: open 11am-1pm
Sundays: open 11am-1pm
*our on-site conservator has advised if the weather is too harsh we will not open the Chapel, this is to protect the delicate tiles from the elements.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-chapel-at-cliveden
Tip by
4
1.60 km
Cliveden Parterre Garden
Highlight • Structure
Each spring and summer we create a colourful spectacle with thousands of plants and bulbs, planted in the style developed by Cliveden’s Victorian Head Gardener John Fleming.
Seasonal bedding
The six acre Parterre is one of the garden’s most dramatic features. Comprising of 16 triangular beds with box hedging and manicured yew topiary, as well as a sweeping semi-circle bed on the North end.
Each season the bedding scheme is painstakingly refreshed by our loyal team of gardeners and volunteers. In summer plants include; begonia's, marigold's and salvia.
An inspiring view
The recently restored South Terrace above the Parterre offers the perfect vantage point to look out across the garden. Though we suggest a wander amongst the beds to see up-close the detailed planting that creates the gorgeous display.
It is such an impressive and enjoyable spot that the Astors would pitch a tent with open sides on the terrace during the summer, so that regular guests could enjoy the view, sketch, or – in the case of George Bernard Shaw – type.
Innovative design
When the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland purchased Cliveden in 1849 they worked with Head Gardener John Fleming to transform what was then a simple, large lawn into the innovative design you see today. Fleming was a pioneer of ribbon and carpet bedding and under his guidance, Cliveden’s garden displays became horticulturally famous and set a precedent for gardens the world over.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-parterre-at-cliveden
Seasonal bedding
The six acre Parterre is one of the garden’s most dramatic features. Comprising of 16 triangular beds with box hedging and manicured yew topiary, as well as a sweeping semi-circle bed on the North end.
Each season the bedding scheme is painstakingly refreshed by our loyal team of gardeners and volunteers. In summer plants include; begonia's, marigold's and salvia.
An inspiring view
The recently restored South Terrace above the Parterre offers the perfect vantage point to look out across the garden. Though we suggest a wander amongst the beds to see up-close the detailed planting that creates the gorgeous display.
It is such an impressive and enjoyable spot that the Astors would pitch a tent with open sides on the terrace during the summer, so that regular guests could enjoy the view, sketch, or – in the case of George Bernard Shaw – type.
Innovative design
When the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland purchased Cliveden in 1849 they worked with Head Gardener John Fleming to transform what was then a simple, large lawn into the innovative design you see today. Fleming was a pioneer of ribbon and carpet bedding and under his guidance, Cliveden’s garden displays became horticulturally famous and set a precedent for gardens the world over.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-parterre-at-cliveden
Tip by
5
2.51 km
The Long Garden, Cliveden
Highlight • Natural Monument
In the Long Garden, you'll find huge beds of seasonal flowers displayed amongst a collection of quirky topiary and sculptures
Colourful combinations to come
Every Spring and Summer there's a new floral scheme creating a mass of colour within the four box-edged central beds and along the bricked walled border.
Space for sculpture
This aptly named garden was created by William Waldorf Astor in 1896 to display some of his classical sculpture collection. Notable pieces include four 18th-century stone characters from the Commedia dell’ Arte in the centre of the garden, two ancient Egyptian baboons and the striking marble figures of Nautica and Marco Polo at the eastern end.
Italian inspiration
Taking elements from gardens he’d seen in Italy, Lord Astor created the long, narrow central beds and planted climbers along the boundary wall. Originally two unbroken beds, it was his son and daughter-in-law, Waldorf and Nancy, who modified the design to make four beds with a large central space as we see today.
Norah and Nancy
During the inter-war years, Nancy Astor worked closely with socialite-turned-gardener Norah Lindsay to devise herbaceous schemes for the Long Garden. Designed to peak for Ascot week, the central beds were filled with bright red, yellow and orange blooms in the centre with the colours fading to pinks, creams and mauves towards the edges. Although different, today’s modern scheme ensures a striking spectacle in spring and summer.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-long-garden-at-cliveden
Colourful combinations to come
Every Spring and Summer there's a new floral scheme creating a mass of colour within the four box-edged central beds and along the bricked walled border.
Space for sculpture
This aptly named garden was created by William Waldorf Astor in 1896 to display some of his classical sculpture collection. Notable pieces include four 18th-century stone characters from the Commedia dell’ Arte in the centre of the garden, two ancient Egyptian baboons and the striking marble figures of Nautica and Marco Polo at the eastern end.
Italian inspiration
Taking elements from gardens he’d seen in Italy, Lord Astor created the long, narrow central beds and planted climbers along the boundary wall. Originally two unbroken beds, it was his son and daughter-in-law, Waldorf and Nancy, who modified the design to make four beds with a large central space as we see today.
Norah and Nancy
During the inter-war years, Nancy Astor worked closely with socialite-turned-gardener Norah Lindsay to devise herbaceous schemes for the Long Garden. Designed to peak for Ascot week, the central beds were filled with bright red, yellow and orange blooms in the centre with the colours fading to pinks, creams and mauves towards the edges. Although different, today’s modern scheme ensures a striking spectacle in spring and summer.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-long-garden-at-cliveden
Tip by
6
2.66 km
Blenheim Pavilion
Highlight • Monument
George Hamilton, 1st Earl of Orkney lived here at Cliveden from 1696-1737. He was a celebrated soldier and a major player in the famed battle of Blenheim in 1704. Despite his renown, he was a shy, modest gentleman and Cliveden became his country retreat. He set about making his mark on the estate, hiring Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni to design two beautiful structures here: the Octagon Temple (now the chapel) and Blenheim Pavilion in 1727, proposed as a nod to his military success. Leoni’s original drawings suggest the Pavilion was designed for dining, relaxing and bathing, believe it or not. Yes, some evidence actually points to the fact that a hot plunge bath was once intended here. If it was actually built as planned, this would’ve been the perfect spot for Orkney to relax and unwind with friends. An 18th Century man cave, if you will.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/projects/blenheim-pavilion
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/projects/blenheim-pavilion
Tip by
7
2.97 km
Canning's View of the River Thames
Highlight • Viewpoint
Canning's View
Canning's View was named after George Canning who was briefly prime minister in 1827. He was a regular visitor and spent many hours under a giant oak tree here, looking out at the spectacular view of the River Thames. The tree fell in May 2004 but the view to the river that George Canning enjoyed years ago still remains.
Canning's View was named after George Canning who was briefly prime minister in 1827. He was a regular visitor and spent many hours under a giant oak tree here, looking out at the spectacular view of the River Thames. The tree fell in May 2004 but the view to the river that George Canning enjoyed years ago still remains.
Tip by
8
3.55 km
Cliveden Rose Garden
Highlight • Natural Monument
Reinstated in 2014, Cliveden's Rose Garden is based on an original 1950's design by renowned garden designer Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe. Over 900 roses create a colourful summer-long display.
Having fun with colour
The Rose Garden's planting design is based on Lord Astor's original aspirations to create a garden that absorbs its visitors, through the introduction of tall roses in the outer beds and shorter roses on the inside. The repeat flowering roses gently phase from pale yellows in the east through vibrant oranges to deep velvety reds in the west.
A many-layered garden
The Rose Garden was once a formal grassed area known as a ‘cabinet’. It was created for Lord Orkney in the 1720s as part of a ‘wilderness’ garden design, which was popular in the eighteenth century. It was often used for lawn games such as bowling and tennis until a symmetrical rose garden was planted sometime around the post-war period.
Design changes
In 1959 the third Viscount Lord Astor wanted to change the design of the garden and commissioned Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe to do just that. He created a dynamic yet secretive rose garden that provided the Astor family with a place to retreat away from their busy public lives. Unfortunately, the garden suffered from ‘rose disease’ and the flower beds were replaced with herbaceous planting in 2002. This was known as the Secret Garden until 2013.
Re-instating the Rose Garden
Our project focused on reinstating the abstract design and atmosphere of the 1950s rose garden whilst also including features of the original 18th-century wilderness landscape. We lovingly restored the Jellicoe arches and introduced a steel edge to the flower beds to help them hold their abstract shapes. We also reduced the width of the outer shrub border, to let more light into the space, and planted a circular yew hedge which runs around the perimeter of the garden.
Planning your visit
The Rose Garden will be in bloom from mid-June until late September. If you’re inspired to add some rose to your own garden, we have a selection of the David Austin varieties planted here for sale in our shop during the summer months.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-rose-garden-at-cliveden
Having fun with colour
The Rose Garden's planting design is based on Lord Astor's original aspirations to create a garden that absorbs its visitors, through the introduction of tall roses in the outer beds and shorter roses on the inside. The repeat flowering roses gently phase from pale yellows in the east through vibrant oranges to deep velvety reds in the west.
A many-layered garden
The Rose Garden was once a formal grassed area known as a ‘cabinet’. It was created for Lord Orkney in the 1720s as part of a ‘wilderness’ garden design, which was popular in the eighteenth century. It was often used for lawn games such as bowling and tennis until a symmetrical rose garden was planted sometime around the post-war period.
Design changes
In 1959 the third Viscount Lord Astor wanted to change the design of the garden and commissioned Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe to do just that. He created a dynamic yet secretive rose garden that provided the Astor family with a place to retreat away from their busy public lives. Unfortunately, the garden suffered from ‘rose disease’ and the flower beds were replaced with herbaceous planting in 2002. This was known as the Secret Garden until 2013.
Re-instating the Rose Garden
Our project focused on reinstating the abstract design and atmosphere of the 1950s rose garden whilst also including features of the original 18th-century wilderness landscape. We lovingly restored the Jellicoe arches and introduced a steel edge to the flower beds to help them hold their abstract shapes. We also reduced the width of the outer shrub border, to let more light into the space, and planted a circular yew hedge which runs around the perimeter of the garden.
Planning your visit
The Rose Garden will be in bloom from mid-June until late September. If you’re inspired to add some rose to your own garden, we have a selection of the David Austin varieties planted here for sale in our shop during the summer months.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/the-rose-garden-at-cliveden
Tip by
B
4.30 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.72 km
1.15 km
338 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.42 km
1.15 km
544 m
167 m
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Saturday 22 August
24°C
9°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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