RoutesHiking trails & RoutesUnited KingdomEnglandSouth East EnglandBuckinghamshireWycombeHedsor
Spring Cottage – Cliveden House and Gardens loop from Cookham
RoutesHiking trails & RoutesUnited KingdomEnglandSouth East EnglandBuckinghamshireWycombeHedsor
Spring Cottage – Cliveden House and Gardens loop from Cookham
Moderate
4.8
(19)
300
hikers
Spring Cottage – Cliveden House and Gardens loop from Cookham
02:16
8.30km
130m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 22 m for 1.28 km
Customers only
After 1.52 km for 4.99 km
Customers only
After 7.45 km for 839 m
Customers only
Waypoints
A
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1
1.51 km
Spring Cottage
Highlight • Historical Site
Spring Cottage was the former home of osteopath Stephen Ward, who introduced Christine Keeler to Secretary of State for War John Profumo in 1961. The ‘Profumo Affair’ changed the course of political history when they rocked the nation with their confessions in 1963. Set on the banks of the River Thames, Spring Cottage takes its name from a spring that emerges from nearby cliffs.
Tip by
2
6.03 km
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
6.29 km
Cliveden War Cemetery and Memorial Garden
Highlight • Historical Site
When the First World War broke out, Cliveden was a grand country estate well known for its exclusive parties and famous guests, yet within months it was offering a lifeline to Allied troops injured during the fighting.
A helping hand
At the beginning of the war, after failing a medical assessment to join the army, Waldorf Astor (later 2nd Viscount Astor) offered part of the Cliveden estate as a hospital to the British Army. They turned down the offer after deciding it would be too difficult to adapt to their needs but, determined to help, he offered the land to the Canadian Red Cross who accepted.
As a result, the Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital was opened to treat injured allied troops of the First World War.
Bedside manner
In 1915 the hospital could hold up to 110 patients at any one time but by the end of the war, this number had risen dramatically to 600. Nancy Astor was often seen helping out in the hospital and it is said that her personality and great vigour worked wonders on the patients. Many ministers and royals also visited the hospital including Winston Churchill in May 1915 and King George V in July 1915.
In memory
Of the 24,000 troops treated at the hospital only a relatively small number died. In 1918, the 1st Viscount Astor's sunken Italian garden was adapted to create a memorial garden for the deceased.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/first-world-war-at-cliveden
A helping hand
At the beginning of the war, after failing a medical assessment to join the army, Waldorf Astor (later 2nd Viscount Astor) offered part of the Cliveden estate as a hospital to the British Army. They turned down the offer after deciding it would be too difficult to adapt to their needs but, determined to help, he offered the land to the Canadian Red Cross who accepted.
As a result, the Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital was opened to treat injured allied troops of the First World War.
Bedside manner
In 1915 the hospital could hold up to 110 patients at any one time but by the end of the war, this number had risen dramatically to 600. Nancy Astor was often seen helping out in the hospital and it is said that her personality and great vigour worked wonders on the patients. Many ministers and royals also visited the hospital including Winston Churchill in May 1915 and King George V in July 1915.
In memory
Of the 24,000 troops treated at the hospital only a relatively small number died. In 1918, the 1st Viscount Astor's sunken Italian garden was adapted to create a memorial garden for the deceased.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/first-world-war-at-cliveden
Tip by
4
6.43 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
5
7.66 km
Amphitheatre With View of Cookham Lock and Holy Trinity Church
Highlight • Viewpoint
Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre, tucked away on the cliff edge, hosted many theatrical performances during Frederick, Prince of Wales’ lease of the estate, including the first-ever performance of ‘Rule, Britannia!’ in 1740. Sitting on the grass steps, you could imagine this famous performance taking place, whilst enjoying views of Cookham lock and Holy Trinity Church, Cookham in the distance.
The amphitheatre, tucked away on the cliff edge, hosted many theatrical performances during Frederick, Prince of Wales’ lease of the estate, including the first-ever performance of ‘Rule, Britannia!’ in 1740. Sitting on the grass steps, you could imagine this famous performance taking place, whilst enjoying views of Cookham lock and Holy Trinity Church, Cookham in the distance.
Tip by
6
7.82 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
7.96 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
8
8.14 km
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
B
8.30 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.51 km
435 m
359 m
Surfaces
6.00 km
1.03 km
542 m
460 m
267 m
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Lowest point (30 m)
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Wednesday 6 May
17°C
5°C
14 %
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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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