Strawberry Hill - Barges, brooding cats, walks and mud. All available at Strawberry Hill this June!

Enjoy a unique opportunity to step on board the Queen's rowbarge, the Gloriana, whilst it is moored outside The Wharf Teddington. Tickets include a canapé reception with all funds raised going towards Strawberry Hill.

Step on Board the Gloriana at The Wharf Restaurant 29 June, 8 - 9.30pm, Teddington   Enjoy a unique opportunity to step on board the Queen's rowbarge, the  Gloriana, whilst it is moored outside The Wharf Teddington. Tickets include a canapé reception with all funds raised  going towards Strawberry Hill. Join us on the banks of the Thames at The Wharf Restaurant in Teddington for a wonderful evening of food and drink and a unique chance to step on board the Queen's rowbarge, Gloriana. The famous Gloriana is the first royal barge to be built for over 250 years and was constructed in Richmond using traditional techniques as a lasting legacy of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. We are honoured to have been allowed the use of Gloriana for this exciting evening in support of our Peacock Endowment Fund and 2017 Strawberry Hill Restored Appeal. Ticketholders will have the opportunity to enjoy her fine craftsmanship at close quarters, while drinks and canapés will be served inside the restaurant. There is also opportunity to place a bid in our silent auction. There are fantastic prizes to be won including:  a signed copy of Julian Fellowes' book 'A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey'; a Chapel Down Vineyard  deluxe experience for two including a 3 course lunch, tour and tutored tasting or a one night stay at the Richmond Gate Hotel including breakfast and use of the Cedar Leisure Club. Find a full list of the lots here. If you have your eye on a lot but can't attend the event you can still place a bid. Email viscardismith@btinternet.com with your name, address, phone number, lot and the amount of your bid. You may also send postal bids to: Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST, marked 'silent auction'. All bids must be received by 29th June.  Tickets to this marvellous event are £40 and we encourage purchasers to help us further by making an optional donation of £20 to the Peacock Appeal which will be matched by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Booking is required for this event at our website.

Last Chance to Enjoy an Arcadian Walk Sunday 21 June, 1.30pm Enjoy the last of our Arcadian walks this Sunday. Twickenham enjoys a special place in the history of the English garden. Starting at York House, a C17 red-brick house and former home of Horace Walpole's niece Mrs Anne Damer follow the Thames as it works its way back to Strawberry Hill learning about the unique waterside history of Twickenham.The tour concludes with a delicious cream tea at Strawberry Hill. Tickets are £18 and require advance booking here Laura Ford at Strawberry Hill 20th June until 31st October This new exciting exhibition opens on 20th June, why not join the sculptor in conversation? Laura Ford’s work portrays animals and people as fantastic and nightmarish figures, using humour and acute observation to engage with social issues and appeal to the audience’s childhood memories. New and existing works will be combined inside the house and around the garden to mark the second wave of the restoration of the interiors at Strawberry Hill. On 23rd June, join Laura Ford in conversation with exhibition curator, Stephen Feeke and explore the inspiration for this intriguing installation. Tickets £10 and include a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival. Advance booking required here.

Don't forget, children can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Strawberry Hill  too!     On 20 June from 12:30-3pm children can create fantastic artworks inspired by nature at our Woodland Art craft activity. Children will construct masterpieces using materials sourced from nature and amazing coloured mud. Warning, this will be messy! Strawberry Hill will host a cleaner activity on 27 June from 12:30-3pm at the Teddy Bears Picnic.  Families can bring along their favourite teddy bears they explore the woods and join our storyteller for a traditional teddy bears picnic in the gardens of Strawberry Hill. No booking is required for these fun-filled activities, however there is a small charge of £2 per child that can be made payable at the shop upon arrival.  These activities are suitable for ages 3+ and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please dress weather appropriate for all activities and most importantly, have lots of fun!