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Althorp House

Althorp House, Northampton: Address, Phone Number, Althorp House Reviews: 4.5/5

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Althorp House

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Althorp House
4.5
756
#4 of 69 things to do in Northampton
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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2-3 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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63 within 6 miles
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Popular mentions
4.5
756 reviews
Excellent
429
Very good
197
Average
83
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30
Terrible
17
Mayesie (A Gluten Free Traveller!)
Herts190 contributions
Beautiful Home
Aug 2021
We really enjoyed our visit to Althorp House. It's not huge, but felt like a proper welcoming home. If you are going because of Diana, there really isn't a huge amount to see (apart from a few photos of her growing up there). We didn't visit for that reason, so really enjoyed our day. The grounds are lovely & the cafe went out of their way to make me a gluten free sandwich which made my day!
Written September 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa W
Hampstead Norreys, UK4 contributions
An exciting day trip from London!
Aug 2021 • Solo
I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Althorp on the 27th of August. I spent several hours here exploring the house and the estate, complete with a lovely loop walk around the oval lake and seeing the Diana memorial. The staff were absolutely lovely, informative and very friendly.
The cafe and courtyard provided a lovely setting for a bite to eat after being on your feet and friendly peacock Tim wandering around!
The grounds staff have done a great job of presenting the lawns and gardens. It was a great place to be out of the city, and only 15-20mins drive from Northampton.
Lovely clean toilets and well presented gift shop by Seaton Gifts.
There is also a great exhibition room where you can see more about Althorp's history, the Spencer family, Princess Diana and the animals at Althorp.
But what really made my experience amazing, was the wonderful staff. Everyone was very kind, polite and very welcoming. They were truly dedicated to ensuring you had a great day at Althorp House. I especially wanted to say thanks to Andy, Lal (on security, who was so helpful when I arrived at the wrong gate!) and Milly. Also to the several other staff who I spoke to who were so willing to chat about the house and to answer any questions.
I would highly recommend a visit to Althorp next summer! Thanks for having me!
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Suzylouwilliams
Denbigh, UK18 contributions
Upsetting afternoon. We will not return!
Aug 2021 • Family
We had arranged to meet family at Althorp as it was halfway between our homes (an hour and a half trip for each of us) as we hadn’t seen each other during the pandemic and wanted to meet outside to mimimise risks. We booked our tickets a month before on line and then I acquired an elderly chihuahua from a relative who died just before our trip. We took the dog with us as I hadn’t thought to check about dogs as in the previous week he had been to the grounds of 4 stately homes with us whilst we were on holiday in Wales.
When we arrived my daughter was carrying the dog as he refuses to walk and we went into the grounds. We had a picnic and walked to the Island. Whilst we were looking at the Diana memorial security came over and explained that dogs weren’t allowed and asked us if we had seen the signs (we looked afterwards - not a single sign at the entrance) and he said it was clearly stated on the website - I have looked since and it is in the FAQ’s section which I hadn’t looked at, but it certainly isn’t obvious that dogs aren’t allowed) He asked if we had hidden the dog in a bag to get him in - we did find that offensive as we had done no such thing, we had walked past security at the entrance whilst carrying the dog - check your CCTV if you really don’t believe us!. But we did appreciate that we were in the wrong and said that we would leave- he said that just one of us could put the dog in the car and return but we chose to leave as we wouldn’t leave the dog in the car, and we were fine about that. Then another young security guard accompanied us out of the grounds and was talking on his walkie talkie. At one point my niece stopped to take a photo of the dear, and he impolitely snapped at her to join the party and walk with us out of the estate. We pointed out that actually 3 of our group had bought their own tickets and didn’t own the dog so surely they could do what they wanted , and we reminded him that the precious security had suggested that just one of us take the dog back to the car. He was extremely jobsworthy and rude and told us he had been told to see us all off the premises. We felt like criminals! It was a genuine mistake and we were happy to comply with the rules but there was no need at all to treat us in this way. We certainly didn’t need escorting off the premises and the dog was no risk to wildlife as it was being carried.
So on reflection my advice to Althorp would be - make it clearer on your website that you don’t allow dogs and put a sign on the front gate. Please don’t assume that everyone is a master criminal and treat them all like that. I on my part will definitely be more careful about checking where I can take my dog, but as a brand new dog owner it really was a genuine mistake.
None of us felt that we would ever like to return to Althorp again and the actions of your staff made us feel extremely upset and ruined our get together
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jenny H
Mirfield, UK2 contributions
Portrait extravaganza
Aug 2021 • Couples
Beautiful house, fabulous portraits, friendly, well informed staff and peaceful grounds. Would definitely recommend for a 2 to 3 hours wander, comfy shoes advised.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bidborough
2 contributions
Outstanding customer experience
Aug 2021 • Friends
We are life members of the National Trust - so ‘experienced’ historical place/s visitors. Without a doubt this is best experience we have ever had - and all due to the outstanding staff.

We were met by Andrew, the duty manager who took time to explain the estate and assure us that my 95.5 year old father would be well looked after - and he most certainly was. When he could not visit places that had stairs, he was given a hard copy book of the house (to keep, signed by Earl Spencer) and a guide to talk him through the parts he missed.

I stress this was not a pre-arranged special visit, this is just what they do. As we went around, all the staff were impressively knowledgeable and helpful.

If you want to experience truly outstanding customer service and a beautiful house, grounds with lots of history…. At a very reasonable price … book a ticket!

And thank you Andrew - you are a gem for this wonderful house. A valuable asset.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cathy18
Doncaster, UK38 contributions
A wonderful day out
Jul 2021
Had a lovely day out here with my daughter. The house does not have the palatial feel of some stately homes, but instead feels more homely. Parking is in a field across the road! There are some absolutely beautiful pieces of art on display and the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We really enjoyed learning more about the history of the Spencer family. The grounds are not formal, ornate or manicured but are still stunningly beautiful. We loved seeing the deer and the lake area is peaceful and calm. A beautiful resting place for Diana. This was a wonderful day out and highly recommended. Thank you!
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
karin c
Manchester, UK104 contributions
Interesting exhibits
Aug 2021
Lovely family home with interesting exhibits set in large well maintained gardens. Final resting place by the lake of princess diana. We were especially pleased that the setting clearly demonstrated the love and affection the Spencer family has for diana,a fitting tribute! Can wholeheartedly recommend a visit.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris S
Poole, UK993 contributions
Good but not as great as expected.
Aug 2021 • Couples
Interesting to see the house and a beautiful walk around the lake. Some very helpful guides who explained the pictures. Shame the cafe is not great with such a limited choice. Sandwiches were poor quality. Exhibition is a bit of a PR job for the family. Lots of signed books on sale too!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CBFHfamily
Warwick, UK9 contributions
A lovely day
Aug 2021
What a lovely place Althorp is. The house, grounds and especially the staff are just lovely. Sitting by the lake is so peaceful too. We met an incredible gentleman called Bill, who is a real asset to Althorp. He took the time to speak to my 5 year old son Hugo and was happy to chat to us about the estate. He is the loveliest of gentlemen and goes out of his way to make you feel like a special guest. I enjoyed spending time here and would be happy to recommend it.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
492Hilary492
Silverstone, UK300 contributions
Utterly brilliant, highly recommend.
Aug 2021
What a lovely place. We have visited many, many NT properties, and this House is better than most of them.
The staff in the rooms were so informative and very pleasant to talk to. The art work on display was mind blowing.
The grounds are beautifully kept. The island in the lake where HRH Diana Princess of Wales is buried is a peaceful stroll from the main house.
Stables cafe, gift shop and exhibition very accessible.
How anyone can complain becsuse of a lack of a fountain and formal gardens is beyond comprehension.
Money very well spent and we shall be back again very soon.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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