Houghton House - Image 1

Houghton House

Ampthill, United Kingdom•4.5(767)•Heritage Site, Historic House

Explore a stunning 17th-century country house ruin set in picturesque grounds, perfect for history-loving families and dog owners.

Houghton House is a remarkable heritage site managed by English Heritage, showcasing the impressive remains of a 17th-century country mansion. The atmospheric ruins stand as a testament to Jacobean architecture and provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into England's architectural past. The property features beautiful grounds ideal for outdoor exploration, making it an excellent destination for families seeking to combine history with fresh air and nature. The site welcomes families with children and is particularly appealing to those interested in historical buildings and heritage conservation. As a dog-friendly venue, Houghton House accommodates visitors traveling with their pets, making it accessible for a wider range of families. The outdoor setting allows visitors to wander through the ruins at their own pace, discover the scale and grandeur of the original structure, and enjoy the surrounding countryside landscape. The venue's inclusion in the English Heritage collection ensures well-maintained grounds and informative resources to enhance the visit experience.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Contact venue for details

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.5(767 reviews)
C
C M

C M

2 months ago

Lovely place, we visited on a Sunday morning and it was very peaceful and quiet. Nice signs are around to give you a bit of into. There is also a small car park that holds a few cars. We had a nice walk up from Ampthill which didn’t take too long.

M
M

M

7 months ago

It's a pretty place with great views. Would be a perfect place for a picnic. Just a ruin but English heritage has still put some info down. Worth a visit if you're in the area.

A
Andy

Andy

a year ago

Interesting place, some informative boards placed around to tell you more about it. Not much parking nearby, space for maybe 6-8 cars at most. Then roughly a 5 min walk to the house itself. Seemingly only a mile from Ampthill so you can park and walk from there via public footpath.

P
Pete / Hel

Pete / Hel

a year ago

Built in the early 17th century by Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, as an elaborate hunting lodge. An unusual mix of Jacobean and classical design, it retains two important early elements of classical architecture in the form of its two loggias. Great views, a small car park, it's about a 5/10 min walk from the car park, no parking or entrance fees, yes all FREE, if you get it all to yourself like us then it's a bonus, a lovely quiet place, definitely worth a visit.

C
Claire Dragon

Claire Dragon

a year ago

Unmanned site & free to visit. No parking available at the house so a little bit of a walk (about a 10 minute stroll & we stopped to take photos). Very peaceful & tucked away; we actually had the place to ourselves! As it's fairly small you'll be back at the car in an hour. Still worth taking the time & there are a lot of birds as well as the house ruins to see

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Houghton House

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 28 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Houghton House

Is Houghton House free to visit?

Houghton House is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Houghton House dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Houghton House.

Is there parking at Houghton House?

Yes, Houghton House has on-site parking.

Is there food at Houghton House?

Houghton House doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Houghton House pushchair-friendly?

Houghton House isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Houghton House?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Houghton House.

How do I get to Houghton House by public transport?

Houghton House isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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