The Duke of Wellington approved the estate on his first visit in September 1817. He liked the park, with the River Loddon flowing through it, the woods and its relatively easy access to London and Windsor. He planted a Cedar across the river from the house, which has now grown into a magnificent tree.

Stratfield Saye House had originally been built in the 1630s, on the site of an even older house, when Sir William Pitt, Comptroller of the Household to James I, had acquired the estate from the Dadridgecourt family. Sir William’s great grandson George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers, who also built the present church, made many improvements to the house and park, planting trees and dredging the River Loddon to create a Broadwater to look like a lake in front of the house. It was his son, the 2nd Lord Rivers who sold the house and estate to the 1st Duke of Wellington.

Tickets can be purchased at the June Lecture cost £55.00

This includes a private tour of the house in groups of 10, Tea or coffee and biscuit on arrival,lunch of quiche and salad.

Coach departs at 9.00am from Haslemere Hall. A reasonable amount of walking.

6 days departing on 11th October 2026 by coach, staying at the 4 star Mecure Cite des Papes in the city centre. Please note that there is a 15 mins walk from the coach park to the hotel as coaches have restricted access to the city centre. Help with baggage for one piece per person is included in the package for the first and last day of the holiday and so some walking to and from a coach is required on other days.

Full details of the whole holiday can be obtained from Sarah Barnes - 01428 643129 together with a booking form.

The holiday is arranged through Tailored Travel. Cost is from £1,799.00 with single room suppliment of £199.00. Insurance can be arranged from £92. Lunches and some dinners are not included.