About

Built in the 1720s for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's First Prime Minister, Houghton Hall is one of the finest Palladian Houses in England. It is a showcase of the work of architects James Gibbs and Colen Campbell, complemented by the richly ornamented interiors of William Kent, and furnished to reflect Walpole's growing wealth and power. The Hall is the home of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Walpole's descendent, and his family. 

Surrounded by traditional parkland, Houghton has a spectacular herd of white fallow deer. The award winning five acre Walled Garden includes a spectacular double-sided herbaceous border, a formal rose parterre, and a rustic temple designed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman. There is also a sculpture park featuring an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures acquired by Lord Cholmondeley.

World renowned artists take over its gardens and historic interiors every year from April to October for major exhibitions showcasing a full range of sculpture, paintings and other works of art and in 2024 Houghton stages two major solo exhibitions:

Stephen Cox at Houghton Hall 4 May - 28 September 2025
We are delighted to share the news that a major exhibition by the acclaimed British sculptor Stephen Cox will be presented across the park, gardens and interiors of Houghton Hall from 4 May to 28 September. The exhibition will represent the largest and most comprehensive group of work the artist has ever shown. Spanning over 40 years, it will include work conceived and produced all over the world from India to Egypt, Italy and the UK. Stephen Cox is one of the most revered British artists of his generation, best known for his monumental works in stone. His work is known worldwide, with celebrated exhibitions including MOMA, New York and the National Gallery and Tate Britain, London. Using traditional techniques, he has carved marble, alabaster and porphyry, and was the first artist for many centuries to gain access to the Imperial Porphyry Quarries in the Eastern Mountains of Egypt.

Other contemporary sculptures on display in the grounds include works by Rachel Whiteread, Stephen Cox, Phillip King, Anish Kapoor, Anya Gallaccio, James Turrell, Jeppe Hein, Richard Long and Sean Scully.

The Stables contain a range of original wooden stalls and tack and harness room. There is a fully-licensed café, a Gift Shop and a Soldier Museum, which holds The Cholmondeley Collection of Soldiers, one of the largest private collections in the world, with 20,000 models displayed. 

Palladian Mansion. Award-winning 5-acre Walled Garden, Model Soldier Museum, Contemporary Sculptures, Deer Park, Café & Gift shop, Picnic & Play Area.

Christie's Garden of the Year Award 2007 by Historic Houses Association.
Visit England - Quality Rose Marque. HHA Member, RHS Partner Garden, National Gardens Scheme Member.