Basildon Park

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Basildon Park features in the new Pride and Predudice film. See our Behind the Scenes exhibition here this year. Costumes from the film on display April - end June. Basildon Park, situated between Streatley and Pangbourne in the Thames Valley in Berkshire, was due for demolition before Lord and Lady Iliffe saved it in 1952. Between 1910 and 1952 the house was largely unoccupied. It was requisitioned in both wars and the parkland used as a training ground for the D-Day landings.

The house was restored and filled with fine pictures and furniture and in 1978 presented to the National Trust who continue with its restoration and conservation.

The house is a particularly fine Palladian mansion built in Bath Stone by the architect John Carr of York, for Sir Francis Sykes. Surrounding the house are gardens and pleasure grounds leading to 400 acres of park and woodland with a series of waymarked walks. Studies by Graham Sutherland for his tapestry 'Christ in Glory' at Coventry Carthedral are on display in the Sutherland Room.

Basildon Park hosts a series of events including children's open air theatre, firework concerts, motor club days and a craft show.

As well as the listed opening times, special guided tours can be booked for groups both mornings and evenings on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Garden Room is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. Some rooms may be booked for wedding receptions, corporate events and other functions. Marquees may also be erected on the croquet lawn.
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Wikipedia:
Basildon Park is a country house situated in the English county of Berkshire, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Basildon and near the town of Reading (grid reference SU611782). It is owned by the National Trust.

The Palladian mansion was built between 1776 and 1783 by John Carr for Francis Sykes, who had made his fortune in India. The interior is notable for its original delicate plasterwork and elegant staircase, as well as for the unusual Octagon Room. The house was rescued by Lord and Lady Iliffe, who restored it and filled it with fine pictures and furniture. The early 19th century pleasure grounds are currently being restored, and there are waymarked trails through the parkland.

It was used as a location (Netherfield Park) for the acclaimed 2005 film Pride & Prejudice. It was also used as a filming location for the movie Marie-Antoinette.