Althorp

2467 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Things to do

Location

Date of travel

2013

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Adult family

Reasons for trip

It's hard to believe that it was in August 1997 that Princes Diana died and a visit to Althorp brings back many memories of her life and work.

On a glorious sunny day, the stately home stands majestic in many acres of land, and one has to imagine Diana as a child being brought up here, with a team of nannies and servants. A beautiful house, but not really a home; austere and formal and literally miles from the nearest neighbour.

Parking is in a field just across from the main entrance, and there is a minibus service for those who prefer not to walk to the house itself. Probably around 500m or so but just that bit too far for those less mobile, and this is a welcome touch.

The stately home is open for 6 weeks each year and a team of friendly and helpful staff are shipped in, many of whom have been working here for years and clearly love the house, the family and its incredible history.

Charles Spencer rules the roost, and as one wanders around the home (audio guide offered for a supplement of £3), it is incredible how many paintings are on display of the family through the years. It is said that the Spencers are more royal than the Royal family, and this collection is living proof of that. Recent renovations to the house necessitated the selling of a painting for a cool £11 million. A useful way to work really when you can trade an heirloom or two to pay the bills. Like an aristocratic e-bay.

Diana's presence is not really felt in the house itself apart from one beautiful portrait next to her brother. We are told that the house is used for guests who visit the literary festival, and for weddings and other events. Four poster beds abound, although I am not sure I would want to sleep in a room with quite so many paintings of stern looking nobility staring at me. Charles has juxtaposed 2 very modern paintings within the collection – like them or hate them, they are a talking point. Next to a line up of Charles' II mistresses is a painting of the actress Jaime Winstone looking like a rock chic / drug addict. It startles the senses, but that is the intention.

The stable block is dedicated to Diana with early footage of her childhood which is very poignant, as well as memorabilia such as a page from her diary (a reminder to go to lunch at the Savoy gives a flavour of her life). Other rooms show her work with the landmines and the Red Cross, as well as many of her clothes, including the original dress which looks fussy and dated all these years later. There is little mention of HRH Prince Charles, one assumes that is the decision of Charles Spencer.

The visit is completed by a beautiful stroll around the lake at the centre of which is an island where Diana's body was taken. It feels remote and isolated – a metaphor for much of her life one imagines.

A very nice café and gift shop complete the visit. The food on offer is varied and well priced, and a lovely courtyard was the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream.

Those with limited mobility would not be able to visit the upper floor of the house, but the stables are very accessible, and a wheelchair user would easily be able to be pushed around the lake walk.

We found out that the stable exhibition is closing at the end of this summer, although it is not know where it will be relocated to. One would hope that it will be to else where in the house, otherwise the visit to Althorp would be sadly diminished.

Silver Travel Advisor

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.