Hihihi Nash Hashers,

Not Out here. Registrations my thing. However, today I want to tell you about a hidden gem within easy walking distance of the UK Nash Hash venue. And when I say easy, it’s literally next door on Waldegrave Road). If you find yourself at Nash Hash with a spare 90-minutes – perhaps you did a short run/walk or finished the ball breaker early - check this out!

Over the trees you’ll see a large, glaringly white ‘castle’. This is Strawberry Hill House, a masterpiece of Gothic revival and the one-time home of the best of British eccentrics

In 1747 Horace Walpole, the youngest son of Britain’s first Prime Minister (Sir Robert Walpole) bought two small cottages, fashionably placed halfway between the Royal courts at Richmond and Hampton. He wasn’t a rich man, being the youngest son, but over the next 50 years, while confirming himself as a famous writer (wrote the first ever gothic novel) and chronicler of his time, he remodelled and added to his ‘pretty bauble’, ignoring the prevailing neo-classical fashions of the time and created the first great neo gothic house – think St Pancras station or Houses of Parliament.

His love of British History and all things collectable, made him one of the centuries greatest collectors. Sadly, most of the collections were sold off in the 19th Century by the then scandalous owners, the Waldegraves. However, the house has been wonderfully restored, much helped by the fastidious records and drawings kept by Horace Walpole.

Strawberry Hill House is well worth a visit and has a nice café! We’re waiting to hear if they can extend the opening ours for us, as currently the last tour starts 3pm but do please take a look at their website and plan yourself a visit. Give yourself a good hour to walk around the House. You won’t be disappointed.

Here is the website. Bring any proof of concessions and your English Heritage cards!

House & Garden - Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Not Out

July 2025