Althorp Estate in Leek

Wonderful tranquil space to walk around. Beautiful house, gift shop & cafe. Much wildlife from deer to peacocks. Charles Spenser often available signing books on certain days

Lovely to see the place where Lady Diana was laid to rest and grew up, you can sit on the benchs all around the lake, the memorial is lovely, beautiful gardens and tea room, courtyard area to sit and have refreshments, saw the Earl who was signing his books in the gift shop

We had a great experience, beautiful house, even got to meet Lord Spencer and a beautiful Peacock. Will definitely visit again.

In comparison to other stately homes that Ive visited recently this has to to be the worst and definitely the one that gives least value for money.The house was tidy but drab. The paintings were nothing special and the bright gilding of the frames gave them a cheap look.Some of the displayed china was broken and some of the busts were also broken with poor repairs.The guides were friendly but Ill informed, one particular prominent fixture that I asked about had not even been seen by the guides. Eventually one of them looked it up on the tablet device and advised that it was a compass built into the wall connected to the weather vane. Hence giving wind direction.The gardens were tidy and okay if you like grass.The memorial lake was overgrown and tatty, certainly not what Id expected. Considering that this is the usual reason for people wanting to visit Althorp, it was in my opinion quite shameful. The guide at the Lake who declared that hed been there for two seasons knew very little about the Diana memorial, claiming that he had no idea where the tomb was and had never seen it. I found the location on Google maps and showed him the satellite view that clearly shows the details. I did begin to wonder what was going on!So, I say again, in comparison to lets say Burleigh House which has a similar entry price, Althorp would struggle to justify a £5 entry instead of the £22 it currently charges.

This was our first visit to Althorp House and we loved it! The house is in immaculate condition and has some stunning paintings, including a few unexpected contemporary ones as well. The grounds are well kept and the memorial to Princess Diana is quite special to see.However, we were slightly disappointed to find that the vast majority of the grounds are closed off to the public, it would be nice to have been able to explore a bit more of it rather than just the bit round the lake (which you could cover within 20 minutes at a steady walking pace). Having said that, we still enjoyed our visit, the guides in the house were friendly and knowledgeable, the staff in the shop and cafe were efficient and friendly too.Just be warned that the car park is across the road in a field, though I think there is a provision for disabled parking nearer the house but check their website for confirmation of this.A good day out for the family and despite some of the little disappointments, we look forward to visiting again when the house is next open.

Princess Dianas burial place is beautiful and very peaceful. The house is full of art. A mixture of old masters and modern pieces which are very thought provoking.

We visited for the first time on August 27 2022 using our Historic Houses membership and although we had a great time there were some slight negatives.First, the good points:The house is amazing, stuffed with beautiful art, architecture and furniture. It is wonderfully kept, without any dust, dirt or damage (aside from a few cracksso you can see that its well looked after. The staff were friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic. We even saw Earl Spencer himself in the gift shop signing books and having photos taken.The toilets are clean and well maintained, the gift shop was pleasant and had some beautiful items. We ate in the Stables Cafe, which had plenty of options (including vegan!even though it was late in the afternoon.After all this, it feels a bit mean-spirited to sound like Im complaining, but its only fair to let people know the facts.We arrived at the main gate (as directed by a sat-navto find them closed. We werent the only ones, as other cars full of confused and frustrated people arrived! The public entrance is a couple of miles down the road, which we eventually found.Next, the car park is in a field opposite the public entrance, which is fine, but then its a lengthy walk to the house from the ticket office - this was ok for us, but had we taken an elderly parent they would not have managed this on top of walking around the house and grounds. Unless you have a blue badge allowing you to access the disabled parking are, you have no choice. Also, public access to the grounds is limited to a small wooded area and the lake where Diana is laid to rest. We were a little disappointed that we didnt get to see more of the estate.Signs everywhere saying "no entry" "private" and "keep to the paths" felt a bit unwelcoming but I can understand them as many people dont discipline or control their offspring.However, overall it was an enjoyable day and well definitely go back (although it isnt open much throughout the year!)

Lovely house in picturesque well kept grounds, wild deer roaming around and loads of history to the house and family, the island where Diana laid to rest is a nice place for a sit down and to rest and reflect. great day out when it’s open, and Earl Spencer appears for book signings in the gift shop, highly recommended.

Nice place to view house needs audio description device s

Visited the estate, house and grounds. Charles was signing books. Very personable. Beautiful estate and a lovely memorial to Diana.

Beautiful home. Grand estate. Amazing collection of portraits and paintings. Knowledgeable staff available to answer any questions. Plenty of informative history displayed during the tour. Sombre moments spent at the Lady Diane memorial. Highlight was having Earl Spencer sign a copy of his book " The White Ship"

Just be warned a good walk from the car park to the house, scenic walk, about 1/4 mile. Lovely house lots to see from pictures to ceilings and beautiful furniture. Could have been more guides, but those on hand were great so helpful and knowledgeable. Nice cafe, a bit pricey, again helpful staff. Was the £25 entrance worth it, I would say yes.

So beautiful here only think is it not that easy if youre in a wheelchair a part from that is so lovely

Long walk from car park to house. Free car park. Cafe small but good. Gift shop staff very helpful. House and grounds are worth the visit. Tim the Peacock very friendly which the black cockerel was definitely not :-)

I was not impressed by my visit. Lack of guides in the rooms. Didnt know what I was looking at half the time. Butiful pottery. But not a label in sight to let you know the age were the pottery was made. The only labels that was visible was dont touch. dont sit. Plus a poor excuse for a cafe. Nothing in there hardly and what was was well over priced. No gardens to walk around. Would I go back No

Amazing paintings throughout the house, beautiful gardens to walk around or relax in...or both. A great experience. A lovely memorial for such a special lady.

Feel something different from other tourist attractions, Ancestral home of Lady Diana and her memorial grounds.

Beautiful example of an old country Manor estate. Still a private residence. The art works are truly mind blowing dating back centuries.

Would love it if they put more of Diana inside the house which I believe was the main reason of people came to Althorp House. The tour around the house was not very informative, it was like a visit to art gallery with history of Spencers family. The Oval Lake was very serene and that was the highlight of my visit.

A pleasant half day out. House is well looked after and the gardens were quiet and peaceful. Well worth it, but beware the extensive walk from the car park. Disabled badge holders can get closer to the house. Aim for the west entrance if travelling by car.

A beautiful house that somehow seems keen on downplaying its connection with Lady Diana? Still a worth while visit but it seems that there are a few missed opportunities, also around catering and the gift shop? I am a captivated audience ready to spend some money, yet there are only low value items for sale - make me spend more.

Visited althorpe today long walk from car park to house . Bit disappointed not much on princess Diane café was very expensive glad I went but wouldn’t go back

Superb level of knowledge by the guides. The house is rich in treasures, especially paintings. The walk to the House is enchanting, as is the walk to the lake where Diana lies in peace.

I have been to Althorpe House many times, this time l was a little disappointed as there were no dresses or references to Princess Diana. I did however have a very breif chat with the Earl Charles Spencer who was so charming, friendly and thanked me for coming. This made my day even more special.

A beautiful home elegantly furnished with lots of paintings to see during the self-guided tour. The cafe was reasonably priced.

Astounding grand house. Interesting architectural history. Overwhelming art collection - 99% portraits. Rubens, Lely, a Gainsborough… overall a beautifully kept house. Really charming, helpful staff. You’ll need 2 hours for the house.

Beautiful house and grounds , bit limited in the cafe buy I suppose the house is only open for a couple of months so not surprising. Very friendly staff and well kept grounds and gardens, saw a large herd of deer .Lots of wonderful art and porcelain in the house not to mention the furniture.One small downside Dianas grave is barely visible from the edge of the lake , maybe deliberately however if the greenery was trimmed back a bit , photo ops would be much better and people would appreciate.

Been on my bucket list for a long time to visit Althorp. A beautiful historical family home with a touching memorial in the gardens to Princess Diana. Well worth the visit

I was looking forward to looking at some of the many masterpieces in this house. Unfortunately whilst Mani were in display the rooms were frequently roped off so I was unable to see them easily.Most of the grounds are not accessible either. Obviously the lake is accessible and has a number of benches to sit on.There are few benches situated elsewhere in the grounds.The Stable Block now has a cafe with rather expensive food and drinks

Wanted to visit Princess Dianas childhood home so when on holiday we booked advance tickets to see through it. One of the guides, Sarah, was so knowledgeable and friendly, she made our trip special. So much history to this family which I didnt know before. The rooms were lovely to see in all their splendour. Gift shop quite small but worth a visit. Not much about Diana, other than 2 portraits of her and a photograph. Visited the garden too where we went to the pond and island where Diana is buried. Saa the memorial plaques too in a serene, tranquil spot. We visited on a warm day which enhanced our trip.

Beautiful Estate. House is amazing. Lake and monument peaceful. Shame about the long walk from car park could do will a couple of benches to have a rest.

A real mixed bag. Firstly the general car park is a little way from the house. Although not busy , it is recommended you book before you go. If you are not a historic house member then entrance fee at £25 is a bit steep. However the house itself inside is superb (less said about the outside the better, though insipid would be a good word). There is some wonderful art, porcelain and furniture in the house. The guides in the room , although few , are very knowledgeable. Lets be perfectly honest the house is the best part, the lake where princess Diana is buried is nice enough , but there are no real gardens to speak of , and very little on Princess Diana. If you are hoping for a shrine to her , you will no longer find it here. There is a distinctly poor gift shop , which seems intent on supplying Charles Spencer books than offering any variety. The cafe is passable but wont blow your mind. In summary , go for the beautiful house as there is little else here.

Beautiful place to visit and great guides to answer any questions - would highly recommend this stunning place for a day out 😊

Went to visit with kids and wife. Lovely quiet place great for photos and a day out. Parking is fine, didn’t get to see house as we arrived late but gardens were nice. Overall nice to visit.

Lots of art and interesting priceless artifacts. Incredibly peaceful gardens and it was humbling to see the resting place of Princess Diana.

Lovely afternoon spent at Althorp House and grounds. Burial place of Diana, Princess of Wales, was much nicer than l imagined and a very quiet and tranquil place.

Really enjoyed visit inside of house and history very interesting . Peaceful gardens plenty of seats around the lake to sit and reflect a beautiful place. I found the walk from car park to houses a bit long would have liked a bench half way.

Such a lovely day out.The house and grounds are amazing and the staff are so friendly and informative, everyone goes above and beyond to make your visit really special.We will be back and cant recommend it enough.

Very limited. The food is awful. I have photos. Nothing hot. All drinks are £3 and nothing suitable for children who dont like fizzy. Nothing suitable food wise for children. Gift shop is very high range which is lovely but not everyone wants high range items. House ok but not great for children. Gardens ok but abit boring. Wont return.

Absolutely brilliant. Fantastic day out. Dianas resting place is a must to see. Beautiful house and lovely gardens. Highly recommended.

Lovely quiet place. You can sit by Dianas Island. Walk around it.Visit the house. See 500 years of history. The people who lived at Althorpe. Exhibition, I believe changes. Also told, if Charles Spencer is home. He comes to say hello. He wasnt home for us

Thoroughly enjoyed my day at Althorp. Very well organised with knowledgeable guides. The weather was lovely. Had my lunch outside in the stable courtyard. Quiet and peaceful at Dianas resting place.

Althorp has been the home of the Spencers, the late Princess Dianas family, for more than 500 years. Its currently the home of Princess Dianas brother, the 9th Earl Spencer and also the site of the Princesss grave. The family opened the house, including a lake and an island and surrounded by a 550-acre walled park, more than 50 years ago.We had a pleasant tour of the house and its well designed rooms. It is one of the more elegant of our stately homes. Relaxing snd charming without being too ostentatious.In the stables there was a whole wall of Books of Condolence for Princess Diane. They were from countries all over the world, the armed forces, hospital all walks of life.The grounds are lovely and the walk around the lake leads us to the Princess Diane memorial. Princess Diana is burried on the island in the middle of the lake.The area by the lake feels relaxing and calm. Jim the Peacock befiends you and then tries to steal your lunch.Really lovely day out in the sun. Staff are friendly chatty and helpful.

Well preserved manor house. Best place to bring children and have picnic. Great for outdoor fun like walking around estates. Terribly interesting and we have a great weather. The staff are all lovely and knowledgeable. Well worth a visit.

How terribly interesting! So much history and yet in a sense it is living history not just the past. History is being created as you meander through the home and gardens!

Visited today 18th July 2021 (my birthday)..and it was beautiful, peaceful and tranquil...The grounds are immaculately kept.The most beautiful part of our visit for me was when we came across the resting place of HRH Princess Diana..it was absolutely beautiful ...with 1000s of blue dragonflies dancing inbeween the reeds on the lake and pretty water lillies framing the little island where she rests..We also went into the house which was extremely interesting..with 100s of paintings of the Spencer family through the generations.The staff were very friendly and informative and clearly love working there..Bill in particular was lovely to us.Thank you for a spectacular day!!

My partner and I really enjoyed the visit. 14/7/21 Staff were very knowledgable and friendly. Weather was lovely so it made the walking around the grounds even more enjoyable and so peaceful. The stables/ cafe lovely touch. Prices were reasonable. It was a pleasure to meet Andy as we were leaving. Worth every penny. We would like to thank everyone for making a day very enjoyable . Kevin and Michelle

Staff were very helpful, particularly a gentleman called Andy.The only disappointing thing about the whole day was the very limited food.Well worth a visit.Also the postcode doesnt take you to the entrance so follow the brown signs.

This is an amazingly beautiful place, I went on my own as I wanted some peace and tranquility..... And I found it! My photos dont do the grounds justice, especially Dianas lake! Staff are friendly and helpful. Only two negatives one was that I didnt think that there a great choice of food in the tea room, especially savory food, but this could be because of covid restrictions. There is a lovely picnic area on the other side of the court yard.. Which is set in a lavender walled garden. The other being only one lot of toilets, which is by the picnic area... But if your disabled its more of a problem as the grounds are vast. All in all this is a fantastic place to go for the day.... I ran out of time and didnt even look in the house.. So I will be going again very soon 😁

Well kept Estate with delightful views and grounds , house is steeped in history with plenty guides to help you if you need a question answered they also have guided tours at regular intervals , nice to see occasional pics of current family members dotted around too . Not much on Diana though which is a real shame , There are a few exhibitions in courtyard , some mention of Diana here , her condolence books are on display as well as a few pictures of her and her pets. There is a cafe on site which was once a stable for 100 horses and their grooms, food served is mainly sandwiches , soups and cake with hot and cold drinks too , saw deer on way back to car in one of fields which was a nice end to visit