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Opening hours
Located a 45 minute drive from Heathrow Airport and within 10 minutes of Berkhamsted train station with direct trains into London Euston in 30 minutes, few locations can offer such superb facilities so close to the city. Garden tickets can be bought on site, but it is recommended to reserve restaurant dining in advance.
Gardens | Daily: 9.30am — last entry 4.30pm
Café | Daily: 8:30am — 5pm
Bar | Friday: 4pm — midnight, Saturday & Sunday: Midday — Midnight
 "Aerial view of Ashridge House and chapel overlooking an outdoor patio")
 "Aerial view of Ashridge House and chapel overlooking an outdoor patio")
History
With 700 years of fascinating history, there’s a palpable sense of heritage at the heart of Ashridge House. Originally a monastery, it became a royal residence for both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I—it was at Ashridge House that she was arrested in 1552 under suspicion of treason. It has been a private house for long periods, as well as a military hospital during both World Wars. It has also been a ladies’ finishing school and is now, of course, a world-class conference, events, and wedding venue steeped in wonderful history.
 "A black and white photo of people standing and ordering in a cafe and others sitting drinking coffee and tea")
 "A black and white photo of people standing and ordering in a cafe and others sitting drinking coffee and tea")
 "Black and white aerial photo of Ashridge House")
 "Black and white aerial photo of Ashridge House")
 "Black and white photo of the courtyard with swimming pool and five swimmers")
 "Black and white photo of the courtyard with swimming pool and five swimmers")
 "Black and white photo of women and babies in beds with nurses in the Lady Marian Alford Room")
 "Black and white photo of women and babies in beds with nurses in the Lady Marian Alford Room")
 "Black and white photo of the old library filled with furniture and ceramics")
 "Black and white photo of the old library filled with furniture and ceramics")
 "Black and white photo of plants and leaves hanging over a stone walkway indoors")
 "Black and white photo of plants and leaves hanging over a stone walkway indoors")
 "Black and white photo of people dining in the old dining hall")
 "Black and white photo of people dining in the old dining hall")
 "Black and white photo of people in lounge chairs with coffee and tea, under lit chandeliers")
 "Black and white photo of people in lounge chairs with coffee and tea, under lit chandeliers")
 "A split image with half elaborate designed door archway, and the other half the old library with large mirror, bookshelves, and fireplace")
 "A split image with half elaborate designed door archway, and the other half the old library with large mirror, bookshelves, and fireplace")
Artwork at Ashridge
The Egerton Collection of portraits and paintings returned on loan to Ashridge House in 1996. The portraits in this collection depict members of the Egerton family and others connected to the Egerton family. Many of the portraits had hung at Ashridge until the death of the Third Earl Brownlow in 1921. After the break up of the Ashridge Estate in the 1920’s the paintings were dispersed to other properties before being gathered together and returned on loan.
 "Portrait painting hangs above a fireplace with two ornate vases on either side, a well set table with flowers in front")
 "Portrait painting hangs above a fireplace with two ornate vases on either side, a well set table with flowers in front")
Dine with us
Ever since Lady Marian Alford’s lavish parties put Ashridge House firmly on the entertainment map, food has always been a priority. Whilst we no longer serve eight course extravaganzas every night, our passion for fine dining has earned us an unrivalled reputation for using the very finest produce to create innovative and sumptuous menus. The Bakehouse café is open daily for coffee, treats, and warm meals, and our our stylish private dining space, Acres, provides the perfect setting for special occasions.
 "A menu is set on wooden table with silverware and glasses")
 "A menu is set on wooden table with silverware and glasses")
 "A cozy bed next to a window with views of the garden and sunlight")
 "A cozy bed next to a window with views of the garden and sunlight")
 "Lawn chairs and umbrellas on a grassy lawn are filled with people in the sun")
 "Lawn chairs and umbrellas on a grassy lawn are filled with people in the sun")