Woodchester Mansion

Arts & Culture Experience

Woodchester Mansion may be unfinished but it is nothing short of spectacular. The designer of Woodchester Mansion was local architect Benjamin Bucknall, at the request of William Leigh. Benjamin was determined to blend the local work of limestone with the ideas of the French architectural thinker Viollet-le-Duc, thus creating this Gothic Revival house. There are many fine examples of limestone carving throughout. Construction of this Grade I listed house was begun in the Victorian Gothic style in 1857. Unfortunately building had to stop after Leigh’s death and it was not financially viable to continue. The unplastered walls and unglazed windows are visible making this a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of a grand building. Woodchester Mansion hides no secrets, hence it is a sight to behold. It will be of particular interest for those with a passion for architecture.

You can learn more about the history of Woodchester by joining one of the tours which are available twice a day on open days (Friday – Sunday, April-October). If you are a larger group you can arrange a private tour (Tuesday – Thursday) for groups of 12 or more.

The mansion is not only a popular attraction for humans, there are also hundreds of bats who visit. Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats roost in the attics giving birth to their pups in June/July. In August there can be around 1000 bats in the attic. Within the mansion is a bat observatory where you can see the hidden goings on. This area is a Special Site of Scientific Interest and the bats are under careful observation. During the busy bat season you can attend a Woodchester Bat Experience. You can use a hand held detector to track the bats movements around the mansion. If you would like to learn more they also host bat talks.

The mansion is in a secluded location but a free minibus service operates from a nearby National Trust car park. You are also able to walk the ¾ mile track through woodland and pastures.

Please note: Woodchester Mansion is normally open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from the beginning of April to end of October.