If your new year's resolution involves exploring more local gems, then this magnificent gothic castle in Twickenham is a must-visit.
Strawberry Hill House & Garden has been open to visitors for 250 years, offering tours of the enchanting 18th century castle and all of its hidden treasures.
Boasting bright red walls, gilded ceilings, tall towers, and bright, beautiful stained glass windows, this castle is the perfect place to live out your fairytale fantasies for the day.
Strawberry Hill House & Gardens is the former home of Horace Walpole, author of the world's first gothic novel The Castle of Ontranto and son of Sir Robert Walpole.
Horace Walpole transformed the once modest house into a little gothic castle where he grew his collection of antiques, trinkets, and works of art. Walpole also used the house to set up his own printing press, publishing his own works on history and art, as well as his novel.
The sights both from within the castle and across the grounds are guaranteed to take your breath away - definitely a great spot for an Instagram shoot if you do manage to pick your jaw up off the floor.
A number of guided tours are offered across the castle, from the Stained Glass Tour to the Landscape Tour.
If photography is your thing, you can join in on a Supervised Photography Session to capture the most beautiful sights in the castle through your camera lens.
But if you were hoping for a more romantic visit, then we recommend the after-hours Twilight Tour. Kicking off with a glass of bubbly, take a stroll down the halls of the spectacular castle at the most eerie time of day.
For now, Strawberry Hill House & Garden is closed for the Christmas period, but will reopen from Sunday, January 30th.
When it does open its doors to the public once again, the site will take in the house from Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 4pm, or in the Garden and Garden Cafe from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.
You can make a booking for your visit here.
Featured Image Credit: Strawberry Hill HouseTopics: Travel