Waddesdon Manor closed for Christmas as work takes place to conserve listed building
Waddesdon Manor will be closed over Christmas this year as part of work to conserve its Grade I listed building.
The manor’s gas heating system, which is more than 25 years old, is being replaced with a ground source heat pump system as part of a project which will require the site to be closed from November 29, 2026 until March 2027.
The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by 124 tonnes a year, while helping to conserve the building and its art collection.
Work on the project started last month, with the drilling of 46 boreholes on the North Lawn, which will transfer natural heat from the ground to new heat pumps in the manor’s basement.
Following the closure of the house and gardens at the end of November, internal works and upgrades to the electricity supply will take place.
Waddesdon Manor say the heat pump system will help to preserve its collection of art, furniture and other historic objects by providing a constant and stable temperature in the house.
Assistant director of operations at the National Trust Paul Cook said: “This project is a major step forward in our ambition to reduce carbon emissions across our estate.
“Working with the Rothschild Foundation allows us to safeguard Waddesdon Manor’s heritage while embracing modern, renewable technologies that will protect it for generations to come.”
A Waddesdon Manor spokesperson told The Bucks Herald: “Christmas will definitely be back for 2027 and plans are already underway to make it extra special for the 150th anniversary.”
Next year marks 150 years since the first stone was laid and building started on what is now Waddesdon Manor, and details of events and exhibitions to mark the milestone will be announced nearer the time.
In the meantime, the manor has announced details of its autumn events and exhibitions, prior to its closure over the winter.
Standing With Giants are bringing their D-Day installation For Your Tomorrow to Waddesdon Manor between October 21 and November 29.
The display of 1,476 life-sized silhouettes is coming to the manor’s grounds and will be free to view.
Meanwhile, a new display entitled 1939-1945: The House Interrupted brings to life the manor during the war, when 100 children under five years old arrived from London in 1939.
This also runs from October 21 to November 29 and is free to view.
The manor’s new wild wood adventure playground, featuring tunnels, slides, walkways and a zip wire is now open for children to enjoy, and included free with grounds admission and National Trust membership.
Full details of Waddesdon Manor’s autumn events programme is available on their website.
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