Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire is one of the world’s most unusual heritage sites. Six thousands visitors a year come on the restricted open days to take a guided tour around the world’s only unfinished architectural masterpiece to function as a visitor attraction.
Begun in 1854 and suddenly and somewhat mysteriously abandoned by its builders in 1877, who seem to have literally downed tools, the Mansion has long been associated with the Paranormal, attracting hundreds of ghost-hunters each year to spend nights in the eerie building looking for spooks.
In the daylight, the Mansion is as astonishing time capsule, opening a window directly into the Victorian era when a wealthy landowner and a brilliant young architect were struggling to realise a vision of a new kind of country house – part home, part monastery. Built to the same standards as the medieval cathedrals, the Mansion would have had one of the finest private chapels in Britain  had it ever been finished.
Today it is home to a rare set of bat colonies, a Living Classroom for training student craftsmen, and a popular film set. The ‘Gothic’ doors on the ground floor are left-over’s from Granada Television’s Dracula of 2006, and other props survive from Discovery’s Nostradamus of 2007. Aspects of the Mansion and its cellars in particular are believed to have inspired the designers of Harry Potter.
Chairman of Woodchester Mansion Trust Stephen Davis is himself a screenwriter. “Coming to Woodchester Mansion is like coming to see Hogwarts being built. The building makes an indelible impression on all its visitors. There’s nothing like it.”
This spring the Mansion reopens after a £50,000 self-guiding and interpretation system has been installed, financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“With the new installation, titled Time Stands Still, we are opening up the Mansion’s mysteries to new audiences and a growing number of visitors. We’re unlocking the doors and unlocking the past,” says Stephen.
Details
Opening Hours:
April – October from 11am – 5pm
Every Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday – Walk down & enjoy a self guiding experience (Please call or check website before visiting on Saturdays)
Sundays & all Bank Holidays include guided tours, free car park, free minibus service & tea room
Woodchester Mansion is available to hire for any occasion, from educational visits to paranormal investigations. The Mansion acquired a licence to hold Civil Marriages & Partnerships, so the Mansion is now available to book for a Woodchester Wedding!
