A Fairytale Castle Hidden in London: Strawberry Hill House & Pope’s Grotto

#londontrips Underrated London Gems As my time in London comes to an end, I’ve decided to create a series of mini guides to the lesser-known gems I’ve fallen in love with over the past four years. First up: Strawberry Hill House and Pope’s Grotto — two magical, history-rich sites tucked away in southwest London. How to Get There Take a train from Vauxhall or Waterloo to Strawberry Hill station (around 30 minutes). You can use an Oyster card or buy a ticket on-site. Both locations are within walking distance of the station and of each other — ideal for a day trip! Opening Times & Tickets • Strawberry Hill House Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tickets: £14.50 (Adults) / £7.25 (Students) / Free for Art Fund members The garden is free to enter and open year-round. Tip: On the second and last Sunday of each month at 10 AM, there are excellent paid guided tours. • Pope’s Grotto Open on weekends only, hours vary — advance booking via their official website is essential Tickets: £10 Service & Experience Both locations have the most enthusiastic volunteers I’ve encountered in London. You’ll receive a map upon arrival, and friendly guides are always on hand to share insights into the architecture, the history, and quirky anecdotes. It’s a dream for anyone who loves learning the deeper stories behind a place. Strawberry Hill House: The White Castle of Dreams This dazzling white Gothic Revival villa was once the summer home of Horace Walpole, son of Britain’s first prime minister. Designed with both beauty and fragrance in mind, the house is surrounded by a fragrant garden that blooms through the seasons. One of the most charming details? A replica of the famous shell chair, said to be large enough to seat three duchesses (and their voluminous gowns). This house is pure eye candy — whimsical, dramatic, and utterly photogenic. Why “Strawberry” Hill? Walpole thought the original name, Chopped Straw House, was far too dull for his fantastical retreat. So he coined Strawberry Hill — a sweet, romantic name, despite there never being a single strawberry grown on the grounds! Pope’s Grotto: A Hidden Passage Through Time Alexander Pope, the famed poet and a Catholic, wasn’t allowed to live inside London in the 18th century. So he built his home in Twickenham, with a garden across the road. To visit in privacy, he excavated a secret underground grotto — a whimsical tunnel filled with crystals, minerals, and carvings. Walking through it feels like stepping inside a forgotten dreamscape.