Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor was built between 1874 and 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain his guests and display his vast collection of art treasures. It houses an extraordinary assemblage of French 18th-century decorative arts. The furniture, Savonnerie carpets and Sèvres porcelain rank in importance with the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Louvre in Paris.

Outstanding are the portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds, works by 17th-century Dutch and Flemish Masters, and a spectacular silver dinner service made for George III. The extensive wine cellars can be visited. Waddesdon has one of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain, renowned for its seasonal displays, colourful shrubs, giant tree ferns, parterre, statuary and restored pleasure garden. There is a rose garden, and the rococo-style aviary, newly painted and gilded, houses a splendid collection of exotic birds. Look out for a new feature at Frog Fountain steps.