The palace of palaces

West London is blessed with a good number of country estates and their houses.  Within a very short distance there is Chiswick House, Syon Gardens, Gunnersbury Park and Osterley Park.  All of these are within ten miles of central London.

I cannot remember when I last went to Osterley Park.

Why had I left it so long……………?

So on August bank holiday Monday I decided to pay it a visit.

It is certainly spectacular. There is an amazing mansion surrounded by gardens, park, lakes and farmland.  It was once described as 'the palace of palaces', Osterley was created in the late 18th century by architect and designer Robert Adam for the Child family to entertain and impress their friends and clients.Today you can explore the dazzling interior with handheld audio-visual guides, which bring the house to life in a completely new way. 

Outside the gardens are a delightful retreat from urban life and the park is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.  But do not miss the atmospheric film in the Tudor stables which does bring the history of  Osterley to life.