Nestled in Northamptonshire, England, Althorp Estate stands as a testament to over 500 years of the Spencer family’s history.

Under the stewardship of Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl, Althorp Estate remains a cherished cultural and historical landmark.

This stately home was also the childhood home of his sister, Princess Diana, before her marriage to Prince Charles.

The estate includes 90 rooms, of which 31 are bedrooms, and houses over 650 paintings, offering visitors a glimpse into its opulent past.

Architectural Heritage of Althorp

The main house at Althorp, a Grade I listed building, dates back to 1688 and replaced an earlier structure visited by King Charles I.

Adjacent to this historical gem is the mustard-yellow stable block, a striking example of Palladian design.

Crafted in the 1730s by architect Roger Morris, the stable block illustrates the evolution of architectural styles that Althorp has adopted through the centuries.

Extensive Art Collection

Althorp boasts an impressive collection of European artwork and architecture.

Its interiors are adorned with spectacular painted ceilings and two particularly noteworthy rooms: the Saloon and the Great Room.

These spaces display the Spencer family’s extensive art collection, accumulated over generations, featuring pieces from various artistic eras and styles.

Historic Furnishings

The estate is home to historically significant furnishings, including the Washington Chest—allegedly linked to the ancestors of George Washington, who were related to the Spencer family.

Another highlight is the Oak Bedroom, furnished with an oak bed and embroidered curtains that bear the Spencer family crest, reflecting the estate’s rich heritage and historical significance.

Among the residents are the black fallows and red stags, thriving within the estate’s deer park.

Notably, in 2019, Althorp introduced the “Animals of Althorp” exhibition, highlighting the estate’s lesser-known animal inhabitants, including the resident peacock named Tim.

Public Tours at Althorp Estate

Althorp opens to the public each summer, offering guided tours that highlight its luxurious interiors and expansive grounds.

These tours provide insights into the historical significance of the estate and the legacy of the Spencer family, allowing visitors to explore key areas that hold cultural and historical importance.

Round Oval Lake

The Round Oval Lake is a tranquil spot on the Althorp estate, featuring a small island that serves as the burial site for Princess Diana.

This peaceful lake is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene retreat and a place of reflection for visitors.

The island itself, accessible only by boat, has become a poignant symbol of her legacy, drawing admirers from around the world to pay their respects in this quiet, beautiful setting.

The aerial view showcases the serene Oval Lake at Althorp, where Princess Diana’s island burial site rests, surrounded by lush greenery and meticulously maintained grounds by Charles Spencer.

This memorial pavilion dedicated to Princess Diana stands as a poignant tribute within Althorp Estate, reflecting the love and respect the Spencer family holds for her memory.

The close-up of Princess Diana’s memorial pavilion highlights the years of her birth and passing, capturing the timeless legacy she left behind.

Flowers adorn a bench at Diana’s memorial, symbolizing the continuous flow of tributes from admirers and loved ones who visit Althorp to honor her memory.

Ducks swim peacefully in the lake near Princess Diana’s memorial, showcasing the tranquil beauty and wildlife that thrives within the picturesque landscape of Althorp Estate.

The Deer Park

The Deer Park at Althorp Estate is a notable and expansive feature of the property, contributing significantly to its natural beauty and ecological diversity.

A majestic stag stands proudly among the trees, showcasing the serene beauty of Althorp’s Deer Park, part of the expansive 13,000-acre estate.

A picturesque pathway through a canopy of ancient trees highlights the natural splendor and tranquility found throughout the Althorp Estate, carefully preserved by the Spencer family for generations.

Althorp Visitor Essentials

• Address: Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ
• Booking Contact: telephone: +44 (0)1604 770 107 or email: [email protected]
• Open Days: Althorp has a very limited season. The house is open in the summer with specific dates announced on the Althorp website every year. In 2019, the house and estate will be open from July 1 to August 31.
• Additional Openings – Guided tours of the house are also available during The Althorp Food and Drink Festival, highlighting independent Northamptonshire producers, Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 in 2019. Only the grounds and seasonal exhibitions are open during the Althorp Literary Festival in Autumn 2020.
• Hours: In 2019, the gates open at 12:00 Noon and close at 5:00 p.m., with last admission to the house by 3:00 p.m.
• Admission: In 2019, adult day tickets cost £18.50 if purchased online and £20 if purchased at the gate. Children aged 5 through 16 £11, online or at the gate. Family tickets and concessions (discounted tickets) for seniors and students are also available. Children up to 4 are admitted free. Tickets can be booked online any day except the day of your visit when they can be purchased at the gate. But keep in mind that when the house is open on August 31, the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, tickets are very much in demand so advance planning for that day is necessary. 
• What you get for your money – The admission price during the house opening season includes entry to the grounds, the current exhibitions, Café and Gift Shop in the Stables, and entrance to the State Rooms of the House.
• How to Get to Althorp
• By car: Althorp is 7 miles west of Northampton off the A428. Directions are signposted from the M1 motorway (Exit 16 Northbound or Exit 18 Southbound). Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours from London, 2.5 hours from York, and 1 hour from Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cambridge, or Oxford.
• By train: Althorp is seven miles from Northampton station which has regular train service from London Euston. Bus and taxi services are available from Northampton station.

A Very Special Memorial

Diana’s grave is on an island in the lake, known as The Round Oval. It is private and cannot be visited. A funerary urn perched on a column on one end of the lake indicates that the island is a burial place.
Visitors can, however, contemplate the Princess at the lakeside Temple which is dedicated to her memory. The Temple was originally created by the 2nd Earl Spencer to celebrate a naval victory over the French during the Battle of the Nile under Nelson. It stood in the gardens of Admiralty House, in London until 1901, when it was bought by the 5th Earl and transported to Althorp. The purchase price was just £3. In 1926, the Temple was moved to its current location. Visitors can see it as part of exploring Althorp’s grounds.