Avington Park is a privately owned stately home in Hampshire, set in its own parkland bordering the River Itchen. Located east of Winchester in the beautiful Itchen Valley. Once described by William Cobbett as “one of the prettiest places in the County”. Open every Sunday from May to Sept, plus Bank Holiday Mondays and Mondays in August.
Where is Avington Park located?
Avington Park is located east of Winchester in the beautiful Itchen Valley. Hampshire. Postcode: SO21 1DB
Avington is less than five miles from the M3. Leave the M3 at Junction 9 – take the A34 towards Newbury and immediately filter right onto the A33 to Basingstoke. At the first crossroads turn right onto the B3047 and follow the road to Itchen Abbas. After approx 3 miles, in Itchen Abbas, turn right opposite the Plough Pub (finger post marked Avington). Drive over a hump backed bridge and turn right through a pair of large wrought iron gates with white pillars.
What is the history of Avington Park to the present day?
First mentioned in the 10th Century as Afintun, Avington originally belonged to the Cathedral of Winchester until King Henry VIII granted the estate to Edmund Clerke, who built the banqueting hall, now the Orangery.
In the mid C17th, Avington was owned by George Brydges, Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles II. He enlarged the house to accommodate the King and Nell Gwynne. The 3rd Duke of Chandos, a cousin, inherited the property and made many improvements, adding the leaded statues, fountain, redecorating and gilding the state rooms, as well as laying out the gardens and parkland, planting avenues and vistas.
His only child, married the Duke of Buckingham and Stowe, who became the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, inheriting Avington, and played host to King George IV and Mrs Fitzherbert. The estate was sold in 1847 to Sir John Shelley, brother of the poet, and was sold to Lt. Col and Mrs Hickson in 1951, and is now in trust with their family. Whilst the interiors mainly depict a Georgian stately home, the history of the house delves much deeper, a guided tour is greatly suggested.
What is there to see and do at Avington Park?
Open every Sunday May to September, plus Bank Holiday Mondays and Mondays in August. The rooms on show are the Main Hall, Library and Conservatory, and on the first floor the Ballroom and Drawing Room. The Tea Bar is open from 2pm. Enjoy the grounds and gardens at leisure.
Other Information
Avington Park provides a magnificent setting for weddings, celebrations, musical evenings, receptions, private dinners, themed parties, corporate events and product launches. The State Rooms were designed for enjoyment and entertaining making Avington Park the perfect venue to host a variety of events.
