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Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Paxton House. On this occasion, we took the guided tour and went on the boat trip to the Union Chain Bridge. The tour is excellent – the guide knows her stuff but wasn’t long-winded about it, and told us some entertaining stories. We went at a sensible pace, so we were able to examine items that interested us. We’d been on the boat trip before, but it’s always different and interesting: this time, we saw cormorants, egrets, little grebe and a merganser. Food and drink in the cafe is always good; and they have a dog-friendly room if you don’t want to sit out in the courtyard. We’ve been before to look at the gardens and attend events, but still have to see the exhibitions in the galleries – we’ll be going back soon! NB -the house visit includes a spiral staircase and other steps. There’s a lift at one point, but it would be advisable to ask about access before booking the tour.
One of the most uplifting stately home visits I have had. In part, this is because I am a Paxton, so my ancestors came from the village of Paxton. Paxton House was in the Home family, so, no relation. The exterior is restrained elegance. The excellent, knowledgeable tour guide took a small group of 20, beginning with the kitchen, processing through the less elegant rooms to the finale of majestic rooms. These last rooms are quite magnificent, with Robert Adam ornament & decoration. I did not have to pay admission as I am a member of Historic Houses. Cafe & shop are VG. VISIT PAXTON HOUSE.
My colleagues and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Paxton House, with a truly fascinating and engaging tour from Dr Fiona Salvesen Murrell who was very impressive and passionate when sharing the history of the House and the family, particularly for our research trip Fiona managed to deliver an engaging tour that was relevant to our various research topics and covered the broad history of the building. Fiona and her team should be really proud of the great lengths they have gone to in terms of research, creative methods and funding. I highly recommend visiting the House, the exhibition and the surrounding gardens with a stroll to the nearby Union Bridge.
If you are in the area of Berwick upon Tweed then Paxton House is a must see destination. I thought I knew about Chippendale the 18th century furniture maker but there is so much more to learn about him here. Lesley our guide was friendly, engaging and extremely knowledgeable about the extraordinary family who built and resided at this lovely house. You won’t be disappointed.
“The Paxton commission is especially interesting because it was intended for a new kind of interior – a semi public art gallery, designed to create one of the great Scottish Enlightenment interiors. The adjacent library has by contrast, furniture in Trotter’s more domestic New Town manner.”
