Boarstall Tower - Image 1
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Boarstall Tower

3.9
·40 reviews·, United Kingdom

A unique 14th-century moated tower offering a glimpse into medieval history with charming gardens and panoramic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Specific Sundays

Only days it's open!

CrowdMedium
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Boarstall Tower - Image 1

Boarstall Tower

Best Time

Specific Sundays

Only days it's open!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique 14th-century moated tower offering a glimpse into medieval history with charming gardens and panoramic views.

3.9
(40 reviews)

"A fun quirky tower with great welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly guides. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Times First

Boarstall Tower is only open on limited days, often 5 Sundays a year. Always verify on the National Trust site!

🧺 Perfect for a Picnic

The gardens are ideal for a relaxed picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Quaint Tower

The Quaint Tower

The central fortified tower

A unique 14th-century fortified home with a moat, offering great views from the top.

Reddit
The Gardens

The Gardens

Surrounding the tower

Well-kept gardens provide a peaceful setting for a stroll or a picnic.

Reddit
The Duck Decoy

The Duck Decoy

A short walk away

An intriguing historical site nearby, perfect for extending your visit.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Times Carefully

Boarstall Tower has very restricted visiting hours, often only open on specific Sundays. Always check the National Trust website before planning your trip to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Plan for a Short Visit

While charming, Boarstall Tower is best enjoyed as a few hours' outing. It's ideal for a relaxed picnic or a historical stop, not a full-day adventure. Reddit

Best Times

When
Specific Sundays
Why
Only days it's open!
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lovely for picnics & events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Always the best days out 🤩 #nationaltrust #englishheritage #historytok #battle #abbey #daytrip #thingstodo
@danwheelerontour
10.8K likes • 163.9K views

🎯 Check Opening Times First

Boarstall Tower is only open on limited days, often 5 Sundays a year. Always verify on the National Trust site! Reddit+1

🧺 Perfect for a Picnic

The gardens are ideal for a relaxed picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the serene surroundings. Reddit

Lovely summer afternoon recently at Boarstall fete. #boarstall #boarstalltower #buckinghamshire #punchandjudy #charityevent
thatkevbrown
9 likes • 117 views
Jennie and Matt’s elegant summer wedding at the magical 14th century Boarstall tower near Aylesbury. #ukwedding #boarstalltower #aylesbury #buckinghamshire #castlewedding #bicester #oxfordwedding #buckswedding
annabel_farley_photography
28 likes • 527 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Duck Decoy

Don't miss the nearby historical Duck Decoy for a fuller day out. Reddit

🗣️ Friendly Guides

The guides are knowledgeable and welcoming, making the history come alive. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Times First

Boarstall Tower is only open on limited days, often 5 Sundays a year. Always verify on the National Trust site! Reddit+1

🧺 Perfect for a Picnic

The gardens are ideal for a relaxed picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the serene surroundings. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Duck Decoy

Don't miss the nearby historical Duck Decoy for a fuller day out. Reddit

🗣️ Friendly Guides

The guides are knowledgeable and welcoming, making the history come alive. Reddit

📸 Great Views from Top

Climb to the roof for fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(40 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Boarstall Tower for its unique historical charm, well-kept gardens, and the exceptional knowledge and friendliness of its guides. The opportunity to climb the tower for views is a definite highlight. However, the extremely limited opening hours and the relatively brief nature of the visit are common points of consideration.

"A lovely little fortified home with gardens, church and moat. Good guided tour telling you it's history and well kept gardens. Free parking. Nice place to enjoy a picnic but only need to plan couple of hours maximum. Check the site for opening times, as dies have very restricted visiting."

Sam Burbidge

"A fun quirky tower. Great welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly guides. Super tour. Guides went specially back to their car to get guide leaflet for me. Good views once you get up to the top. Nice garden 🌹🥀. Check out the opening times as it's not open all that frequently. Would recommend a visit.

Check out the duck decoy too just around the corner. 🦆🦆🦆"

Pink Unicorn

"Visited in June for the Boarstall fete, it was lovely but the tower, which is a National Trust property is only open 5 Sunday's across the whole year!"

alistair cruickshank

What People Like

Knowledgeable and friendly guides
Charming historical tower
Peaceful gardens

What People Dislike

Very restricted opening times
Short visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Boarstall Tower is located near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. While public transport options are limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach it. Free parking is usually available on-site, especially if you arrive early. Reddit

Yes, free parking is available for visitors. Arriving early is recommended, particularly on open days, to secure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Boarstall Tower has very restricted opening times, often only open on a few specific Sundays throughout the year. It's crucial to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date visiting information before your visit. Reddit+1

Given the limited opening days, it's advisable to check the National Trust website for any booking requirements. However, for general visits on open days, tickets are typically available on arrival. Reddit

As a National Trust property, entry fees may apply. It's best to consult the National Trust's official website for current admission prices and any membership benefits. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the unique 14th-century fortified tower, wander through the well-kept gardens, and enjoy the views from the roof. A guided tour provides historical insights. Reddit+1

While children might enjoy the tower and gardens, some visitors suggest it's more suited for adults or older children due to the limited interactive elements. Reddit

Yes, visitors can climb to the roof of the tower for excellent views, usually guided by staff. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are offered and are highly recommended for learning about the tower's history. The guides are known for being knowledgeable and friendly. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Boarstall Tower itself typically does not have extensive food facilities. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the gardens. Reddit

Absolutely! The gardens are a perfect spot for a picnic, making it a lovely way to spend a few hours. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique moated tower from various angles, the charming gardens, and the panoramic views from the rooftop. The surrounding countryside also offers scenic backdrops. Instagram

Photography rules can vary. It's best to check on-site signage or ask a guide, but generally, exterior and garden photography is welcomed. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Boarstall Tower offers a unique historical setting that can spark curiosity in children, especially with its moat and tower structure. However, some visitors find it might be more suited for older children who can appreciate the historical narratives and the climb to the top. Reddit

Consider bringing a picnic to make the visit more enjoyable for younger ones, as on-site food options are limited. The nearby Duck Decoy could also be an interesting addition to the day's adventure. Reddit

💑 Couples & History Buffs

Boarstall Tower is an ideal destination for couples seeking a peaceful and historically rich outing. The charming gardens provide a romantic backdrop for a stroll or a picnic. InstagramReddit

History enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the guided tours, which offer in-depth insights into the tower's medieval past. The opportunity to climb the tower for views and explore the unique architecture makes for a fulfilling visit. Reddit+1

🚶 Day-Trippers

For a relaxed day trip, Boarstall Tower is perfect. It's a manageable size for a few hours of exploration, making it easy to fit into a broader itinerary. Reddit

Combine your visit with the nearby Duck Decoy for a more comprehensive historical experience. Remember to check opening times meticulously as they are very limited. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Boarstall Tower is a fascinating example of a 14th-century fortified manor house, originally built by John de Haudlo. Its unique structure, complete with a moat, offers a tangible connection to medieval England. The tower has seen centuries of history, evolving from a defensive structure to a private residence. The guided tours are excellent for delving into its past, with guides often sharing personal anecdotes and historical details. Reddit+1

While the interior is limited to a few rooms, the focus is on the exterior architecture and the stories it holds. Visitors can appreciate the moated defenses and the strategic placement of the tower. The surrounding grounds, though not vast, are well-maintained and contribute to the overall historical ambiance. Reddit

For those interested in local history, the nearby Boarstall Duck Decoy is a complementary historical site that can enrich your visit. This unique structure, used for catching ducks, adds another layer to the area's historical significance. Reddit

Experiencing Boarstall Tower Today

Visiting Boarstall Tower is often described as a quirky and charming experience. The friendly and knowledgeable guides are a highlight, making the history accessible and engaging. They are known to go the extra mile to assist visitors. Reddit

The gardens are a peaceful retreat, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The opportunity to climb to the top of the tower is a must-do, offering rewarding panoramic views of the Buckinghamshire countryside. InstagramReddit

While it's a delightful place for a short visit, some reviewers note that it's not an extensive attraction and might be less engaging for very young children. However, for adults and those with an interest in history or a desire for a relaxed outing, Boarstall Tower offers a unique and memorable experience. Reddit

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