Compton Verney lit up at night. Photo by Fisher Studios.
1 / 10

Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park

4.7
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Art galleries and 120 acres of Capability Brown parkland in a historic Georgian house.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Compton Verney lit up at night. Photo by Fisher Studios.

Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park

Best Time

Spring mornings

Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Art galleries and 120 acres of Capability Brown parkland in a historic Georgian house. Instagram

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A great combination of gardens and art, with indoor galleries and outdoor installations. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the 120 acres of parkland.

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

Special exhibitions change; see what's on before you go!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Capability Brown Parkland

Capability Brown Parkland

120 acres of grounds

Stroll through stunning landscaped gardens and around a picturesque lake, designed by the renowned Capability Brown.

Instagram+1
Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies

Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies

Art Gallery

A unique 17th-century double portrait of a Black and white woman, displayed as equals.

TikTokInstagram
Interactive Art Installations

Interactive Art Installations

Grounds and Galleries

Discover engaging art pieces both within the house and scattered throughout the beautiful parkland.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors and Indoors

Compton Verney offers a dual experience of art galleries and expansive parkland. Plan for both, as the 120 acres of Capability Brown-designed grounds are as much a draw as the art collections. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park and consider the weather for your visit. Instagram

Check Exhibition Schedules

The art collections rotate with special exhibitions, so check the official website before your visit to see what's on. This ensures you don't miss out on unique displays like the 'History in the Making' exhibition. TikTok

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter gallery experience
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, outdoor events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

18th century Compton Verney House #uk #arounduk🇬🇧 #comptonverney
@arounduk
640 likes • 7.6K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the 120 acres of parkland. InstagramReddit

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

Special exhibitions change; see what's on before you go! TikTok

Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies (c. 1650). Photo courtesy of Compton Verney. A remarkably unique 17th-century double portrait depicting a Black and white woman side-by-side as equals will remain in the U.K., it was announced today. It is due to go on display for the public next year. The painter of Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies has not been identified, but the work has been dated to around...
@kemorene
488 likes • 13.2K views
Spend the day exploring 120 acres of art, nature and creativity at Compton Verney. Plan your visit on our website and find out what’s on! #comptonverney #art #nature #creativity #artlover #naturelovers #creatives #artgallery #museumfix #park #heritage #warwickshire #westmidlands #oxfordshire
compton_verney
37 likes • 1.1K views

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

Reasonably priced food and a good spot to relax. InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Activities

Interactive spaces for children in galleries and grounds. Reddit

Neil Honor from Catesbys showing one of the Paul Philp pieces for sale on his stand at The Cotswold Art & Antiques Dealers' Association Fair, which continues all this weekend at Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park in south Warwickshire. Entry is free www.thecada.org
cadaartandantiquesassociation
18 likes • 676 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the 120 acres of parkland. InstagramReddit

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

Special exhibitions change; see what's on before you go! TikTok

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

Reasonably priced food and a good spot to relax. InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Activities

Interactive spaces for children in galleries and grounds. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking on-site for visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Compton Verney for its beautiful combination of art and nature, highlighting the stunning Capability Brown parkland and engaging art collections. Many appreciate the family-friendly activities and the unique exhibits, such as the 'Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies'. The cafe is noted for being reasonably priced and accommodating. While generally positive, some visitors might find the art collections niche compared to larger national museums.

"What a fabulous place for kids and adults alike to visit 😊
Easy to access and plenty here to do when you get here
The grounds are beautifully kept and all the facilities are excellent
A great place for groups of any number to enjoy the walks around the grounds and lake
Just wow
BeeseyDave🐝😊🤗"

Dave Beese

"What a lovely art museum, tucked away. I crossed this place several times onto Cotswold, this is my first visit. It has spectacular lawns and landscaping. The manor has a 3 level museum dedicated, with some UK genuine exhibits that showcase local art and patterns. I did two nice activities with my toddler before having some wonderful cake. On each level or has little spaces for a child to engage in .
Definitely worth a visit with family."

shaunak samvatsar

"What a great combination of gardens and art. Indoor art galleries and outdoor installations. Beautiful grounds with informative plaques about the history of the property and the gardens. Nice little gift shops and cafe. Plenty of parking and toilets. Great places for families with young children (lots of activities indoors and out). Well worth the visit Not your standard historic house with old furniture and family paintings."

Richard Wilson

What People Like

Beautiful parkland and gardens
Engaging art collections
Family-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Niche art collections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Compton Verney is located in Warwickshire. It's accessible by car with ample parking available. For public transport, you can take a train to Warwick or Banbury and then a taxi or local bus service. Reddit

Yes, it's well-signposted from major roads in the area. Many visitors use it as a midway point when traveling between regions. Reddit

There is plenty of parking available on-site for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car. Reddit

While possible, it's a longer day trip. It's more comfortably visited as part of a wider trip to the Cotswolds or Warwickshire. Reddit

The nearest train stations are Warwick and Banbury. From there, you would need to arrange a taxi or check local bus routes, which can be infrequent. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary depending on exhibitions. It's best to check the official Compton Verney website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book tickets in advance. TikTok

While general entry usually requires a ticket, some special events or fairs held at Compton Verney may offer free entry. The Cotswold Art & Antiques Dealers' Association Fair, for example, has had free entry. Instagram+1

Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by exhibition changeovers. Always consult the Compton Verney website for current opening times before your visit. TikTok

Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase on the day, but booking online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or for popular exhibitions. TikTok

Information on memberships or season passes is usually available on their official website. These can offer good value for frequent visitors. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Compton Verney features diverse art collections, including Neapolitan Baroque and British folk art, set within 120 acres of Capability Brown parkland with outdoor art installations. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The 120 acres of parkland are beautifully maintained and perfect for leisurely walks, featuring a lake and various garden areas. Instagram+1

Yes, it's very family-friendly with interactive activities for children in the galleries and grounds, making it engaging for all ages. Reddit

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's advisable to check signage within the galleries or ask staff for guidance on where photography is permitted. TikTok

The collections span Neapolitan Baroque, British folk art, and contemporary art, with rotating special exhibitions. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Compton Verney has a cafe that offers food and drinks. It's known for being reasonably priced and a pleasant place to relax. InstagramReddit

It's a good idea to inquire about table reservations, especially if you are visiting with a larger group, as some visitors have found it helpful. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, the extensive parkland often lends itself to picnicking. It's worth checking with the venue directly or looking for designated areas upon arrival. Instagram

The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, and cakes, catering to visitors looking for refreshments during their visit. Instagram

Most cafes in such venues offer a selection of options. It's best to check the current menu at the cafe for specific dietary choices. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Capability Brown parkland, especially around the lake and gardens, offers stunning natural beauty. The architecture of the house and any outdoor art installations are also great subjects. Instagram+1

Photography rules can differ for each exhibition. Always look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure about taking pictures of the artwork. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites and galleries to protect the property and other visitors. It's highly unlikely and you should assume they are not permitted. Instagram

A versatile lens for landscapes and a prime lens for potential indoor shots would be useful. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive grounds. Instagram

The 'Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies' is a unique artwork. The reflections in the lake and the seasonal changes in the parkland are also highly photogenic. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Compton Verney is a brilliant choice for families. The interactive art activities within the galleries are a big hit with children, making art accessible and fun. Reddit The 120 acres of parkland offer plenty of space for kids to explore and burn energy, with a beautiful lake and outdoor installations to discover. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the hands-on elements scattered throughout the site, designed to keep young minds engaged. The cafe is also family-friendly, with reasonable prices and the option to reserve tables, making it easier for larger families to enjoy a meal together. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, Compton Verney offers a unique collection beyond the typical. Explore the Neapolitan Baroque paintings and the significant 'Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies', a rare and important work. TikTokInstagram The British Folk Art collection provides a distinct cultural perspective. TikTok

Keep an eye on their ever-changing special exhibitions, which often bring diverse and exciting art to the venue. The thoughtful curation and engaging presentation methods, like the scent bottles, enhance the viewing experience. Reddit

🌳 Nature Lovers & Gardeners

The Capability Brown-designed parkland is a major draw. Wander through 120 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring a stunning lake and sweeping vistas. Instagram+1 It's an ideal spot for a peaceful walk and appreciating historical landscape design. Reddit

Discover the outdoor art installations that are thoughtfully integrated into the natural environment, adding a contemporary layer to the historical setting. The grounds are perfect for photography and enjoying the changing seasons. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Collections at Compton Verney

Compton Verney houses a diverse range of art, moving beyond the typical stately home collection. Its permanent collections include Neapolitan Baroque paintings, showcasing dramatic and vibrant works from the 17th and 18th centuries. A significant highlight is the 'Allegorical Painting of Two Ladies', a rare 17th-century double portrait that has gained attention for its depiction of a Black and white woman as equals. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the Baroque, the gallery also features British Folk Art, offering a fascinating glimpse into vernacular traditions and craftsmanship. This collection provides a unique perspective on British culture and history. The venue also hosts temporary exhibitions that cover a broad spectrum of art, from historical pieces to contemporary installations, ensuring there's always something new to discover. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often praise the thoughtful curation and the engaging way the art is presented. The inclusion of interactive elements, such as sniff bottles that recreate scents from the era of the paintings, adds an extra layer of sensory experience, making the art more accessible and memorable for all ages. Reddit

Exploring the Capability Brown Landscape

The 120 acres of parkland at Compton Verney are a testament to the genius of Capability Brown, one of England's most celebrated landscape architects. His design philosophy focused on creating naturalistic, sweeping vistas, and Compton Verney is a prime example of his work. The landscape features a large, serene lake, gently undulating lawns, and strategically placed trees that create a sense of spaciousness and harmony. Instagram+1

Walking through the grounds offers a refreshing escape, with well-maintained paths that guide you through different garden areas and offer stunning views of the house and its surroundings. The parkland is not just visually appealing; it's also a habitat for local wildlife, adding to the natural charm. Visitors often remark on the beauty of the grounds, finding them perfect for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Beyond the manicured lawns and the lake, Compton Verney also incorporates outdoor art installations within its landscape. These contemporary pieces often interact with the natural environment, creating a dynamic dialogue between art and nature. The combination of historical landscape design and modern artistic expression makes the parkland a unique and engaging space to explore. Instagram

Family-Friendly Experiences

Compton Verney is consistently praised as a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of art and nature that appeals to children and adults alike. The galleries are designed to be engaging for younger visitors, with interactive elements and dedicated activity spaces that make learning about art fun and accessible. Reddit

The expansive parkland provides ample room for children to explore, run around, and connect with nature. Whether it's a walk around the lake or discovering outdoor sculptures, there are plenty of opportunities for active family fun. The combination of indoor and outdoor activities ensures that a visit can be tailored to suit the energy levels and interests of the whole family. InstagramReddit

Parents often highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the thoughtful provision for children, making it a stress-free and enjoyable outing. The cafe also caters to families, with reasonably priced options and the possibility of reserving tables, which is a significant plus for larger groups. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2