Frequently Asked Questions

Alexander Pope’s Grotto is the last remaining part of his once-famous villa and gardens, which he built in 1720 on the banks of the Thames at Twickenham. A mine of minerals gathered from all parts of the world, it is listed as Grade 2* and is of outstanding national importance. It is highly significant for British culture and for the birth of the English Landscape Garden Movement.

Pope’s Grotto Trust organises Open Days throughout the year.  Because the Grotto is in a school, Open Days are usually at weekends.  We also organise joint events with other local heritage properties which incorporate a visit to the Grotto as part of a guided tour.

We do not organise guided tours of the Grotto. Visitors can explore the Grotto in their own time using our printed plan and usually stay for between 20 minutes and an hour. Volunteers are available in the Grotto to help and to answer your questions. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the school buildings (assistance dogs excepted).

The not-for-profit Trust was formed in 2011 to raise money to conserve the Grotto.  The conservation, the first for 300 years, was completed in 2024 and the Trust now publicises and organises Open Days in partnership with Radnor House School, the owners of the Grotto. Money from ticket sales is used to maintain the fabric of the Grotto and for the Trust’s expenses.

The Grotto is in Radnor House School and is reached by a staircase (unsuitable for disabled or infirm visitors). The school is on Cross Deep near the end of Pope's Grove and close to Radnor Gardens. Please use the entrance to the far left of the building.

Buses R68 and 33 from Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington pass the school - the closest bus stop is "Pope's Grotto"!

The school is 15 minutes walk from Twickenham Station and 10 minutes from Strawberry Hill Station.

There is limited free on-street parking in the surrounding area on Saturdays.

Access to the Grotto is via stairs and the Grotto floor is uneven. We regret that due to the location of the Grotto, there is no disabled access.

We will have a list of all ticket sales at the door, so please do not print your ticket.

We are delighted to welcome children but please ensure that they are supervised by an adult at all times.

We are sorry but dogs are not permitted in the school buildings (assistance dogs excepted).

In common with other ticket-issuing organisations, we will not normally issue refunds if you are unable to attend. However, in the case of a genuine error or in exceptional circumstances, we will consider refunding your ticket costs after deducting our expenses.