Free Entry
Grounds open 10am-4pm, Sunday to Friday, from April to October
Address:
Appuldurcombe Road, Wroxall, Isle of Wight, PO38 3EW
Begun in the early 18th century as the seat of the Worsley family, Appuldurcombe was once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight. A later owner, Sir Richard Worsley, the 7th baronet, gained notoriety for a 1782 court case in which his wife, Seymour, admitted to having had 27 lovers.
Appuldurcombe was a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, and though now a graceful shell, still retains more than a ghost of its former dignity, and many fine architectural details. The celebrated landscape designer 'Capability' Brown enhanced the rolling grounds in the 1780s.
Read more about the Worsley scandal.
Before You Go
Parking: There is a car park approximately 150 metres from the house. Parking is free of charge.
Access: There is a dirt path throughout the site, the majority of which is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
Opening Times: The Grounds and House are open from 10am to 4pm, Sunday to Friday, from April until October View details.
Facilities: There are no facilties at the house. The nearest public toilets are in Godshill.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
Plan a Great Day Out
Explore the history of the island further by visiting other sites in the area.
Set on a hill, Carisbrooke Castle has a colourful history to explore. Enjoy panoramic views from the castle keep, rest in the beautiful Edwardian style garden or visit the donkeys and hear their story. Don't forget to stop at the tearoom and browse the gift shop.
On the coast, Osborne offers lavish state rooms, intimate royal apartments, an exclusive beach and the Swiss Cottage where Queen Victoria's children played. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds, or lunch in the café or Terrace Restaurant.
Or why not try Yarmouth Castle - built to protect Yarmouth Harbour and the western end of the Solent against invasion fleets. Inside you can discover recreations of how rooms were used in the 16th century. Enjoy a picnic with views over the Solent and browse the gift shop.