Shuttleworth House

Shuttleworth House (Martin Usher)

Ref: SH

Built in the late 19th century, Shuttleworth House was the home of the Shuttleworth family, particularly Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, an aviation pioneer. The house itself reflects a mix of Victorian and Edwardian styles, with elegant interiors, period furnishings, and a warm, lived-in feel rather than a grand palace atmosphere.  It is now a very popular wedding venue.

The real highlight of the estate is the Shuttleworth Collection, one of the most important working collections of vintage aircraft and vehicles in the world, including airworthy vintage aircraft, many dating from the early 20th century. These include rare examples from the pioneering days of flight, such as:

• Early biplanes and monoplanes from pre–World War I and the interwar period
• Aircraft from manufacturers like de Havilland and Avro
• Exceptionally rare planes that still fly in demonstration events

Bristol F2B D8096

The collection of veteran and vintage vehicles are primarily from the early 20th century.

Richard Shuttleworth's 1937 Railton

The estate also includes the Swiss Garden,  a 9-acre ornamental garden created in the 1820s in the fashionable “Swiss Picturesque” (Alpine-inspired) style. It was designed to evoke a romantic, miniature mountain landscape—with lakes, bridges, cottages, and dramatic features—despite being built on flat Bedfordshire land and is considered one of the only complete gardens of its kind from the Regency period.

We start with refreshments and then visit the ground floor of the House, with guides in attendance. 

Lunch can be bought and enjoyed at the onsite  cafe.

Then, we have free time to visit the displays of vintage aircraft and cars, all supported by very knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers, and the beautiful Swiss garden.

The coach will leave Xcel Leisure, Walton at 8.40am

We will leave Shuttleworth at 4.30pm, arriving back around 6.30pm.  Timings to be confirmed.

Cost: £48 inc. tip for driver and drinks on arrival.

Please follow the booking instructions using the ref. SH.