Finding out more

Hughenden ManorHigh WycombeBuckinghamshireHP14 4LA

Tel: 01494 755573Email: hughenden@nationaltrust.org.uk

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nationaltrust.org.uk/hughendenPhotography: © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler / Andreas von Einsiedel John Hammond / Matthew Antrobus / Thomas Boggis / Hugh Mothersole Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle this leaflet after use.© National Trust 2017. National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846

Welcome to HughendenSurrounded by woodland in the heart of the Chilterns, this much-loved home of a colourful Victorian Prime Minister also hides a secret wartime history.

Disraeli and HughendenBorn into obscurity in London 1804, Benjamin Disraeli grew to dazzle Victorian Britain with his charm, his wit and his politics.

Operation Hillside“It was so secret that when we were picked up to be taken to a meeting, the driver couldn’t tell us where we were going! Information falling into the wrong hands could have been devastating.”

From 1848 to 1881 Hughenden was the much-loved home of Benjamin Disraeli, one of the country’s most influential and charismatic prime ministers.

The Manor reflects Disraeli’s vibrant personality, his climb up the “greasy pole” of politics and his close personal relationship with Queen Victoria.

In 1941, Hughenden was taken over by the Air Ministry as a top secret map-making base

during the Second World War. Code-named ‘Hillside’ this story remained hidden for 60 years.

Today Hughenden is owned and looked after by the

National Trust. We hope you enjoy your visit.

A dandy, novelist, brilliant debater and England’s first and only Jewish prime minister, Disraeli (Earl of Beaconsfield) was the most colourful and charismatic figure in British politics in the 19th century.

The young Disraeli was an unlikely politician with his flamboyant appearance and heavy debts. He married a wealthy widow and bought

Hughenden Manor which became his much-loved home and private retreat.

As he climbed the political “greasy pole”, he developed a surprisingly close relationship with Queen Victoria. The Queen erected a memorial to him in the church at Hughenden after he died as a mark of her esteem.

The little-known story of Hughenden’s role during the Second World War came to light in 2004 following an appeal to local people for their wartime memories.

The results were astounding. Hughenden Manor was the true location of a secret map-making base,

code-named Hillside, and was at the top of Hitler’s hit list.

Over 100 people were based at Hughenden drawing up detailed maps of Germany and occupied Europe for nearby

Bomber Command at Naphill. This highly secret operation helped

shaped the outcome of the war.

Welcome toHughenden

A land of secrets and power

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Our best bits…...for history lovers• Stroll through Disraeli’s library,

lined with books from his father’s notable collection.

• Spot the chair where Queen Victoria sat when she came for lunch in 1877.

• Relax and take in the views on the second floor.

• Delve into Hughenden’s secret Second World War history.

• Discover a programme of changing exhibitions and ongoing conservation work.

...for green fingers• Explore the newly opened West

Bank Garden as it continues to be restored.

• Take in the formal bedding displays and rose garden on the parterre.

• Pick up gardening tips in the walled garden.

...for families• Follow the woodland play trail.• Borrow a mini wheelbarrow and watering

can and give us a hand in the walled garden.• Dress up in the victorian play room.• Pick up a kid’s lunchbox from the

stableyard café.• Come along during the school holidays

for specially programmed family activities.

...for adventurers• Follow one of the four colour

coded waymarked walks.• Spot red kites, roe deer,

farmland birds and butterflies throughout the countryside.• Download a walking trail from the website and explore a new

corner of the estate.

Free daily talksJoin one of the brief introductory talks to help you make the most of your visit. Take a look at the boards at the visitor welcome kiosk and by the Manor to see what’s on offer today.

Talks include;

• Disraeli, a brief introduction A 15-minute introduction to Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister.

• Operation Hillside A half-hour talk and tour about Hughenden’s remarkable Second World War story.

• Mary Anne’s garden A chance to find out about the formal gardens, designed by Mary Anne Disraeli.

Finding your way around1 Hughenden Manor

2 Parterre

3 Pleasure garden

4 West Bank garden (newly open Spring 2017)

5 Walled garden

6 Ice House bunker

7 Picnic orchard

8 Bee hives

9 Stableyard

10 Studybase

D Visitor welcome kiosk

r Grab & Go coffee shop and second-hand bookshop

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n Stableyard café

o Dizzy’s tea-room (open weekends and holidays)

s Shop

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Access for allA buggy service runs between the car park and the stableyard throughout the day. Wheelchairs are available to borrow from the stableyard and Manor. Wheelchair access to the Manor is limited to the ground floor. An illustrated guide is available for those unable to access the basement, first and second floors. Hearing loops are available in the visitor welcome kiosk, shop and café. Please speak to a member of our welcome team about your requirements.

Safety informationPlease be aware that there are uneven paths, bridges, steep slopes and steps around Hughenden. Paths and surfaces may be slippery when wet. Please supervise children at all times, for their safety and your peace of mind.

DogsDogs are welcome in the gardens, orchard and stableyard on a short lead. Assistance dogs only in the Manor, shop and café. In the wider countryside dogs must be kept under close control at all times. When walking through fields with grazing animals please make sure your dog is on a lead. Please pick up all dog waste. Dogs must not be tied up or left unattended at anytime.

D’Israeli monument and woodland walks

Exit for vehicles

Entrance for vehicles

W Starting point for:

• German Forest walk - Woodcock walk • Hughenden

boundary walk

W Starting point for: • Monument walk

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Footpath to visitor car park

oFSt Michael and All Angels Church