Having lived in the area for a number of years, this was one of the local almost hidden spots we hadn’t visited. Leaving the car in the car park we walked downhill for almost a mile through beautiful woods to the unusual mock-Gothic unfinished mansion. The product of one man’s obsession with living a lonesome life amidst splendour and isolation of a 4,000 acre purchase, the mansion was never finished and remains an aberration in the countryside.But it’s definitely worth a visit. Fascinating architecture remains - don’t expect to see anything inside the house, it’s technically a ruin, but one of the more fascinating aspects is that bats have chosen it for their place of refuge too! Hundreds of them; not that you’ll see them except on live video in the daytime. The criticism I have for Woodchester is the café or “Servery”. Sadly this is not up to standard. Prices are OK but the quality of the food and the service were not. We waited for over twenty minutes (the place wasn’t busy) and then food was brought out the pasty barely warm, no coleslaw and the cutlery dirty. Not good enough… But the mansion is very interesting and the volunteers extremely helpful. This is a place with a difference - go and visit!

This place is truly amazing. I feel rather sad at the couple of negative reviews as they obviously didn't do enough research before visiting and the whole point of the building is that it was, sadly, left unfinished due to the death of the owner in 1870. To see the skill of the craftsmen, carpenters and stonemasons up close is incredible. This is all usually hidden behind plaster and paint. To think of the hard work and tenacity of those involved is humbling. It is a long walk from the car park but it is down hill and wearing sensible shoes it is like walking in another time. Thankfully they now run a volunteer minibus from the car park for those unable to do the walk. Check the website for days when they don't have volunteers and the bus isn't running. I was really pleased to see the cafe inside since my last visit. Sadly I have to echo the other review that the service was very slow, we were given wooden cutlery, that is impossible to use for eating a baked potato, when other diners had steel cutlery. We were not offered any water and we missed the start of the tour because it came so late despite telling the lady when we ordered at 2 that we were booked on the 2.30 tour. When our food arrived at 2.25 there was only a few minutes to eat. The food was tasty and good quality which is a bonus and I would eat there again on my next visit. It is a really good idea to go when one of the free tours is available. The volunteer guides are a mine of information and bring the place alive. We will be back.

We went in through the Tinkley gate entrance to the National Trust property for a Pizza lunch with the grandsons, only to find on arrival that the Pizza oven and kitchen were closed for refurbishment. So had to make do with sandwiches. The site gives lovely walks and views. Lots of children's activities going on. From this entrance its a long walk to the Mansion.

Well worth a visit. It is unusual to see a building of this era in such a condition. It looks like the work only stopped recently, and not back in 1873. The interior is fascinating, seeing it in its unfinished condition.