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@ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE JULY 2025 103 OPPOSITE LEFT Delicious food and beautiful settings are the hallmarks of afternoon tea at Cliveden House OPPOSITE TOP At Cliveden, the breakfast buffet is served in the French Dining Room OPPOSITE BOTTOM Boat trips provide a view of picturesque cottages along the Thames LEFT The elegant dining room was originally the drawing room of the house BELOW William Waldorf Astor bought Cliveden House in 1893 and gave it to his son and daughter-in-law as a wedding gift in 1906 In addition to boating, guests who play golf can take advantage of the hotel's partnerships and be chauffeur-driven or even helicoptered to play on the course of their choice. ere are also frequent classic car rallies at Cliveden and the property is home to indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis and pickleball facilities, a state-of-the-art gym, and regular fitness classes. Cliveden is dog-friendly and there are play areas on the property for children. In addition, Legoland Windsor Resort is nearby. Cliveden also hosts an annual Literary Festival each autumn where writers, politicians, and public figures continue the 350-year-old tradition of lively discussion that has reverberated in the literary salons of Cliveden throughout the ages. Historic Cliveden is also an ideal place for destination weddings. Based on my experience, I think it's safe to say that regardless of the purpose of their visit, guests at Cliveden House are treated like royalty. once housed Lord Astor's most prized fillies. I also enjoyed the handsome Residents Lounge where an attentive staff was always ready with drinks and light meals. e chef here makes delicious salmon finger sandwiches, and this space soon became my favorite place for afternoon tea, which sometimes became afternoon champagne. Surrounding Cliveden, 376 lush acres are ideal for walking and exploring in the gardens and, in addition, boat trips on the ames are available in a variety of vintage vessels with or without champagne or an afternoon tea picnic. We enjoyed a scenic float with great views of picturesque Tudor cottages and flocks of swans and ducks. Trips upriver to the famous regatta town of Henly and to Windsor offer more stunning sights. Speaking of Windsor, in 2018, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were married nearby at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and she spent the night before at Cliveden.