May I just add that, unless things have changed a lot, Christine's comment that the lace trail booklets are 'handed out' is not quite accurate.
They are free but the visitor has to find them. They are usually available on a large table in the first room proper of the tour, underneath a large chandelier which has the first lace exhibit attached. They are dark grey, tall and narrow, with (from memory) no picture on the outside and therefore not obviously anything to do with the lace. There are some small pictures inside, but of the house not of the lace! Be warned that several pieces are not exactly in the same position within a room as stated, and some need searching for as they blend in with the rest of the displays. The house itself is only open from 12 until 4. Entrance is in timed batches and it is worth pre-booking an entrance time as early as possible. If you can only get a later time (2.45 or later) make sure you try to follow the lace trail as much as possible. If you linger in other rooms too much you won't see all the lace as they are very prompt at closing the house. Finally the entrance fee is in two parts as many people only visit the gardens. The first part (£8) is for the grounds and is paid at the car park. There is a free bus up to the house (allow a minimum of half an hour for this) where you have to buy a second ticket. This is primarily advertised as a Gift Aid price of £10, which means that as a charity the National Trust can claim an extra 25% back from the government but if you are an overseas visitor or don't pay tax in the UK (or just don't want to Gift Aid?) the standard entry fee is only £9. It is not logical to me that they charge more when they are also able to claim an extra £2.50 and some charities charge less for Gift Aid entry fees. I have been told this is standard National Trust pricing policy, not just at Waddesdon. Jacquie from Lincolnshire but currently in the Highlands of Scotland so it might be a while before I get a phone signal to be able to send this message. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
