Accommodation near Kew Gardens

Grim's Dyke Hotel is beautiful accommodation which has been carefully restored and is country house renowned for its special musical events, banqueting, conference and wedding facilities and in 2004 received a 3 Star Silver

Award from the English Tourism Council. Winner of the London in Bloom
'Best Floral Hotal' award last year
as well as the Visit London 'Best
Small Hotel in London' award

The name Grim's Dyke comes from an ancient defensive earthwork which runs from Pinner Hill to Bentley Priory. The accommodation was built there in 1870 for the Victorian Painter Frederick Goodall, who had bought 100 acres of land at Harrow Weald in 1856 but was unable to build for 12 years until the expiry of a lease. During that time he landscaped the area and planted trees, setting aside 30 acres parallel to the ancient earthwork for the house and gardens. Work started on the house in 1870 and was completed in 1872.

The hotel and grounds have been used as a backdrop for many famous feature films & TV programmes, and make an ideal location for corporate events and special interest conventions.

Grim's Dyke is most famous for its association with Sir William Schwenck Gilbert the writing half of the Gilbert & Sullivan partnership, who lived in the house from 1890 to his death in 1911. The magnificent former country accommodation is set in over 40 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands. A shrine for Gilbert & Sullivan enthusiasts from all over the world.

The Gilberts bought the property in 1890. During his 21 years there, Gilbert made a number of changes to the house and grounds. He planted trees and rhododendrons, developed the farm which was part of the estate, and built a number of greenhouses beyond the moat and over the dyke. There was a kitchen garden, orchard and vinery and, for Lady Gilbert who was a keen gardener, a sunken rose garden was constructed on the terrace above the moat.

Gilbert's greatest joy was the large lake he had excavated to the south of the house. It had an island in the middle and a changing hut and boathouse on the shore. Every day in the summer he would bathe there - a habit which eventually cost him his life.

On 29th May 1911 Gilbert invited two local girls to swim in the lake. He died attempting to help one of them when she got into difficulties.

Life is never dull at Grim's Dyke with other entertainment ranging from Murder Mystery and Auction Challenge Dinners to Gourmet Nights, Matinee Cream Teas and Opera in the Gardens.