Journey through time by exploring beautiful and impressive British stately houses. Whether you’re interested in their histories, architecture, connections to films and TV, or just looking for a spectacular afternoon tea, there’s so much to do at historic houses in the UK. With the shear amount of estates that you can visit, we’ve made it easier by narrowing it down to the 10 British stately homes you need to visit, from Blenheim Palace to Castle Howard.
Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire
30 minutes from Measham’s
This sprawling country estate designed in the Italianate style is a quick jaunt from London. Originally built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, it has lived many lives since its most recent incarnation as a 5-star hotel. Previous residents include Frederik the Prince of Wales (as a tenant) and the industrial and political titans, the Astors. For a time used as a hospital in World War I and later an education centre for Stanford University, the building has been witness to Britain’s prominent history.
There is plenty to do on this 376-acre estate. Take a stroll of the garden and woodland spaces, admire the rolling countryside views, or drift down Cliveden Reach–part of the River Thames–and admire the impressive building from afar. One day not enough? Stay overnight in their high-end guest accommodations.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
1 hour 10 minutes
The impressive paragon of baroque architecture that is Blenheim Palace was built in 1772 by Queen Anne as a gift. What could merit such a present? The 1st Duke of Marlborough received it for the victory at the Battle of Blenheim, hence the name. Still in the possession of the original family, the 12th Duke of Marlborough resides in the stunning stately home. The view of the exterior terraces have been compared to those at the Palace of Versailles. It’s no wonder that in 1987 it was dubbed a UNESCO world heritage site!
There’s so much to do at Blenheim, first and foremost visiting their Winston Churchill exhibition. Being the birthplace of the former Prime Minister, his legacy is celebrated throughout the property. The palace hosts ever-changing exhibitions so there’s always something new with each visit. The current display is Icons of British Fashion open until June 30th.
You can re-fuel with an afternoon tea before a promenade around the formal gardens and show-stopping fountains. Then, top off your day with a visit to the Butterfly House, home to species from across the globe.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
1 hour 15 minutes
The Highclere Castle grounds have a long history, dating back to the previous owners, the Bishops of Winchester, in 749 AD. In 1679, Sir Robert Sawyer acquired the land and built the original part of the house. The facade, recognisable from beloved TV show Downton Abbey, was undertaken in 1942 by architect Sir Charles Barry. Its striking resemblance to the House of Parliament is no coincidence as Barry was also the architectural mind behind that building.
Tour the house with one of the experienced guides to learn more or enjoy it at your own pace. Whichever you choose, you must be sure to visit their display of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Though a stately house seems a strange place to house such an outstanding ancient collection, previous resident, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, was one of the lead archaeologists of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Longleat House, Wiltshire
2 hours 10 minutes
This almost 500 year old estate is not only a beautiful example of Elizabethan architecture, but it also houses a pretty wild surprise – Longleat Safari Park. Before you visit the home to the 8th Marquess of Bath, tackle your own safari with the drive-through zoo. You’ll experience close encounters with lions and monkeys and wolves.
Longleat House itself is an impressive stately home, particularly for book lovers. Be sure to visit the seven libraries, admiring some 44,000 books in the private collection. While you enjoy the tastefully decorated rooms and antique furniture, take note of the 4th Marquess’ mark on the house. Many of the rooms have ornately decorated ceilings inspired by the Marquess’ travels to Venetian palaces.
Ickworth Estate, Suffolk
2 hours 20 minutes
Similarly to Highclere Castle, the Ickworth Estate has a long history. The land was originally a 16-building settlement for the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds in 1086. Over 150 years later, Thomas de Ickworth turned it into a deer park and hunting lodge. The estate passed into the hands of the Hervey family by 1460, where it remained until the mid-19th century.
Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed by the 1st Earl of Bristol. In its place, he erected a beautiful and unique stately house that stands today, remarkable rotunda and all. Now cared for by the National Trust, the house and grounds are open to the public. It’s a day well spent perusing the formal gardens, taking a turn about the pleasure gardens, and admiring the most important collection of 18th-century silver.
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
3 hours 10 minutes
Built by the Duke of Devonshire in the 16th century, Chatsworth House remains in the Cavendish family today. With expansive rooms and even more expansive grounds, you can spend a full day there and not see and do everything! Some highlights include the remarkable collection of ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures. Housed in the statue gallery, the view will look familiar for fans of Pride and Prejudice. One of the shooting locations for the 2005 film, visitors can still admire the marble bust of Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy in the gift shop! Want to check out other UK filming locations? Check out our favourite filming spots from Bridgerton to Harry Potter!
Moving to the exterior, there are 105 acres of gardens to explore. This includes a walled garden, maze, rockery, and the iconic 300-year-old Cascade! If that wasn’t enough, the house frequently plays host to events in the warmer months. Be sure to see if your visit will coincide with any of the concerts or workshops.
Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire
3 hours 20 minutes
The Fitzwilliam family began construction of Wentworth Woodhouse in 1720 and again later in 1890. The result was a fabulous part-baroque, part-Georgian stately home. Wentworth Woodhouse has the longest facade of any British stately house at 618 feet long. The sheer size of the property, and therefore expense at keeping it open, became untenable for the family. It was sold off in 1988 to the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.
Since its fateful acquisition, the Trust has set to work renovating the home. So far their ambitious projects have included replacing the roof and regenerating the stables, camellia house, and south pavilion. With no signs of slowing down, the ongoing restoration efforts mean that each visit will uncover something new.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
3 hours 40 minutes
Originally intended as a hunting lodge, the Legh family transformed Lyme Park into a comfortable country house—if you can call a building of spectacular Italian Renaissance architecture simply “comfortable”. As with many British stately houses, The National Trust eventually became the caretaker of this property. As such, it is open to the public for a great day out, particularly in the summer months. There are 1,400 acres of park to stroll and explore. Visit the gardens, ancient woodland, moors and follies. This profusion of gorgeous natural landscape allows visitors to spot the wonderful wildlife in their natural habitat.
Harewood House, West Yorkshire
4 hours
The northern Georgian estate, home to the Earl of Harewood, is a fine example of the symmetrical, palladian style of the 18th-century. Looking perfectly Austenian and atmospheric with the early morning mist, Harewood House is well worth the visit. It’s hard to believe it’s just a short trip from busy Leeds, looking perfectly parochial with the rolling Yorkshire country landscape.
After touring but a portion of the 100 acres of gardens, take to the house. Their ever-changing contemporary art exhibitions juxtapose the older works of art in the permanent collection nicely. Harewood’s family collection includes works by the Renaissance masters of Reynolds, Richmond and Gainsborough, to name a few.
Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
4 hours 15 minutes
The surrounding natural landscape works to emphasise the impact of Castle Howard. Passing through the undulating Howardian hills, your first view of the stately house is across a glassy lake. Even from a distance you will note the dome that rests upon the roof like a crown. The interiors are no less impressive. Walk through the statue-lined marble hallways and expertly painted ceilings. These features lead you to what would have been the more private bedroom and lounging compartments.
Enjoy the gardens (of which we’ve already spoken about at length in this article), lakes, nature, and livestock of the estate. Be sure to visit the Temple of the Four Winds, one of several filming locations used in season 1 of Bridgerton. Castle Howard is no stranger to the big screen as it was also the backdrop for both adaptations of Brideshead Revisited.
Though the farthest of the stately homes from London, this one is well worth the drive. Why not check out our recommended podcasts to help pass the time?
Visit in style
Visiting British stately houses gives the opportunity to engage with history and heritage in a first-hand way. From rolling landscapes of Castle Howard to regal interiors of Chatsworth, these living museums tell powerful stories. Dive into art, culture, architecture, gardens and more by visiting these stately homes.
Many of these British stately houses are located in the country and are not easily accessible by public transport. Why not take a look out some of our hire vehicles so you can travel to them in comfort and style?