The UK's most impressive stately homes to visit
Fine art collections, magnificent architecture and fascinating histories – it’s no wonder Britain’s stately homes are such a draw for visitors from far and wide. We’re very lucky to have all of these beautiful buildings to discover right here at home.
The UK has a huge variety of stately homes with architectural styles ranging from Elizabethan to Victorian, Palladian and Georgian with the houses often set in spectacular manicured grounds.
There’s Chatsworth House, which has regularly been voted Britain's favourite stately home; Rodmarton Manor, a famous example of Arts and Crafts architecture; Highclere Castle, used as the main location in TV hit Downtown Abbey; and Blickling Hall, with its rich Jacobean history. And these are just a few of the hundreds of grand houses available to visit in the UK.
Here at Country Living we love the heritage, history and brilliant stories behind Britain's impressive stately homes. That's why we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites for you to experience on a day out; or perhaps on a longer tour, where you can treat yourself to a spot of silver-spoon luxury?
From rose gardens and water features to Arts and Crafts furniture and historic libraries, these are Britain’s most outstanding stately homes to visit.
Highclere Castle
For those who love Downtown Abbey, Highclere Castle is recognisable as the home of the aristocratic Crawley family. Located in the village of Highclere in Hampshire, on the edge of the North Wessex Downs, the Grade I listed house was originally built in 1679, however its striking Jacobethan and Italianate style that you can admire today is a result of renovations in the 1840s.
Highclere Castle is owned and lived in by Lord Carnarvon – George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon – and Lady Fiona Carnarvon, who has written numerous books about the estate and its former residents.
You can meet Lady Carnarvon at Highclere as part of an exclusive visit with Country Living this September. Enjoy an unforgettable journey there and back aboard the British Pullman, which will include a three-course brunch and dinner, a tour of Highclere Castle and an exclusive talk from Lady Carnarvon, which will give you a glimpse into life at one of the UK's most distinguishable homes.
Scone Palace, Perthshire
Perched above the River Tay in Perthshire, Scone Palace's enviable location overlooks the routes northwards to the Highlands and eastwards through Strathmore to the coast.
The dramatic Grampian Mountains make a dramatic backdrop for this red sandstone palace, and across the river you can spot the city of Perth. Scone Palace was once the seat of Scottish parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including both Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.
A visit to Scone Palace wouldn’t be complete without a walk around the surrounding grounds including the stunning open gardens - they are as splendid as the Palace itself.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR SCONE PALACE
Hestercombe House, Somerset
Hestercombe House is a Grade II-listed building near Taunton in Somerset with a long and rich history and gardens that date back to medieval times. Originally built in the 16th century, Hestercombe was used as the headquarters of the British 8th Corps during World War II and you can still see the remains of barracks blocks in the grounds.
In the historic stables and cart house building you’ll find Hestercombe’s restaurant The Stables, where you can tuck into seasonally changing dishes which focus on sustainable, local produce.
There’s also a contemporary art gallery if you feel like a touch of modernity with your history.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR HESTERCOMBE HOUSE
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, this stately home is the Queen’s official Scottish residence. During summer, the Palace of Holyroodhouse's bird-filled gardens are a riot of colour.
Inside, you’ll find royal treasures and thrones, Mary Queen of Scots’ elaborate private chambers, portraits of real and legendary kings of Scotland in the Great Gallery, French and Flemish tapestries in the State Apartments, and the shining silver banqueting service in the Royal Dining Room.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s favourite palace – a grand holiday home she’d visit with Prince Albert, that boasts the most impressive formal gardens on the Isle of Wight. "It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot," Victoria said of the house, and we’re sure you’ll agree with her as you wander through the beautifully decorated state rooms in this palatial house.
You can visit Victoria and Albert’s bathing beach and admire their children’s cottage, before stepping inside to explore the sumptuous ground floor state rooms, with their ornate architecture, furnishings and fine art collection.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR OSBORNE HOUSE
Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
The much-loved family retreat of the Royal Family, Sandringham House is bordered by around 60 acres of formal gardens, home to rare and unusual trees, tranquil lakes and unique water gardens. Inside are fabulous collections of family portraits by leading painters.
Sit back and admire the Estate over a cup of tea and fresh Norfolk produce in the Sandringham Cafe, or for those feeling more energetic, there are plenty of opportunities to discover local wildlife on the nature trails.
On a Country Living tour of Norfolk, you can enjoy a rare opportunity to tour Sandringham Estate with TV's Lucy Worsley, who will talk about Sandringham and the monarchy while you wander through its halls.
Rodmarton Manor, Gloucestershire
Rodmarton Manor is a joy to explore, with plenty of spots to sit and admire the view from the gardens. As well as delicate roses flowering throughout the summer, there is some amusing topiary to keep an eye out for.
What’s more, this Cotswolds manor reflects the area’s Arts and Crafts Movement history. Rodmarton Manor’s builder Ernest Barnsley was a keen follower of this artistic trend, which emphasised the importance of making things by hand, and you can admire high-quality antique furniture inside the charming house.
PLACES TO STAY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
One of Derbyshire’s finest properties, Chatsworth House is full of history, holding Mary Queen of Scots as a prisoner on various occasions at the request of Queen Elizabeth I. There are over 25 rooms to explore on your visit, including the Painted Hall, State Rooms and Sculpture Gallery.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR CHATSWORTH HOUSE
Deene Park, Northamptonshire
Deene Park is a historical house that’s been occupied by the Brudenell family since 1514. The family developed Deene Park from a medieval manor house into the Tudor and Georgian mansion you’ll see today, and it very much remains a family home.
There are several rooms - each with its own style and history - including a tapestry room, drawing room, bow room and dining room.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR DEENE PARK
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