Uk historic houses
The 300 Best Historic Houses in the UK
The UK has many of the world's most beautiful and illustrious historic houses and gardens in the world. Here we highlight the very best places you can visit as you explore the country.
Are you visiting the UK this year? Perhaps you’re just looking to explore England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland on a day trip. No tour around Britain is complete without a visit to its extraordinary historic houses and gardens, and here we’re listing some of the very best places to visit in the UK by region for those who love exploring its history. Scroll down our page here to navigate towards each region depending on where you’re looking to visit next. You can also view a map of all the places you can visit here.
Don’t forget, all these places can be visited for free using your Historic Houses membership card!
England
The East Midlands
The East Midlands has a high concentration of historic houses and gardens, and if you’re planning a long weekend in the area, or simply a day trip, there are some wonderful places to visit in the Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and other counties within the region.
Explore the East Midlands
Eastern England
Encompassing famous countries such as Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, the East of England is a haven for historic houses and gardens, including grand country estates such as Holkham Hall and Knebworth house, to beautiful more intimate spaces such as Stody Lodge and The Gibberd Garden.
Explore the East of England
London & the South East
If you’re visiting the UK, or looking for a staycation adventure exploring the history and extraordinary heritage of Britain, then a visit to the South East of England offers some of the finest collection of historic houses and gardens anywhere in the world; from the Tudor castle of Hever – the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn, to the stunning gardens of Arundel and ‘World Garden’ of Lullingstone.
Explore London and the South East of England
The North East
If you love castles and stately homes, a visit to the North East of England ticks all the boxes.
From Alnwick Castle – as also seen in the Harry Potter franchise, to Raby Castle, Brancepeth Castle and Chipchase Castle, among others, the North East of England is the perfect day out for lovers of historic houses and gardens.
Explore the North East of England
The North West & Isle of Man
Encompassing famous towns such as Stoke, Liverpool and Manchester, and home to the Lake District, the North West of England is a very popular region for domestic and international tourism.
But its the area’s stunning historic houses and gardens that are often overlooked but are the perfect day out for anyone exploring the region. From Capesthorne Hall to Muncaster Castle, the North West is a history lover’s paradise, and here we list the best places to visit in the region.
Explore the North West & Isle of Man
The South West & Channel Islands
The South West of England is full of glorious places to visit and explore, including an array of the country’s finest historic houses and gardens.
Here, you can find a selection of places to visit when in the area, and if you’re a Historic Houses member, you can use your card to explore these places for free.
Explore the South West of England
The West Midlands
If you’re looking for a day out in England, you should look no further that the West Midlands, which is home to some of the UK’s most impressive historic houses and gardens. From Eastnor Castle to Arbury Hall, the region is a heritage lover’s paradise, and here we are listing the best places to visit when in the West Midlands.
Explore the West Midlands
Yorkshire
Yorkshire isn’t known as God’s county for nothing. With glorious rolling hills in the Dales, major cities such as Leeds, Hull and York, and famous beach towns such as Whitby and Scarborough, Yorkshire is a tourist’s dream. No visit to Yorkshire is complete, though, without a tour of the magnificent country houses and famous gardens of the county. Here, we’re highlighting the best historic houses and gardens to visit in Yorkshire.
Explore historic houses and gardens in Yorkshire
Northern Ireland
Discover the four best places to visit in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is home to a few stunning examples of historic gardens. Our pick of the four best places to visit in Northern Ireland includes some of the best gardens to visit in the UK. From the Butterfly Garden of Seaforde to the walled garden of Glenarm Castle – one of the oldest gardens in Ireland.
Explore the famous gardens of Northern Ireland
Scotland
Make the most of Scotland on your next visit
A visit to Scotland isn’t complete without a visit to it’s illustrious historic houses, castles and gardens. From Skaill House in the Orkneys to Floors Castle on the Scottish Borders, it’s worth taking account of where you can visit when making a day trip to Scotland or a longer excursion. Here, we list the best places to visit in Scotland, with links to each house and garden in their specific region.
Explore the houses, castles and gardens of Scotland
Explore the historic houses and gardens of North & South Wales on your next visit
Croeso i Gymru! Welcome to Wales, a country full of some of the most stunning landscapes imaginable, with a proud and distinct history that’s reflected in its wealth of historic houses and gardens. If you’re planning a visit to Wales, make sure to schedule in time to peruse this glorious heritage.
Discover a proud heritage of houses and gardens in Wales
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £65 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
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The 56 Best Places to Visit in London and the South East - Historic Houses
The South East is home to many of the most famous and glorious historic houses and gardens, and here we look at 56 of the most stunning examples from different counties within the region.
If you’re visiting the UK, or looking for a staycation adventure exploring the history and extraordinary heritage of Britain, then a visit to the South East of England offers some of the finest collection of historic houses and gardens anywhere in the world. From the Tudor castle of Hever – the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn, to stunning gardens of Arundel and ‘World Garden’ of Lullingstone. We also list some of the best places to visit in London, including the neo-classical Spencer House and Fulham Palace alongside the Thames.
Berkshire
Dorney Court, Windsor
Dorney Court is one of England’s outstanding Tudor Manor Houses. Grade 1 Listed, acknowledged for its architectural and historical importance while combining great character and warmth.
The House is home to the Palmer family, passing through fourteen generations, and hosts tours, weddings, filming and events.
Interested? Explore their page here
Englefield House, Reading
There is an inscription on a stone staircase in Englefield Gardens which reads, “If you help towards Englefield Garden either in flowers or invention you shall be welcome thither”.
This inscription was taken from a letter written in 1601 by Sir Edward Norris, the then occupier of Englefield House, and shows that a garden was managed and cared for on the Estate over 400 years ago.
Interested? Explore their page here
Highclere Castle, near Newbury
Highclere Castle is a magnificent family home, often described as ‘the finest occupied Victorian mansion in England’.
Owned by the Carnarvon Family for over 300 years, we hope visitors will discover its treasures throughout the tours of the State rooms as well as exploring the Egyptian Exhibition.
The Castle you see today was designed by Sir Charles Barry. He began in 1842 whilst re-building the Houses of Parliament. Many similarities exist between the styles of the two buildings.
Interested? Explore their page here
Shaw House, Newbury
Shaw House is one of the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England, built by Thomas Dolman in 1581. Over the centuries Shaw House has welcomed royalty, seen action during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War II and schooled generations of local children.
Interested? Explore their page here
Buckinghamshire
Chenies Manor House, Chenies
Historic Chenies Manor is open to visitors and is available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, exhibitions, events, filming and guided tours.
Beautifully nestled in the natural beauty of the Chilterns on the Herts/Bucks border.
The idyllic rural setting of the manor also benefits close proximity to London and London Heathrow, situated just outside of the M25. Chenies Manor House is one of the UK’s finest Tudor Mansion Houses.
Interested? Explore their page here
Nether Winchendon House, Aylesbury
Welcome to Nether Winchendon House, an enchanting Medieval and Tudor Manor House and Country House Wedding Venue.
Nether Winchendon House is one of the most romantic of the ancient historic houses in England and listed Grade I, set in seven acres of tranquil Gardens and surrounded by 600 acres of Parkland, on the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire border.
Interested? Explore their page here
Stowe House, Stowe
In the 18th-century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House, famous during its 18th-century heyday as an important artistic masterpiece.
In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st-centuries as a school for boys and girls.
Interested? Explore their page here
Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury
This splendid mansion, built by Ferdinand de Rothschild in the style of Louis XIV, boasts an extensive art collection and immaculate furnishings.
The collection, built by successive members of the Rothschild dynasty, includes Dutch Masters, works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and others, and outstanding furniture.
Interested? Explore their page here
Book an event when in South East England
Historic houses and gardens all across the UK play host to a range of regular events, especially in the peak season from March to October and then in the run-up to Christmas. If you’re visiting the South East of England, or live in the area, take a look at all the fabulous events on the horizon on our official events page here.
Explore events in the South East of England
East Sussex
Firle Place, Lewes
Firle Place has been the home of the Gage family for over 500 years, and is a house with a rich history and extraordinary collection of old master paintings, porcelain and furniture.
The Firle Estate sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park and just 60 miles from the centre of London. Incorporating several villages and farms spread over rolling hills, Firle is a thriving rural community set in one of the most picturesque parts of the United Kingdom.
Interested? Explore their page here
Glynde Place, Lewes
Glynde Place is situated at the top of the village of Glynde and has commanding views over the Weald and Sussex Downs.
The house was built in 1569 by William and Anne Morley, to replace the previous existing family home, from local flint, chalk and Caen stone. Glynde Place has passed from William and Anne, through three intermarried families, to the current owners.
Interested? Explore their page here
Great Dixter Gardens, near Rye
Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles.
Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgramge for horticulturists from across the world.
Interested? Explore their page here
Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker
Welcome to England’s longest medieval water filled moat. This picturesque island offers a great day out for all the family.
Discover 800 years of history at Michelham: from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the dissolution of the monasteries into its later life as a country house.
Interested? Explore their page here
Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst
At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas – the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening and an admiration of the tradition of the English Country garden.
These award winning gardens are family owned and maintained – visitors often express delight at the attention to detail displayed throughout and the intimate, peaceful atmosphere.
Interested? Explore their page here
Hampshire
Breamore House, Fordingbridge
The magnificent Elizabethan Manor House overlooks the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest, just north of Fordingbridge. The house was completed in 1583 and looks today much as it would have done to its original owners.
Visitors can enjoy seeing a wide variety of paintings as well as tapestries, porcelain, 17th-century needlework and a rare James I carpet. There are also fine examples of period furniture in the house.
Interested? Explore their page here
Chawton House, Alton
Built by the Knight family in the 1580, the house has undergone centuries of change and development as it has passed through different hands.
This makes it rich with quirky and fascinating features: from graffiti on paintings and ‘witch marks’ on walls, to heraldic stained glass windows and ornately carved fireplaces.
Interested? Explore their page here
Houghton Lodge Gardens, Stockbridge
Houghton Lodge Gardens has been described by visitors as ‘the jewel of the Test Valley’, and ‘A stately pleasure-dome on the most romantic river in England’.
The Grade II* listed formal and informal gardens surround the UK’s best surviving example of an 18th-century Cottage Orné, idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.
Interested? Explore their page here
Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle
Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion with its State rooms and fully furnished Servants’ Quarters for a real sense of a bygone era.
The Grounds and Walled Gardens are open all year, this includes the Arboretum, The Pavilion Tearoom, The Stansted Park Garden Centre, The Stansted Park Farm Shop and The Maze & Railway.
Interested? Explore their page here
Stratfield Saye House, between Reading and Basingstoke
After the Duke of Wellington’s victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Duke chose Stratfield Saye as his country estate.
The house contains many of the 1st Duke’s possessions and is still occupied by his descendants, being a family home rather than a museum.
Interested? Explore their page here
Take a boat to Tennyson's home...
Farringford is a Grade 1 listed building on the Isle of Wight that was the main residence of renowned Victorian Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson from 1853 until his death until in 1892.
Here he wrote some of his most famous works, including Maud and The Charge of the Light Brigade, as well as entertaining eminent artists and intellectuals of the day.
Explore Tennyson's Isle of Wight home
Belmont House, Faversham
Belont is a neo-classical brick country house by Samuel Wyatt, faced in pale mathematical tiles with Coade stone dressings. The light interior includes a fine staircase, hall and interesting collections of Indian and English furniture, as well as an outstanding clock collection.
A lifelong passion for horology led the 5th Lord Harris to accumulate one of the largest personal collections of clocks in the country.
Six generations of the Harris family have each left their mark on this lovely country house.
Interested? Explore their page here
Chiddingstone Castle, near Edenbridge
A historic house with Tudor origins, Victorian rooms that was rebuilt in the 1800s to resemble a medieval castle, set in 35 acres of Kentish countryside.
Chiddingstone is set in 35 acres of informal gardens with breathtaking views of the North Downs. It features large lawns for picnics, an intimate rose garden, woodland and a beautiful fishing lake.
Interested? Explore their page here
Doddington Place Gardens, near Sittingbourne
Doddington Place is surrounded by wooded countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs.
The lovely landscaped gardens, recognised of being of historical importance by Historic England, are set in the grounds of an imposing Victorian mansion and cover ten acres.
Interested? Explore their page here
Godinton House & Gardens, Ashford
Godinton is a comfortable, much-loved home; each room has a different feel, a contrast on a theme, not designed by architect or curator but for the taste and enjoyment of those who lived here over the centuries and now for visitors.
Tours of the house are led by expert guides unravelling the 600 years of history and revealing an excellent country house collection of furniture, art, porcelain and curios.
Interested? Explore their page here
Goodnestone Park, Canterbury
Goodnestone Park was built in 1704 by Brook Bridges who had recently purchased the estate. The date of the house is scratched onto a brick on the main front.
During the early 18th century the house was surrounded by extensive formal gardens recorded in a view by William Harris. These disappeared later in the 18th century when Sir Brook Bridges, the 3rd baronet and great-grandson of the builder, replaced the gardens with a landscape park in the fashion of the time.
Interested? Explore their page here
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.
It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion.
Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and an impressive collection of Tudor portraits.
Interested? Explore their page here
Visit South East England sustainably
We’re really keen to promote sustainable travel to historic houses and gardens across the UK, so we’ve teamed up with the folks at Good Journey, offering car-free alternatives to reaching these stunning historic attractions. We recommend you take a look at their website when planning a trip around the houses and gardens.
Explore attractions without using a car
...also in Kent
Hole Park, Cranbrook
A less well known but delightful private home, centerpiece of a rural estate situated in the Weald of Kent in a wonderful parkland setting.
The extensive 16 acres of gardens open to the public feature formal lawns with specimen trees and extensive yew topiary with statuary and herbaceous borders within. An interesting feature is the standard form wisteria in the Vineyard.
Interested? Explore their page here
Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford
Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent Countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse dating from 1497 have been home to the Hart Dyke family ever since.
Interested? Explore their page here
Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham
We’re most well-known for our spectacular 10 acre Edwardian gardens featuring a topiary garden, rock and water garden, arboretum and rose garden.
We also have a fabulous grass maze, planted with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials. We are home to an extensive collection of spring bulbs, trees and shrubs including Rhododendrons, many types of Camelias and Magnolias.
Interested? Explore their page here
Penshurst Place, Tonbridge
Penshurst Place has been home to the Sidney family since 1552 making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in England.
Surrounded by 11 acres of walled formal gardens and housing one of the few surviving medieval Baronial Halls in England, Penshurst Place is an historical gem in the Weald of Kent countryside. The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII, and now feature beautiful staterooms and grounds that are frequently showcased in popular TV and film productions.
Interested? Explore their page here
Restoration House, Rochester
Restoration House is the amalgamation of two medieval buildings which were combined in the late 16th or early 17th-century to create a mansion house just outside the city wall of Rochester.
Over the past ten years the present owners have uncovered various parts of the decorative scheme which were the “run up” for King Charles II’s visit on the eve of his Restoration to the throne. These provide fascinating examples of fashionable mid-17th century Continental taste seen through provincial eyes at a time when such innovations had been quashed by Cromwell.
Interested? Explore their page here
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks
170 years of continual planting by six generations of the same family has created a rich and valuable plant collection for visitors to enjoy at Riverhill.
The gardens are an intriguing mix of historic and traditional planting, with contemporary and quirky twists, making it a fascinating ‘must visit’ garden for families and garden lovers alike.
Interested? Explore their page here
London and Middlesex
Fulham Palace, Fulham
Discover the historic home of the Bishops of London at Fulham Palace. The Palace sits beside the Thames in Fulham and reflects the 1,300 years of occupation by the Bishops.
Take a stroll through 13 acres of botanic garden, with a peaceful walled garden at its centre. Admire the 500 year old holm oak and the new Compton beds, grown with varieties originally brought to the Palace in the 1700s.
Interested? Explore their page here
Grove House, Roehampton Lane
Grade II* Georgian House which is closed to the public but available for private hire.
Set in fifteen acres of parkland with original Georgian and Victorian features including a large lake, mausoleum, grotto and sham bridge. The gardens are open to the public free of charge.
Interested? Explore their page here
Spencer House, St James' Place
From its conception, Spencer House was recognised as one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built in London and a building of unique importance in the history of English architecture.
Designed by John Vardy and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart, the State Rooms are amongst the first neo-classical interiors in Europe. The House has regained the full splendour of its eighteenth-century appearance after a painstaking ten-year restoration under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild.
Interested? Explore their page here
Syon House, Brentford
The London home of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family were granted the former monastic site at the end of the 16th-century.
The Tudor mansion was remodelled by Robert Adam for the 1st Duke in 1760’s and the interiors are an architectural tour de force – the great hall may be Adam’s finest classical work.
Interested? Explore their page here
The Charterhouse, Smithfield
Set in the heart of Clerkenwell, the Charterhouse has been living the Nation’s history since 1348.
Initially a Black Death burial ground, the site became home to the largest Carthusian monastery in the world until it was brutally dissolved in 1537 when 16 monks became proto-martyrs of the Reformation.
Interested? Explore their page here
The Queen's House, Greenwich
Commissioned in 1616 by Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, the Queen’s House is the first purely classical building in Britain and represents a turning point in english architecture.
Designed by Inigo Jones as a private royal retreat, it was completed in 1638 after Charles I had given the House to his queen, Henrietta Maria.
Interested? Explore their page here
Oxfordshire
Ardington House, Wantage
Ardington House is a Georgian masterpiece which we invite you to make your own for the most special of occasions.
Set in its own extensive gardens and parkland, Ardington House is a listed stately home, built in 1720 with an emphasis on perfect symmetry and natural light throughout.
Interested? Explore their page here
Blenheim Palace Park, Woodstock
With its own special place in Britain’s history, Blenheim Palace is a true national treasure which brings wonder, delight and discovery to all who visit.
Home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this masterpiece of 18th century baroque architecture boasts over 300 years of history.
Interested? Explore their page here
Broughton Castle, Banbury
Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire.
Set in parkland and built of the rich local Hornton ironstone, it was selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book England’s Thousand Best Houses.
Interested? Explore their page here
Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury
Brewing since 1849, Hook Norton Brewery is a proudly independent family owned, fifth generation brewery based in the heart of the Cotswold Hills.
We take the very best of our handcrafted brewing heritage and combine it with a thoroughly modern approach, to create a range of cask, keg and bottled core ales, seasonals and one off unique brews.
Brewing on the same site for over a century and a half; still housed in the original buildings, Hook Norton invite you to come and experienced the unique sights, sounds and smells of a historic brewery at work and share in our passion and commitment to beer.
Interested? Explore their page here
Kingston Bagpuize House, near Abingdon
Kingston Bagpuize House remains a family home. Surrounded by garden and parkland this beautiful early Georgian style house is in red brick with stone quoins, banding and window surrounds.
The entrance hall is dominated by the handsome cantilever staircase. The elegant reception rooms have period furniture and paintings.
Interested? Explore their page here
Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames
Stonor Park has been the Stonor family’s residence for 850 years making it one of the oldest family homes still lived in today.
Discover art and treasures collected from across the globe and view historic maps and documents that reveal generations of service to the country. A stroll through this house is a vivid walk through history.
Interested? Explore their page here
Surrey
Limnerslease, Compton
In 1889, seeking a winter retreat from their Holland Park house and studio and wishing to escape the smogs of London that caused George’s bad health, G F and Mary Watts stayed with friends in Compton.
They quickly decided that this picturesque village nestled in the Surrey hills would make the ideal location for their own autumn/winter residence.
Interested? Explore their page here
Loseley Park, Guildford
Loseley House is situated only a short distance from London in acres of rolling parkland with views that have changed very little in 500 years. The house is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture featuring many fine works of art. Loseley was built as a family home and it still remains so.
Hospitality is a family tradition and we take pride in opening our estate, house and gardens to visitors as well as for weddings, corporate events, country fairs and artisan shows.
Interested? Explore their page here
Painshill Park, Cobham
Painshill is a beautiful award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey.
The 158 acre wonderland has something for everyone and makes a great family day out. Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG), and some of Surrey’s amazing wildlife.
Interested? Explore their page here
The Garth, Lingfield
The origins of The Garth, also known as The Garth Pleasure Grounds, go back to 1729 when the Lingfield parish drew up a contract, with a local carpenter Thomas Stanford, to build a new workhouse at a cost of £290. It provided basic schooling for boys making shoes, hats, bonnets and waistcoats.
The garden at the Garth covers 9 acres and was designed in 1919 by a distinguished historic Arts and Crafts buildings and landscape architect Walter H Godfrey (1881-1961).
Interested? Explore their page here
Titsey Place, Oxted
Titsey Place in Oxted, Surrey is an impressive manor house with beautiful gardens set in the stunning countryside of the North Downs.
The House and Gardens are held in Charitable Trust and for part of the year are open to the public offering guided tours of the house which dates back to the 16th century and stunning gardens, including the walled kitchen gardens, landscaped lakes, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Rose Garden.
Interested? Explore their page here
Vann, near Godalming
The Historic England Registered Garden is some 5-acres, maintained with three days help.
It surrounds and complements a historic family home dating from the 16 century, giving a series of garden rooms of great variety, from the formal old “cottage garden” at the front with delightfully informal planting, to a robust pergola of Bargate stone by W.D.Caröe.
Interested? Explore their page here
West Sussex
Arundel Castle Gardens, Arundel
Set high on a hill, this great castle commands the local Sussex landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun.
From its 11th-century Norman Keep to the grandeur of its State Rooms with their stunning art and the glorious gardens, Arundel Castle will appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Gardens and grounds free to members. Closed Mondays. Free entry not valid on event days.
Interested? Explore their page here
Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath
Borde Hill features the delightful Azalea Ring and Rhododendron Gardens, Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins of Old Potting Sheds.
Beyond the Garden visitors can enjoy beautiful woodland walks, lakeside strolls or explore the grade II* listed parkland. Children can let off steam in the adventure playground and dogs on leads are welcome. Events throughout the season include horticultural talks and family activities during the school holidays.
Interested? Explore their page here
Goodwood House, Chichester
Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years, is open to the public for 60 days a year.
The Regency State Apartments house some astonishing treasures including celebrated paintings by horse artist George Stubbs and Canaletto’s stunning views of the City of London. An extensive Sevres porcelain service is also on show, together with French tapestries, fine furniture, and fascinating objects.
Interested? Explore their page here
High Beeches Garden, Handcross
A hidden gem in the High Weald of Sussex, High Beeches is a botanical treasure trove planted with many rare trees and shrubs.
There is much to see at every season: In spring the magnolias and camellias are under planted with swathes of daffodils and the woodland glades and vistas are,in early summer, carpeted with bluebells and filled with the colour and fragrance of the many rhododendrons and azaleas.
Interested? Explore their page here
Parham House, Pulborough
Parham is a traditional stone E-shaped Elizabethan mansion, built in 1557. Idyllically set in the heart of an ancient deer park, below the South Downs, the Elizabethan house contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture.
Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have lived here since its foundation stone was laid.
Interested? Explore their page here
St Mary's House, Bramber
Enchanting medieval timber-framed house in the pretty downland village of Bramber, with fine panelled interiors and five acres of beautiful gardens.
St Mary’s has a unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’ with trompe l’oeil murals. Visitors admire its picturesque charm and enjoy its atmosphere of friendliness and welcome.
Interested? Explore their page here
Explore other UK regions
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Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
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Antiquity itself | "England"
In a country where traditions are cherished and what is acquired by centuries of labor, various old buildings cannot but be preserved, which you can admire even now. The British are proud of everything that has existed for more than a hundred years, and envelop it in mysterious legends. Today we will talk about the oldest buildings that have survived in the country of kings and queens.
The house that …
The oldest continuously inhabited house Saltford Manor, located near Bristol in Somerset, is recognized in Britain. It is believed that the construction of the house dates back to 1148.
This is evidenced by ancient patterns on the windows, the structure of the fireplace and other details. The owners of the house, James and Anna Wynn, were shocked when they found out what a historical treasure they live in. Once they left noisy London and moved to this house in search of more spacious housing with a historical context.
But they had no idea how close they were. The head of the family quit his job as a television producer and became fully engaged in the study and preservation of the house and even wrote a book about him. The original house of 1148 had two floors. However, over time, it has undergone many structural and architectural changes. The facade of the building was rebuilt and faced with stone in the 17th century. Despite the great love for the house, in 2010 it was sold for £1,275,000.
Lovers of antiquity should go to Scotland. It is there, on the island of Papa Westray (in Orkney), that you can find Knap of Howar, the oldest stone house , which is .
.. 5 thousand years old! It dates back to about 3700 BC. e. No windows, no doors, this structure is two adjacent buildings with a low doorway overlooking the sea. Apparently, already then people dreamed of a house on the coast.
Haunted castles
England is famous for its castles. The most famous - Windsor Castle, built in 1070, is only in sixth place "oldest". Leader line for rank of the oldest castle is headed by Berkhamsted Castle 1067 "year of issue". In the 13th century, the castle was captured by Louis VIII, then it was again recaptured by the royal troops and transferred to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who rebuilt it into a palace residence.
According to legend, royal prisoners were kept here. In the 15th century, it became unpopular, began to gradually deteriorate, and the stones of Berkhamsted went to the construction of other buildings. In the 19th century, the castle was almost destroyed during the construction of the London-Birmingham railway.
Now here you can see the ruins.
Address: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
The oldest remaining castle to visit is Norwich Castle in Norfolk, built by William the Conqueror in 1067 as a fortress. Now the castle houses a museum and an art gallery. You can see the walls of the fortress and walk around the castle.
Address: 24 Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3JU
The Windsor mentioned above still entered our rating as the oldest inhabited castle . Built in 1070, it still serves as a royal residence. This castle was the longest in "use" of all European fortifications. For 900 years, Windsor has remained a working palace and one of the royal family's favorite haunts. The Queen uses the castle as a private home where she usually spends her weekends and as an official royal residence where she performs certain official duties. The castle is open to tourists all year round.
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ
To drink or not to drink
England without pubs is not England.
And several establishments still compete for the title of of the oldest pub . But the clear favorite is Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which dates back to 793.
Address: St Albans, Hertfordshire16 Abbey Mill Ln, St Albans AL3 4HE
Although the owners of The Old Ferry Boat Inn in Holywell, Cambridge, they say that they have been pouring here since 560.
Address: Holywell, Cambridgeshire, Holywell, Holywell Front, St Ives PE27 4TG
Local legend says that a heartbroken girl named Juliet committed suicide near the town church and a small hotel was built over her grave, which later became a pub. On the floor, located on the southwest side of the inn, is a stone slab marking her grave. It is strictly forbidden to step on it: otherwise, an endless streak of failures awaits you. You can atone for guilt only by ordering alcohol to all visitors to the pub.
Anyway, it's nice to have a glass of foam knowing that Oliver Cromwell has also been here.
Holy place…
As for the oldest monument or building in Great Britain, , of course, this is Stonehenge.
One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, tentatively dated to 3020 BC. e. The exact purpose of Stonehenge is still unclear. Some say it was a place of worship for the Druids, others say it was the tomb of a pagan queen, or even a gigantic observatory.
The oldest church in is St Martin's Church, Canterbury, built in 597. The church is still functioning and receiving parishioners. It is considered the oldest in the English-speaking world and is recognized as part of the "World Heritage".
Lovers of antiques can find a lot for themselves while traveling in England. When all this was being built, no one could have thought that people would preserve these buildings through the centuries and that descendants would look at them enthusiastically. Who knows, maybe in a few centuries people will admire the architecture of today ...
Prepared by Oksana Kesh
Historic London. The oldest buildings in the city. - London10.
ru London is an old city that has accumulated countless historical riches, but you can find its leaders of antiquity and significance in it. Below is a short story about three sights - two military fortresses and one spiritual, each of which made its own special contribution to the history of London and the whole of Great Britain.
The most convenient way to visit these places along with other interesting places in London is during the hop-in/hop-out bus tour.
1 Roman wall of London (Wall of London)
2 Tower of London
3 Westminster Abbey
Roman Wall of London
In 43 AD, the Romans invaded Celtic-populated Britain and methodically conquered it for the next half century. They also got a strategically important town on the Thames, which the conquerors, having converted the local name into Latin, called Londinium.
The Romans were famous not only as excellent warriors, but also as engineers - everywhere in the conquered lands they were actively building roads and cities. Londinium was no exception, with many Roman buildings, including comfortable baths.
At the turn of II-III centuries. decided to enclose the city with an impregnable wall. The construction was carried out with traditional Roman solidity - durable gray stone was delivered from the present Kent, 50 km from London, using river barges. Almost 85,000 tons of material went to the wall, which is a very serious amount even for modern transport capabilities. The length of the fortifications was about 3200 m, height - 6 meters, thickness - 3 meters, protected area - 130 hectares. The stones were carefully fitted and held together with a mortar similar to modern cement. A wide moat served as additional protection.
The wall, built by the Romans, proved to be so durable and effective that even the medieval masters of London willingly used it, carrying out only minor maintenance and minor reconstruction work.
The contour of the fortifications defined the historical London, and today it almost completely coincides with the boundaries of the modern City area. In the end, it was not the enemies who broke the wall, but the builders who made room for the steadily growing London.
Today, despite all the misadventures and the 18 centuries that have passed, individual fragments of the wall continue to stand, retaining a solid appearance, and give a good idea of the fortifications in their best times. It is possible that it was these strong walls that determined the glorious future of London, because a city protected by an impregnable wall is always a natural choice for the capital, a place that attracts both rulers and ordinary people.
Tower of London
William, Duke of Normandy, determined to win the crown of England, landed in Britain in 1066 with his strong army. The military victory at Hastings brought him the coveted crown. But a much more difficult task was to maintain and strengthen power over a large and rebellious country.
To do this, Wilhelm needed an impregnable castle, a stronghold and a symbol of power. He ordered the construction of the Tower. The bulk of the work was completed by 1078.
In the 11th century, in England, not spoiled by large castles, where most of the feudal lords huddled in modest wooden fortifications, the Tower becomes a truly magnificent fortress. White in color (for which he received the nickname the White Tower), he towered majestically over London, physically reminding people that power belongs inalienably to the new king. And if today, in the age of giant skyscrapers, Taeur no longer surprises with its dimensions, it seemed to contemporaries a real giant - 32 by 36 meters, height - up to 27 m! In subsequent centuries, two more rings of fortifications appeared around the central structure, creating a modern ensemble. The construction of the Tower, a key royal stronghold, forever secured the role of the capital for London. Since then, it has constantly evolved, grown and matured.
Like many other fortresses, the Tower was actively used as a prison and a place for executions - kings always had many enemies that they would like to hide so that no one could escape. English monarchs, starting with the Tudors, mostly left the Tower, moving to more luxurious and comfortable residences scattered around London and its environs. In the future, the outdated fortress was used as a warehouse, then it experienced unsuccessful attempts to return it to military relevance by installing cannons. The last sinister events in the history of the Tower took place during the First and Second World Wars - spies were kept and shot here.
Nowadays, the Tower has finally got rid of military and prison functions, becoming an entirely positive and peaceful structure - a symbol of Great Britain and a unique example of a well-preserved medieval fortress that has been standing for the 10th century. It is open to tourists as a museum complex and an outstanding architectural monument.
Westminster Abbey
The place where Westminster Abbey is now located has been associated with religion since ancient times and initially gained its fame as the abode of the Benedictine monks at least from the end of the 10th century BC. In 1042, King Edward the Confessor of England, a deeply religious man, decided to rebuild the modest St. Peter's Cathedral located here and make it his tomb. The king's dream came true in 1066, although he had to be content with an unfinished building. Wilhelm, who captured England, was also crowned in the new cathedral, laying the tradition for posterity.
New eras demanded new architecture. The construction of the modern Gothic building began in 1245 by Henry III, who, like the creator, decided to make the magnificent cathedral his burial place - a traditional way for medieval kings to get rid of sins and secure a place in paradise. But finishing turned out to be much more difficult than starting - Westminster shared the fate of other long-term medieval cathedrals and was officially completed only after more than 250 years, in 1517.
