Living the dream: Britain’s most magical stately homes
Britain’s stately homes are nearly always grand and impressive. Built by aristocratic families over the centuries, these mansions feature remarkable architecture and lavish décor. Every ornate corner is rammed with art and antiques to rival even the best museums. And these impressive manor houses often double up as hosts for festivals, concerts, markets and fancy-dress events, while others have become opulent hotels. If you fancy an extravagant lunch at the real Downton Abbey or live music at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, here’s how to enjoy the full panoply of Britain’s stately treasures.
Britain’s most magical stately homes
Love the finer things in life? Why not live the life of a lord and stay overnight in one of Britain’s many historic homes. Many grandiose piles such as Cliveden in Berkshire, Bodysgallen Hall in Wales, and Wiltshire’s Lucknam Park are now lavish hotels.
Chatsworth House and Gardens, Derbyshire
Chatsworth House is a work of art fit for a painting. Beyond its frescoed ceilings and priceless antiques and tapestries, this vast Derbyshire estate is rammed with things to do from jazz concerts, and craft workshops to art trails that lace through its manicured gardens. And that’s not all. It’s also the site of a working farm that features everything from home-grown fodder to frolicking lambs.
Bodrhyddan Hall, Denbighshire
Bodrhyddan Hall is chock-full of fascinating things from armor to fine art and portraits and even a 3,000 year old Egyptian mummy and a Sarcophagus. On top of all that, you can experience classic car rallies, thrilling battle reenactments and pop-up markets, ensuring this 17th-century home is full of life. And for the full experience check out its beautifully restored Castle Gates holiday cottage half a hour’s walk away.
Abbotsford, Scottish Borders
With its sprawling mansion and great rambling woodlands, this Melrose estate was the 19th-century home of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most prolific writers. It celebrates his legacy with theatre shows and live concerts, as well as jousting contests, falconry and folk music at August’s annual ScottFest. How will Abbotsford inspire you?
Highclere Castle, Berkshire
You’ll recognise Highclere Castle as the ‘real’ Downton Abbey – but did you know that it also holds fancy dress events, star-studded festivals, afternoon teas, and has its very own gin? London Lodge, its 200-year-old gatehouse, has even been turned into a holiday cottage, with views over Highclere’s glorious grounds.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
If you like your history wrapped in the beautiful wildlife, head to Lyme Park. This 16th-century mansion is enveloped by moorland, gardens and a 1,400-acre deer estate. Set on the edge of the scenic Peak District National Park, its spectacular setting is perfect for long strolls, picnics, and it’s sociable 5km Parkrun (every Saturday).
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
With more than 300 years of history, art and architecture to explore, Blenheim Palace has a lot to offer. This birthplace of Winston Churchill this year-round cultural hotspot offers festivals and concerts, cinema screenings and more. At Christmas it transforms into a winter wonderland as its extensive gardens glow with twinkling light trails.
Britain’s better-known stately homes
Britain’s lesser-known stately homes
Regal sleeps: Where to stay like a lord or lady
Noble neighbours
Britain’s stately homes sit in some special locations such as Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire’s glorious Woodstock, or Mount Stuart on Scotland’s peaceful Isle of Bute. When planning your visit, why not extend your stay at a nearby town or village, and bask in its beautiful surroundings.
Grand glamping
Want to live the highlife without breaking the bank? Many of Britain’s heritage homes have transformed their gardens into glamping and camping sites. Explore Culdees Castle Estate in Perthshire, Raynham Estate in Norfolk, and Waddow Hall in Lancashire.
Posh property
From cute cottages to entire ‘wings’ of a stately home, some of Britain’s stately properties offer self-catering accommodation in their grounds. Check out the Longleat House, Chatsworth House and Gloucestershire’s Horton Court – which you might recognise from Poldark and Wolf Hall.
Historic hotels
Britain’s country house hotels are as impressive as they are handsome. Stay in the likes of Cliveden, Bowood House, Luton Hoo and Goodwood – which not only boast incredible architecture and heritage, but also excellent top-notch menus and attentive service. A truly unforgettable way to immerse yourself in history.