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Britain’s most magical stately homes

Love the finer things in life? Why not live the life of a lord or lady 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. 

Britain’s better-known stately homes

Castle Howard, England

A remarkable pile that’s been in the Howard family for more than 300 years.

Photo by: Castle Howard/Nick Howard

Large country house surrounded by trees with stream in the foreground
Longleat, England

Impressive Elizabethan mansion with landscaped gardens in the grounds of the famous Longleat Safari Park.

Photo by: liammundayphotography

Longleat House, Wiltshire
Rothesay, Scotland

Victorian innovation strikes through this house from the world’s first heated pool to the first passenger lift.

Photo by: Mount Stuart

Inside the Marble Hall, Mount Stuart mansion,
Lacock, England

A quirky country pile on the site of a former 13th-century nunnery and the set for Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

Photo by: ayshee5_

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
Disley, England

An Elizabethan Grade I pile on the edge of the Peak District surrounded by 1,400 acres of land, gardens and deer park.

Photo by: katabaticmalamutes

Lyme Park, Cheshire
Rotherham, England

Part baroque, part Georgian, this South Yorkshire gem has the longest facade of any stately home in Britain.

Photo by: wentworth_woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire
Sandringham, England

This royal residence is open to visitors, with tours offering afternoon tea, Land Rover safaris and more.

Photo by: @nuriatravels

Location: Broads

Sandringham Estate
Woodstock, England

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Location: Blenheim Palace

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery
Bakewell, England

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Stamford, England

Whatever the season, there’s always something to see at Burghley, from its splendid State Rooms to its two gardens.

Photo by: Destination Lincolnshire/ Tony Pleavin

A man and a woman with a tour guide in an ornate room with paintings

Britain’s lesser-known stately homes

The gothic-style stately home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

Learn more about Abbotsford

Photo by: The Abbotsford Trust

Abbotsford exterior with flower gardens in foreground
Abbotsford, Borders

Set over hundreds of acres of north Wales countryside, with stunning gardens and a 3,000-year-old mummy.

Discover the home and gardens of Bodrhyddan Hall

Photo by: available_weddingvenue

Bodrhyddan Hall, Denbighshire
Bodrhyddan Hall, north Wales

Explore the grand historic house, formal gardens and enchanting woodland playground of Stonor Park.

Find out more about Stonor Park

Photo by: Stonor Park

View of Stonor Park, Chiltern Hills
Stonor Park, Chiltern Hills

This stately home boasts Regency opulence and a serene alternative to the high-octane Goodwood race track nearby.

Explore Goodwood House and gardens

Photo by: richardpchapman

Goodwood House
Goodwood House

Enjoy the grandeur of Buscot Park alongside the peaceful gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Explore Buscot Park

Photo by: the_idge

Buscot Park
Buscot Park

A hidden London gem, filled with landscaped gardens, beautiful interiors and world-class art.

Explore Kenwood House

Photo by: belinda29

woman in headscarf sitting in front of Kenwood House
Kenwood House

Visit this Elizabethan mansion, home to a beautiful hall, blooming gardens, cycle routes, and a rewilding project.

Explore Doddington Hall

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

An outdoor autumnal view of Doddington Hall in Lincoln
Doddington Hall

Explore the vast estate by cycling or walking, with woodlands and grasslands allowing you to escape into nature.

Explore Blickling Estate

Photo by: National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Children climbing on the big plane tree in the garden at Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Blickling Estate

This impressive stately home isn’t just full of history – it has mountain biking, orienteering and golf courses too.

What’s on at Ashton Court Estate

Photo by: Paul Box

A child riding a bike outside Ashton Court in Bristol
Ashton Court Estate

Discover priceless artworks, exquisite antiques and beautiful grounds at this impressive stately home in Selkirk.

Get to know Bowhill House

Photo by: Euan Myles/Bowhill House

Location: Lowlands

Bowhill House, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland
Bowhill House

This 16th-century manor starred in the hit TV series, as ‘Trenwith’ – the Poldarks’ family home.

What’s on at Chavenage House

Photo by: Robert Viglasky Photography/Chavenage House/Cotsowlds Tourism

Location: Cotswolds

Filming of Poldark, Chavenage House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Chavenage House: Poldark

This spectacular home starred as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film – and now hosts private tours and festivals.

Plan your trip to Harewood House

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House
Harewood House

This 18th-century house is surrounded by magnificent gardens, wild woodlands and a deer-filled park.

Visit Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Photo by: National Trust/Nick Meers

The Orangery at Dunham Massey, viewed across the lawn from the East side of the hall
Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.

Explore Wollaton Hall

Photo by: tomoprice/wollatonhall

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall

This magnificent medieval and Tudor residence hosts live music, seasonal festivals, craft markets and more.

Get to know Haddon Hall

Photo by: Haddon Hall

Location: Peak District

Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall

Wander around the magnificent Petworth House, with its art treasures and 700-acre deer park in the South Downs.

Potter around Petworth House

Photo by: National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Location: South Downs

Petworth House and Park
Petworth House

Visit the last castle to be built in Britain, with the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it.

Find out more about Castle Drogo

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dob

Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
Castle Drogo

A period drama lover's paradise, Wilton House has set the scene for Bridgerton, The Crown and Emma.

Explore the state rooms at Wilton House

Photo by: kgbrott

Wilton House
Wilton House

You might recognise this Tudor house: it has appeared in Bridgerton, Midsomer Murders and more.

What’s on at Dorney Court

Photo by: Dorney Court

Tall plants in the gardens of Dorney Court, Windsor
Dorney Court

Combining award-winning grounds by Capability Brown with one of the most impressive mansions from Jacobean England, history comes to life at Audley End.

Take a trip into history at Audley End

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Saffron Walden, England

An exterior view of Audley End
Audley End

An action-packed day out with bike hire, boat rides, treetop rope courses, walled gardens and a vineyard – all before you even get inside the 18th-century house.

Take a guided tour of Holkham Hall

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Holkham, England

The outdoor water fountain at Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall

Whatever the season, Arley Hall has plenty of charm, from winter light trails to outdoor theatre.

Discover Arley Hall & Gardens

Photo by: takemyheart.somewhere

Arley Hall, Cheshire
Arley Hall & Gardens

Art lovers, the treasures at this French Renaissance-style manor house are not to be missed.

Explore the captivating Waddesdon Manor

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

A young, happy couple walking outside a manor
Waddesdon Manor

Explore this Tudor treasure, with its spellbinding house, gardens and park, from March to September.

Be charmed by Knebworth House

Photo by: Visit Hertfordshire/ Rebecca Douglas

Location: Stevenage, England

Two young men walk in the grounds of a heritage house
Knebworth House

Explore the local history collections of Cusworth Hall and don't miss the newly restored walled garden, a treat for all the senses.

Learn something new at Cusworth Hall

Photo by: Drew Carlin/Heritage Doncaster

View of a large country house surrounded by trees
Cusworth Hall

The gothic-style stately home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

Learn more about Abbotsford

Photo by: The Abbotsford Trust

Abbotsford exterior with flower gardens in foreground
Abbotsford, Borders

Set over hundreds of acres of north Wales countryside, with stunning gardens and a 3,000-year-old mummy.

Discover the home and gardens of Bodrhyddan Hall

Photo by: available_weddingvenue

Bodrhyddan Hall, Denbighshire
Bodrhyddan Hall, north Wales

Explore the grand historic house, formal gardens and enchanting woodland playground of Stonor Park.

Find out more about Stonor Park

Photo by: Stonor Park

View of Stonor Park, Chiltern Hills
Stonor Park, Chiltern Hills

This stately home boasts Regency opulence and a serene alternative to the high-octane Goodwood race track nearby.

Explore Goodwood House and gardens

Photo by: richardpchapman

Goodwood House
Goodwood House

Enjoy the grandeur of Buscot Park alongside the peaceful gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Explore Buscot Park

Photo by: the_idge

Buscot Park
Buscot Park

A hidden London gem, filled with landscaped gardens, beautiful interiors and world-class art.

Explore Kenwood House

Photo by: belinda29

woman in headscarf sitting in front of Kenwood House
Kenwood House

Visit this Elizabethan mansion, home to a beautiful hall, blooming gardens, cycle routes, and a rewilding project.

Explore Doddington Hall

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

An outdoor autumnal view of Doddington Hall in Lincoln
Doddington Hall

Explore the vast estate by cycling or walking, with woodlands and grasslands allowing you to escape into nature.

Explore Blickling Estate

Photo by: National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Children climbing on the big plane tree in the garden at Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Blickling Estate

This impressive stately home isn’t just full of history – it has mountain biking, orienteering and golf courses too.

What’s on at Ashton Court Estate

Photo by: Paul Box

A child riding a bike outside Ashton Court in Bristol
Ashton Court Estate

Discover priceless artworks, exquisite antiques and beautiful grounds at this impressive stately home in Selkirk.

Get to know Bowhill House

Photo by: Euan Myles/Bowhill House

Location: Lowlands

Bowhill House, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland
Bowhill House

This 16th-century manor starred in the hit TV series, as ‘Trenwith’ – the Poldarks’ family home.

What’s on at Chavenage House

Photo by: Robert Viglasky Photography/Chavenage House/Cotsowlds Tourism

Location: Cotswolds

Filming of Poldark, Chavenage House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Chavenage House: Poldark

This spectacular home starred as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film – and now hosts private tours and festivals.

Plan your trip to Harewood House

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House
Harewood House

This 18th-century house is surrounded by magnificent gardens, wild woodlands and a deer-filled park.

Visit Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Photo by: National Trust/Nick Meers

The Orangery at Dunham Massey, viewed across the lawn from the East side of the hall
Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.

Explore Wollaton Hall

Photo by: tomoprice/wollatonhall

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall

This magnificent medieval and Tudor residence hosts live music, seasonal festivals, craft markets and more.

Get to know Haddon Hall

Photo by: Haddon Hall

Location: Peak District

Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall

Wander around the magnificent Petworth House, with its art treasures and 700-acre deer park in the South Downs.

Potter around Petworth House

Photo by: National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Location: South Downs

Petworth House and Park
Petworth House

Visit the last castle to be built in Britain, with the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it.

Find out more about Castle Drogo

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dob

Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
Castle Drogo

A period drama lover's paradise, Wilton House has set the scene for Bridgerton, The Crown and Emma.

Explore the state rooms at Wilton House

Photo by: kgbrott

Wilton House
Wilton House

You might recognise this Tudor house: it has appeared in Bridgerton, Midsomer Murders and more.

What’s on at Dorney Court

Photo by: Dorney Court

Tall plants in the gardens of Dorney Court, Windsor
Dorney Court

Combining award-winning grounds by Capability Brown with one of the most impressive mansions from Jacobean England, history comes to life at Audley End.

Take a trip into history at Audley End

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Saffron Walden, England

An exterior view of Audley End
Audley End

An action-packed day out with bike hire, boat rides, treetop rope courses, walled gardens and a vineyard – all before you even get inside the 18th-century house.

Take a guided tour of Holkham Hall

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Holkham, England

The outdoor water fountain at Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall

Whatever the season, Arley Hall has plenty of charm, from winter light trails to outdoor theatre.

Discover Arley Hall & Gardens

Photo by: takemyheart.somewhere

Arley Hall, Cheshire
Arley Hall & Gardens

Art lovers, the treasures at this French Renaissance-style manor house are not to be missed.

Explore the captivating Waddesdon Manor

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

A young, happy couple walking outside a manor
Waddesdon Manor

Explore this Tudor treasure, with its spellbinding house, gardens and park, from March to September.

Be charmed by Knebworth House

Photo by: Visit Hertfordshire/ Rebecca Douglas

Location: Stevenage, England

Two young men walk in the grounds of a heritage house
Knebworth House

Explore the local history collections of Cusworth Hall and don't miss the newly restored walled garden, a treat for all the senses.

Learn something new at Cusworth Hall

Photo by: Drew Carlin/Heritage Doncaster

View of a large country house surrounded by trees
Cusworth Hall

Regal sleeps: Where to stay like a lord or lady

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pete Seaward

Woman sat under a tree sketching in the grounds of a large country estate

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.

Photo by: Culdees Estate

Culdees Glamping

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 and Raynham Estate in Norfolk.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

A young couple standing at the balustrade of a stone bridge

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 Longleat House, Chatsworth House and Gloucestershire’s Horton Court – which you might recognise from Poldark and Wolf Hall.

Photo by: tr_howard/theladyracer/clivenhouse/proverbskin

Young couple walking outside Cliveden House

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.

Stately stays for a luxurious break

Dine at the three-Michelin starred restaurant where the menu boasts the finest seasonal and local produce celebrating the bounty of Lancashire.

Get a taste for Moor Hall

Photo by: Mark Bristol

A nighttime exterior shot of Moor Hall in Lancashire
Moor Hall

With its acclaimed restaurant and beautiful suites, this stately hotel celebrates the finer things in life.

Stay at the Kingsknowes Hotel

Photo by: Kingsnowes Hotel

Location: Lowlands

Kingsknowes Hotel, Galashiels, Scotland
Kingsknowes Hotel

With chef Raymond Blanc OBE at the helm, this superb hotel and restaurant has two Michelin stars.

Treat yourself at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Photo by: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons / Chris Terry

Location: Cotswolds

 Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons main course Trout
with Caviar
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Fletcher’s Cottage, the spa at this luxury hotel, is a sanctuary of rest and relaxation.

Treat yourself at Archerfield House

Photo by: Archerfield House

Location: Edinburgh

The Relax Room, Fletcher’s Cottage, Archerfield House, Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland
Archerfield House

Tuck into seasonal dishes and locally made wines, or sharpen your skills in the cookery school.

Get to know Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
13_The Dining Room_Chewton Glen Hotel
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

If you love understated luxury, quirky design and excellent food, you’ll adore this historic manor house.

More about Burley Manor

Photo by: burleymanor

Burley Manor
Burley Manor

This four-star retreat features a spa, thermal suite, outdoor swimming pool and two excellent restaurants.

Relax at Balmer Lawn Hotel

Photo by: iloveouseburn

Location: New Forest

View through the trees of historic buildings, Newcastle's Ouseburn district
Balmer Lawn Hotel

Retreat to this fabulous spa hotel, set on 200 acres of wild Welsh estate and gardens.

Spend the night at Bodysgallen Hall

Photo by: ©National Trust Images/Chris Lac

Location: Wales

Bodysgallen Hall, Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, Conwy
Bodysgallen Hall

Explore a stately home that doubles as a luxury hotel.

Find out more about Cliveden

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel
Cliveden

Dine at the three-Michelin starred restaurant where the menu boasts the finest seasonal and local produce celebrating the bounty of Lancashire.

Get a taste for Moor Hall

Photo by: Mark Bristol

A nighttime exterior shot of Moor Hall in Lancashire
Moor Hall

With its acclaimed restaurant and beautiful suites, this stately hotel celebrates the finer things in life.

Stay at the Kingsknowes Hotel

Photo by: Kingsnowes Hotel

Location: Lowlands

Kingsknowes Hotel, Galashiels, Scotland
Kingsknowes Hotel

With chef Raymond Blanc OBE at the helm, this superb hotel and restaurant has two Michelin stars.

Treat yourself at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Photo by: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons / Chris Terry

Location: Cotswolds

 Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons main course Trout
with Caviar
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Fletcher’s Cottage, the spa at this luxury hotel, is a sanctuary of rest and relaxation.

Treat yourself at Archerfield House

Photo by: Archerfield House

Location: Edinburgh

The Relax Room, Fletcher’s Cottage, Archerfield House, Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland
Archerfield House

Tuck into seasonal dishes and locally made wines, or sharpen your skills in the cookery school.

Get to know Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
13_The Dining Room_Chewton Glen Hotel
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

If you love understated luxury, quirky design and excellent food, you’ll adore this historic manor house.

More about Burley Manor

Photo by: burleymanor

Burley Manor
Burley Manor

This four-star retreat features a spa, thermal suite, outdoor swimming pool and two excellent restaurants.

Relax at Balmer Lawn Hotel

Photo by: iloveouseburn

Location: New Forest

View through the trees of historic buildings, Newcastle's Ouseburn district
Balmer Lawn Hotel

Retreat to this fabulous spa hotel, set on 200 acres of wild Welsh estate and gardens.

Spend the night at Bodysgallen Hall

Photo by: ©National Trust Images/Chris Lac

Location: Wales

Bodysgallen Hall, Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, Conwy
Bodysgallen Hall

Explore a stately home that doubles as a luxury hotel.

Find out more about Cliveden

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel
Cliveden

Discover Britain’s heritage highlights

Explore the UK's famous royal castles in VisitBritain's castle guide. Beyond tours and exhibitions, there are lots of ways to get hands-on with history.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Yin Sun Photography

Aerial view of Bamburgh Castle on the coast of Northumberland

From medieval Edinburgh to Georgian Bath, Britain is full of cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Photo by: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Location: Bath

External view, through a field of blurred out daffodils in the foreground, of the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath

Dare you visit our darkest, most haunted corners? From playful poltergeists to headless queens, Britain’s brimming with ghosts.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Pedestrians walking down steps near a castle

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