Most of these places are best accessed by car, as many arent close to towns and train stations. Others have modernized with the times. This medieval royal palace has centuries of rich history retained in its antiquated walls and a show-stopping series of art-deco interiors built by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld when they lived at Eltham in the thirties. New here? 1. The friendly staff will be happy to give you a tour. No expense was spared on the detailing; from a gilded miniature ship weather vane to the wood carved characters from The Three Musketeers, there is an amazing variety of craftsmanship to be admired. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Read more about Chenies Manor House, with photos, visiting information, directions and nearby accommodation. Outside, there are landscaped gardens and herbaceous borders. Beyond the Great Hall is the Great Staircase, one of the most magnificent Jacobean pieces of woodwork in an English house. Privacy Policy. One important thing to remember about Mansion House is its opening times. Located right on Hyde Park Corner at the end of Piccadilly, this stately home placed a large collection of paintings, artworks, and other 1st Dukes career memorabilia. This attractive, turreted castle is set in a picturesque village area that is backed by rolling, wooded hills. Also in Kent and also related to the Sackville family, Sissinghurst Castle was the home of writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. Take a trip in time tothe favourite royal residence of Henry VIII; marvel at the magnificent Great Hall and see whats cooking in the kitchens. Chartwell was the family home of Winston Churchill and stands in superb gardens offering views across a private lake. If you want to know which ones are worth the trip, today I bring you A Lady in Londons guide to my top picks for stately homes near London. The 2nd Earl used Petworth to showcase his collection of antique statues, but it was his son, the 3rd Earl, who established Petworth as a centre of the art world. Opening times: Mon-Sun, 10am-4:15pm Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire was built in the late 1800s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild; today it is home one of the most exceptional collections of French 18th Century decorative arts and English portraits in the world. In 1456 Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, purchased the 12th-century estate of Knole, near Sevenoaks in Kent from Lord Saye and Sele. Learn how your comment data is processed. 6. It was remodelled in 1688 by Charles, Duke of Somerset (nicknamed "The Proud Duke" because that's just what he was). Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots. Its impressively beautiful collections of plates and art, magnificent reception rooms, banqueting hall, and large gold and silver vaults leave you amazed. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, with a rather nice tea shop, Elthams hard to beat for a relaxing day trip. Kenwood House is famous among all stately homes in London for being a scene location for the Notting Hill movie. Check out the 20 best stately homes and gardens in Greater London, South East and London in 2023 - plus 0 top sightseeing days out near you right now. Standard Entry Fee: 9.00 (Free entry for children under eighteen years old) | Nearest station: Kensington. Note, we've left off small house museums (such as the Dickens Museum) as that subject is covered elsewhere. The 16th-century interior of this stately home in London still features original Elizabethan doors and a wooden staircase made of solid oak. From the outside, the 18th century house is relatively bland; dull even. The inside, however, is a different story. This one of the best stately homes near London lies in a green square in the middle of a residential area. In 1462 the castle passed to the Bullen (Boleyn) family, and Geoffrey de Bullen added wings on each side of the existing gatehouse. There are paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Van Dyck here, as well as internationally important 17th-century tapestries and furniture. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, with a rather nice tea shop, Elthams hard to beat for a relaxing day trip. On the wall hangs the 'Rainbow Portrait' of Elizabeth I, showing Elizabeth holding a rainbow in one hand. Book your Large Group Holiday Cottage in Cornwall Today, 10 Beautiful Thatched Holiday Cottages in Devon. The house stands in a landscaped park designed by Humphry Repton, with more formal gardens designed centuries later by Gertrude Jekyll. Your email address will not be published. The most famous garden feature is the yew maze. Open daily, except for Tuesdays. Let us know here. Explore the atmospheric family rooms where he lived and worked and learn about his fascinating life and groundbreaking theories with our exhibition Uncovering Origins . All the houses on my list are open to visitors, but check opening hours before you go to ensure theyre open when you want to see them. Two Temple Place is a late Victorian mansion and one of the hidden architectural gems among all stately homes to visit near London. Her bedroom was later converted into a billiard room. Check out the gardens, too. Dorney Court is a rambling Tudor manor, the home of the Palmer family for over 450 years. Look out for the rooftop lion, which once stood on another Northumberland property at Charing Cross. London stately homes are usually referred to as one of the greatest treasures of England. The Neo-Palladian features of this house in Chiswick have outstanding symmetry inside and out. At the top of the stair is the Brown Gallery, a long and narrow chamber lined with wooden panelling, historical portraits, and some of the superb fine furniture for which Knole is famous. It was the estate office of William Waldorf Astor, controversially the richest man in the world in 1895. Read more about Hatchlands, with photos, visiting information, directions and nearby accommodation. Giant lily pads will live you amazed and you can explore an exotic rainforest in the Palm House. We also have a comprehensive list of historic houses in England. This is the former residence of the third Earl of Burlington in the 18th century. 1. The exterior of the house is unremarkable, but it hides comfortable family home, full to bursting with Churchill memorabilia, from cigars to paintings to war correspondence. It could be. Built on the site of the Medieval Syon Abbey, it has been in the family of the present owners for more than 400 years and has seen some significant changes over the centuries. For example, Dorey Court, Waddesdon, and Chenies are a reasonable distance apart, as are Knole, Chartwell and Polesden Lacey. Opulent, palatial and steeped in history, Britain's stately homes have hosted all manner of illustrious guests, from royalty to prime ministers. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the family home of 39 British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and is today one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. Price: from 13.00, free under 16 Polesden Lacy is an early 19th-century Regency house transformed into an Edwardian mansion by the brewery heiress Mrs Ronald Greville. You are here: Things To Do > Attractions > Historic Houses. Nearest station: Tower Hill, The charming sugar cube veneer of Strawberry Hill meant that it was already a tourist site in its own day and has survived as such into ours. One important thing to remember about Mansion House is its opening times. Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email. This Gothic Revival beauty was built by Horace Walpole, son of British Prime Minister Robert Walpole, in the 18th century. Read more about Petworth House, with photos, visiting information, directions and nearby accommodation. There is also a pretty kitchen garden outside of the house and the lavender path which I mentioned above is striking in the summer. This is now open to visitors as a museum. Your email address will not be published. The 18th century house was recently restored with a 9million grant. Out east in Barking, Eastbury Manor House lies in a green square in the middle of a residential area. Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email. Inside the house, theres a wealth of family portraits, traditional oak furniture, carved paneling, silks, and tapestries. Knole's location on top of a low hill, or knoll, gave the house its name. The grandest stately homes & historic houses in South East England Palace House, National Motor Museum Beaulieu, New Forest Bletchley Park Near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Royal Pavilion, Brighton Credit Adam Bronkhorst - Visit Brighton Blenheim Palace Woodstock, Oxfordshire Osborne, Isle of Wight Credit Visit Isle of Wight And with our fully-managed Agency Assistance covering Tenancy and Estate Management, we want to earn your trust in managing all your agent requirements. Its a popular place for fans to visit to feel like theyre stepping into the world of Lord and Lady Grantham. Dating back to the 15th-century, this early Tudor manor house has changed little over its 600-year lifetime. From Dutch Old Masters to Faberge specials, theres a lot to admire. 9. Fenton House also showcases the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instruments and Georgian furniture. This is why you feel that you stepped into a painters world here. Wherever, however, and whenever you go, I hope you enjoy visiting them. Strawberry Hill House Out in Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House is my top pick for whimsical stately homes in London. Hampsteads Fenton House, Hackneys Sutton House, and Bexleyheaths Red House are all great examples of period architecture. The exterior is all Georgian aristocratic splendor, and the State Rooms are among the first Neo-Classical interiors in Europe. Nearest station: Hampton Court. The Neo-Palladian features of this house in Chiswick have outstanding symmetry inside and out. Henry sent Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth I) to Hatfield when she was just three months old. Its the only non-royal, non-episcopal English country house to hold the title of palace. Now visit the priceless Crown Jewels and join an iconic Beefeater on a tour to hear their bloody tales. Surrey. This is why you feel that you stepped into a painters world here. Nearest rail station: Clandon (but note there is no taxi rank at the station). 18th-century Apsley House is the London townhouse of the Dukes of Wellington. Standard Entry Fee: 6.50 | Nearest station: Mansion House Underground Station. Read more about Polesden Lacey, with photos, visiting information, directions and nearby accommodation. Theres a lot to see outside, too. Pay a visit to the stunning Petworth House and Park in West Sussex, home to one of the finest art collections looked after by the National Trust or visit the beautiful Parham House, one of the top twenty houses featured in theSimon Jenkins'book Englands Thousand Best Houses. These are just a few of our favourite stately homes within easy reach of London. More Reading: we've written an overview of country house history in our English History section, and you might also find our English country house gazetteer useful. It was once a Tudor royal palace but was later acquired by Robert Cecil, chief minister to both Elizabeth I and James I. Hatfield is still home to the Cecil family. That said, some, like Hatfield House and Sissinghurst Castle, can be visited by train from London. Opening times: Mon-Sun, 10am-4:15pm Near Milton Keynes, Bletchley Park is a place of exceptional historic importance, as it washome ofthe top secret code-breaking centre during WWIIand birthplace of modern information technology. Dorney Court near Windsor is a Tudor Manor House where visitors will find six centuries of artefacts collected over thirteen generations. Just minutes from Hampstead Heath, nestled in the picturesque, cobbled streets of Hampstead Village sits Burgh House; the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of London. No one posh has lived here for the best part of a century, but this one-time seat of the Child family (bankers) still sparkles with class. This finest of stately homes in London is known for being a filming location for the movie Notting Hill. Cranmer, quick to take a hint, promptly gave Knole to the king. The official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, the 18th-century Mansion House was designed in the Palladian style by George Dance the Elder. London stately homes are also called country houses because theyre likely to be out in the English countryside where many tourists begin and maybe end their trip to this country. I loved Ham House and now have many ideas for my next London visit. There are not much known about the origins of this two-storey house except that its strange attic and dormers were constructed with deep brown bricks and rubbed red brick window frames and corner. Stunning UK prints for sale by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of Britain Express, the UK Travel and Heritage Guide. Today the grounds are full of gardens with yew hedges, water features, fountains, and flowers. Nestled on the pleasant stretch of Thames between Richmond and Twickenham, few buildings have a better sitting thanHam House. We've also ignored current royal palaces, because they're already very well known but check out Historic Royal Palaces website for more details. Absolutely love this place. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries he seized the Bishop's palace at Hatfield and turned it into a royal palace, using it as a place where his children could be raised, reasonably close to London yet far enough away for them to be safe - and out of the way. Mrs Greville created a sumptuous country retreat where she could entertain film stars, nobility, politicians and socialites in a glittering array of parties. The galleried hall is especially attractive. Nearest station: Chiswick (mainline), Turnham Green (District Line). Required fields are marked *. The paths are great to wander along, not least because they lead to surprises like water features along the way. Nearest station: Victoria. In fact, gardens were the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement and inspired New Yorks Central Park. Whether you want to purchase a plot of land, farmhouse, country manor or genteel estate, our experienced agents will be able to help you along your way. Inside, the Gold Saloon was designed to impress maharajahs, and theres an important collection of art and ceramics. The Garden of Surprises and the Sculpture Garden in particular are worth seeing. If you love history and heritage, don't forget to enjoy exploring the different ways you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty throughout the South,on ourroyal connectionspage. This is intended to be as full a list as possible of country houses, castles, palaces, other stately homes, and manor houses in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands; any architecturally notable building which has served as a residence for a significant family or a notable figure in history.The list includes smaller castles, abbeys and priories that were converted into a private residence . Visit South East England 2023. It was possibly at Chenies that Archbishop Cranmer's secret informers gathered evidence of Catherine's affair with Thomas Culpepper, an affair that led to the queen's execution for treason a few months later. Spencer House is one of Londons finest surviving 18th-century private stately homes in London. There are also classical and Neoclassical sculptures and intricate wood-carvings by Grinling Gibbons. This is an ideal place to visit if you like a mix of historic interiors and beautiful gardens. At Knole there are plenty of family activities, fun days and wild deer to spot in Knole Park - it's one of the best stately homes to visit near London. Read more about Dorney Court, with photos, visiting information, directions and nearby accommodation. Gardens and pinetum. Its Tudor splendor and orange brick facade are best admired from the lavender-lined walkway leading to the entrance. Eight gorgeously restored rooms of this aristocratic palace are open to public gallivanting, with a showcase of paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, objets dart and exquisite furniture. The surrounding parkland is perfect for a brisk walk, where you'll stumble across sheep and cows. The architects were Mewes and Davis, who also designed the Ritz Hotel in London. Required fields are marked *. Visit Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin. Out in Buckinghamshire, Dorney Court is one of the best Tudor stately homes near London. Theres also an Egyptian exhibition in the cellars that details the discovery of the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Nothing much of note ever happened here, even though they try and sex it up with dubious connections to the gunpowder plot. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the tower, too. The Gallery houses one of the most impressive collections of art in the country in a Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse. Hatfield was still a royal home in 1607 when Elizabeth's successor, James VI and I, offered to exchange it for the Cecil family home at Theobalds. Your email address will not be published. Home to 160 acres of parkland, shoreline & formal estate gardens, Upton Country Park offers free admission, 7 days a week, all year round, however, opening times do vary on season. Kenwood House is certainly worth a visit, especially if you haven't been back since the major renovations of 2013. Nearest rail stations: Boxhill & Westhumble 3 miles; Bookham 2.7 miles, Dorking 4 miles, Leatherhead 4 miles. No other building in the country quite compares with Horace Walpole's mock-Gothic pile of Strawberry Hill, located near Twickenham. A 13th century great chamber, on a vaulted undercroft, of a manor house of the Knights Templar. I will be in London in March. Looking for stately homes and historic houses to visit in London? Syon House boasts a spectacular wealth of art and grand classical interior design. Standard Entry Fee: 6.70 | Nearest station: Victoria. Anne's father, Thomas de Boleyn, enlarged Hever and added the Long Gallery. Theres a lot to cherish here, so ensure to have at least half a day to discover all parts. The juvenile Henry VIII spent many a day here. Upstairs are atmospheric bedchambers, including one with a secret hiding hole under the floorboards of a cupboard. London On A Budget Tips 10 Money Saving Tips For Visiting London, 13 Ghanaian Restaurants In London For West Africas Best Cuisine. One of the more famous inclusions, thanks to its prime location on the higher slopes of Hampstead Heath. Nearest station: Eltham or Mottingham. Out in Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House is my top pick for whimsical stately homes in London. The Orchard Lawn is a . With 185 million years of history to choose from, find historic houses near you by selecting the 'map view' button below. But what they all have in common is their appeal to those that want to step into another time, place, or world. Horace Walpole, son of British Prime Minister Robert Walpole, had Strawberry Hill House built in southwest London. The furnishings tell the story of the houses history, with each successive generation having left its mark. Look for an inlaid writing table made for Marie Antoinette, and a carpet commissioned by Louis XIV for the Louvre. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chartwell is as much a museum as a house, stuffed with memorabilia, from war uniforms to gifts given by political allies. A broad avenue leads up the hill to the house, and behind the elegant house stretch formal terraced gardens. Originally built for some early Stuart blue-bloods, the House now contains a staggering collection of paintings in a bewildering maze of rooms. Spencer Houses exterior design is all Georgian aristocratic glamor. There are a lot more of these houses dotted around the capital, and its worth venturing out of the city to visit them. The Waterloo Gallery has paintings from the Spanish royal collection, including works by Ribera, Goya, and Velazquez. There's also a well appointed if wasp-plagued al fresco caf and some majestic views of London just to the east. Some of the most exquisite and intriguing historic houses in England can be foundscattered across South East England. But then you step through an arch and you're in a 15th century great hall with hammerbeam ceiling. Polesden Lacey - Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey. On the Isle of Wight, visit Queen Victoria's family home at Osborne House, marvel at the Victorian opulence and extravagant interiors and the stunning Indian dcor of the Durbar Room. All things aside, Fenton House has a mysterious history! In West Sussex, the pretty town of Petworth is home to an impressive stately home near London called Petworth House. Waddesdon is full of 18th-century English portraits, including Gainsborough's Pink Boy, and no less than 10 works by Sir Joshua Reynolds. This caf is a great place to be on a hot summer afternoon! Built in the 17th century and used as a residence for the Earls of Mansfield through the 18th and 19th centuries, its now open to the public as a museum. The gardens are well kept and a pleasure to stroll around. Some of the most iconic from each county are featured here, but find many more and a stately home to visit near you using the map function at the bottom of this page. This London stately home is located right on the Thames. Located right on the Thames, Ham House is actually a National Trust property in the capital city.
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