Britain’s Historic Houses

The historic homes of Britain offer a window into British history, and with the Great British Heritage Pass you can explore them at your leisure. Embark on a tour of the amazing historic houses in England, Scotland and Wales and discover the fascinating stories that go with them.

Begin exploring Britain’s historic houses in Northern Ireland at Mount Stewart House and Garden, a fascinating 18th century house and superb garden with a temple modelled on the Athenian Temple of the Winds.  Before continuing your journey in England, be sure to visit Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s greatest neo-classical houses.  It includes a sumptuous Regency interior, with an especially fine State Bedroom prepared for George IV, and an unusual
servant’s tunnel. 

Your trip in England beings in Yorkshire, at Castle Howard.  This is a magnificent 18th century house with outstanding collections, and 1,000 acres of parkland featuring statues, temples, lakes, and fountains. 

Chatsworth is considered to be Britain’s finest stately home, with famous works of art, fountains, a garden with maze, and set within the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park.  It is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. 

Next head towards Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan age.  Visitors can enjoy the State Rooms, including the Heaven Room and the Hell Staircase, and take a stroll through the grounds, which includes a Sculpture Park. 

Take a trip into Shakespeare country, Stratford-upon-Avon, and visit both Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.  Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the location where the famous author was born in 1564 and where he grew up.  It offers an insight into life when he was a child, and an exhibition on his life, work, and times.  Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a picturesque thatched cottage, which was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. 

One of Britain’s most famous historic homes is Blenheim Palace, birthplace and childhood home of Sir Winston Churchill, and currently home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough.  It includes magnificent state rooms and special exhibitions open all year, and has been named a World Heritage Site. 

Woburn Abbey has been home to the Dukes of Bedford for over 350 years and is set within a beautiful 3,000 acre deer park, with 10 species of deer roaming free.  It houses one of the most impressive and important private collections of art, furniture and porcelain on public view.

Head southeast towards Longleat House, set within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland, and widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture
in Britain. 

Finish your tour of Britain’s historic houses at Athelhampton House & Gardens, which dates from 1485.  It has been in private ownership for 500 years.  There is a Great Tudor Hall and award-winning gardens, featuring topiary pyramids, fountains, pavilions, and rare plants
and trees.