The 10 best English stately homes

Nothing says England more than a magnificent stately home. And nothing captures the imagination more than the tales of aristocracy and intrigue to be found in these buildings. As well as amazing architecture and gorgeous gardens, these iconic houses offer brilliant insight into the history of our country. Below we pick the 10 best English stately homes.

1. Chatsworth House

The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House in the Peak District boasts over 30 delightful rooms and an internationally renowned collection of artwork which includes sculptures, ceramics and paintings. There are some brilliant exhibitions here relating to the history of the house, and you even have the opportunity to dress up in some costumes from the period. There’s a 105 acres of beautiful garden full of little streams, exotic plants and trees, water features and a maze. If the kids are with you then they will love meeting the animals in the small farmyard. An adult ticket is £19 and a child is £13 for admission.

2. Castle Howard

Castle Howard in Yorkshire is a truly impressive and makes for an unforgettable day out. This huge 18th Century stately home is the historic seat of the Earl of Carlisle and is set within 1000 acres of stunning Yorkshire landscape designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The house has a massive 145 rooms offering unique exhibitions that tell the history of this estate. The house certainly has some fascinating tales to tell, for example the massive fire of 1940 and the long restoration process that took place after. Visitors can explore the stunning gardens and it’s worth enjoying the tranquillity of a woodland walk. Tickets for adults are £14 and £7.50 for children. Discover our campsites near Castle Howard today.

3. Burghley House

Words cannot describe the elegant Burghley House in Lincolnshire - you must see this impressive Tudor mansion for yourself! Designed by Queen Elizabeth I’s Lord High Treasurer William Cecil this wonderful house has 35 principal rooms and 80 other interesting rooms. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and stroll in the remarkable gardens where you’ll see deer roaming in the deer park. There is also a sculpture garden and the intriguing ‘Garden of Surprises’, where water jets are sprayed high into the air and a mirrored maze will keep the kids entertained for ages. Admission to the house is £13 for adults and £6.50 for children. It is closed during the winter months but the parkland is open all year round and free to enter.

4. Longleat

Longleat House in Wiltshire offers something for all ages including its own safari park! The house has lavish rooms full of interesting paintings, sculptures, furniture and other valuable antiques to browse. The ceilings of Longleat are famous for being beautifully ornate with murals and luxurious gilt work and the house is home to one of the largest private book collections in Europe. In the safari park you’ll see fantastic animals such as the White Rhino, Gorilla, and Penguins. A ticket to all the attractions at Longleat that includes the safari park and the house and gardens costs £31.50 for adults and £22.50 for children. If you book online you’ll get a significant discount.

5. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is jam-packed with beautiful paintings, tapestries and elegant furniture. The house is well-known for being associated with Sir Winston Churchill-he was both born here and got married here. There is a wonderful and interesting exhibition revealing the details of his life and his career as a great politician. You can learn more by joining a free guided tour or you can walk through the Palace in your own time. Kids will love the gardens where you will find a miniature train ride, a giant maze and a tropical butterfly house. The formal gardens are full of stunning water terraces and flowers-an ideal place to relax on a sunny afternoon. Adult tickets are £21 and child tickets are £11.50.

6. Lyme Park

Lyme Park House located in Stockport just on the edge of the glorious Peak District is an fantastic Edwardian house with lavish interiors. The very popular exhibition ‘The Only Way is Pemberly’ is a real highlight here. This is a celebration of the 200th anniversary of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ where visitors can see filming locations and costumes used in the BBC adaption of the drama - and you’ll even have the chance to dress up yourself for a unique photo opportunity! The 1,300 acre estate is home to lots of wildlife including deer and hares. There is a lovely rose garden and lake with plenty of woodland and parkland to explore. There’s a great play area for kids including rope walks and a giant slide as well as a good café serving hot and cold food. A family ticket is around £25.

7. Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is 19th Century house in the style of a fabulous French chateau. The house itself has beautifully decorated rooms full of well-preserved luxurious furniture and intricate wallpaper. You can learn about the history of the house before wandering into the gardens to enjoy a picnic on the lawn or taking in the wonderful fragrances of the rose garden. Kids will love visiting the sweet shop on site and taking a family stroll along Miss Alice’s Drive. Adults can relax in the manor restaurant with afternoon tea and admire the 15,000 bottles of wine in the wine cellars. Adult entrance fees are £9 and children are £9.

8. Kensington Palace

World famous Kensington Palace in London has plenty to offer its visitors. The palace currently has an exhibition showcasing various fashions worn by the Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales - a rare chance to see the dresses of these iconic women. Visitors can also see a number of grand rooms including the King and Queen’s State Apartments which include galleries, bedrooms and drawing rooms. The palace is also home to the unique ‘Luminous Lace’, a brilliant light display made up of 4 km of electroluminescent wire and 12,000 Swarovski crystals. There are lovely gardens to explore too and excellent food at the Orangery restaurant. Adult tickets are £16.50 and children under 16 go free.

9. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a stunning sight to see. Perhaps the most exciting part of a visit here is solving the spectacular maze. Spread over a third of an acre, this is the most famous maze in the UK and also the oldest surviving hedge maze. Inside the palace visitors can see Henry VIII’s magnificent Great Hall as well as learn about Tudor life by visiting the Tudor kitchens, the Chapel Royal with its impressive ornate ceiling and stained glass windows, and the charming Privy Garden. Adult tickets are £17.50 and children are £8.50, under 5’s go free. Hampton Court Palace is highly recommended for a fun and interesting day out.

10. Ragley Hall

Ragley Hall in Warwickshire is a fine 17th century mansion with stunning natural surroundings. You can take a guided tour of the impressive State Rooms and browse the wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and porcelain. The gardens are magnificent too and with 10 hectares to see there is plenty to explore. Woodland walks are popular here and there is some rare flora and fauna to see on your way. Kids will have great fun in the Adventure Wood which is home to a maze, climbing ropes, bridges and a small zip wire. Families can enjoy boating on Radley Lake and there are pony rides in the woods. Adult tickets cost £8.50 and children are £5.50.

England is very lucky to have so many beautiful stately homes open to the public. If you’re looking for a fun and interesting day out with plenty to offer, including entertainment for the kids, then visiting one of the above stately homes is sure to go down a treat.