The Best English Houses & Gardens

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is a grand medieval fortress, home to the Percy family for over 700 years. Known as a filming site for "Harry Potter", it features opulent staterooms, gardens, and history blending Norman origins with modern heritage.

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This grand Baroque estate features lavish interiors, vast landscaped gardens, and parkland designed by Capability Brown.

Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is a grand stately home of the Cavendish family, famed for its opulent interiors, priceless art, and 105-acre gardens. Set in the Peak District, it’s one of England’s most visited and admired historic estates.

The Eden Project in Cornwall features massive biomes housing rainforest and Mediterranean habitats. This striking eco-attraction combines lush gardens, interactive exhibits and sustainable design, showcasing the wonders of nature and innovation.

Hampton Court Palace, by the River Thames, is a magnificent Tudor and Baroque royal residence. Once home to Henry VIII, it features grand halls, exquisite gardens, and the famous hedge maze, rich in royal history.

Longleat in Wiltshire is a grand stately home and the UK’s first safari park. Renowned for its Elizabethan architecture, landscaped grounds, and wildlife drives featuring lions, elephants, and more, it blends heritage with family adventure.

Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle. A royal residence for over 900 years, it features grand State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and stunning grounds, offering a glimpse into Britain’s living history.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden spans 40 acres of beautiful landscapes showcasing over 8,000 plant species. It offers glasshouses, themed gardens, and tranquil walks, blending scientific discovery with natural beauty in the heart of the city.

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch, known for its grand façade, lavish State Rooms and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It remains a central symbol of the British monarchy and national events.

Burghley House in Lincolnshire is one of England’s grandest Elizabethan mansions. Built for Sir William Cecil, it features lavish state rooms, a fine art collection, landscaped parkland by Capability Brown, and contemporary sculpture gardens.

Castle Howard in North Yorkshire is a baroque stately home set in vast parkland with lakes, temples and formal gardens. Its opulent interiors, dramatic dome and art collections make it one of England’s most magnificent historic houses to explore.

Clovelly in Devon is a unique, privately owned village with steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and no cars. Overlooking the Bristol Channel, it’s famed for its timeless charm, donkey transport, and picturesque harbour.

Cotehele, near Saltash, is a beautifully preserved Tudor house set above the River Tamar. With medieval interiors, gardens, and a working mill, it offers an atmospheric journey through centuries of Cornish history.

Dove Cottage in Grasmere was William Wordsworth’s home, where he wrote much of his poetry. The adjoining Wordsworth Museum showcases manuscripts, artefacts, and exhibitions, offering a rich glimpse into the poet’s life and the Romantic movement.

Godolphin, near Helston, is a historic Cornish estate with a Tudor manor, tranquil gardens, and ancient woodlands. Once a powerful mining estate, it offers peaceful walks, panoramic views, and a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich past.

Greenway in Devon, Agatha Christie’s riverside retreat, showcases her family treasures amid tranquil woodland gardens. Overlooking the River Dart, it offers a peaceful insight into the author’s life and surroundings.

Haddon Hall in Derbyshire is a stunning medieval manor, famed for its Tudor interiors, terraced gardens, and riverside views. Often called “the most complete house of its period,” it’s a romantic setting frequently used in films and TV.

Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire is an Elizabethan masterpiece built by Bess of Hardwick. Famous for its vast windows, rich tapestries, and grand design, it stands amid landscaped gardens and parkland as a symbol of Tudor wealth and power.

Hatfield House in Hertfordshire is a grand Jacobean mansion set in vast gardens and parkland. Famous as the childhood home of Elizabeth I, it features opulent state rooms, fine art, and beautifully landscaped grounds rich in history.

Highclere Castle in Hampshire is a grand Victorian mansion, famed as the filming location for *Downton Abbey*. Surrounded by parkland designed by Capability Brown, it showcases opulent state rooms, Egyptian artefacts, and rich family history.