The UK is home to some of the most beautiful stately homes. These grand, historic country houses were built to showcase the power and wealth of the nobility between the 16th and 19th century (the real version of Downton Abbey, essentially).
These huge mansions are often surrounded by gardens and lakes. Nowadays, many stately homes are open to the public, to allow visitors to learn more of their historical significance and elegant architecture, offering tours, events and even weddings.
They really are perfect locations for a day out. This article will tell you which are some of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK. And guess what? Our coaches can take you.
1. Chatsworth House
One of the most iconic stately homes has got to be Chatsworth House, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. Home to the Cavendish family since 1549, it holds a collection of private art, alongside antique furniture and books.
Chatsworth House offers over 100 acres of gardens, full of sculptures, fountains and mazes, perfect for a gentle stroll to take it all in!
If that’s a bit boring for your little ones, other attractions may tickle their fancy. This stately home has a farmyard and adventure playground for some outdoor fun. And the annual Chatsworth Christmas Market always spreads festive cheer – it never fails to disappoint.
Chatsworth ranks number one for one reason only – there truly is something for everyone. A perfect day out in the UK if you ask us.
Book a seat on one of our coach day trips to the Chatsworth Christmas Market. Feel like going another time? Just book a seat on a private coach to take you there.
2. Blenheim Palace
Located in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is a statement of prestige and power and was a gift from Queen Anne to the 1st Duke of Marlborough in 1705 for his victory in the Battle of Blenheim. More famously, it is the place where Winston Churchill was born in 1874. Exhibitions of his life can be found at the palace.
Within the stately home itself, you will find the rooms of the building, full of portraits and luxury interior, and an opportunity to experience what life was like as a servant in the 19th century below the stairs.
This stately home has its own gardens for walking, as well as lakes on its grounds. For your little ones again, an adventure play zone can be found, full of tunnels and zip-lines!
Not only that, but Blenheim is also known for its range of events, including, the Illuminated Christmas Trail, as well as DogFest, a dog-friendly day full of shopping, live entertainment, breed meet-ups, dog shows and so much more!
A range of fabulous days out in the UK are on offer at Blenheim Palace.
3. Levens Hall
This stately home is a hidden gem in the heart of Cumbria and best known for its gardens with shaped plants and variety of designs. Levens Hall gradually evolved into a mansion in the 16th century, previously tied to King James II.
Levens Hall is home to the oldest topiary garden in the world, designed by King James II’s gardener in the late 1600s. With some pieces exceeding 9 metres in height, shapes include animals and complex geometry. Truly remarkable.
All open to the public, this stately home offers a beautiful day out with the family, with a gift shop, bakery and plant centre all on-site.
4. Highclere Castle
The REAL Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle. Located in Hampshire, this stately home was built in 1679 and is still a private residence today. With 300 rooms, including a grand library and oak staircase, fans of the series can visit those that featured on TV, such as the dining room, drawing room and even the bedrooms!
Jump back in time to the Egyptian era. The castle’s cellars offer a fantastic exhibition, solely dedicated to Lord Carnarvon and his part to play in discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The grounds feature wildflower meadows and beautiful gardens, perfect for a walk to take it all in.
But that isn’t all your day trip has to involve. Come for the Summer Garden Party, Christmas at Highclere, or even book an afternoon tea!
Book a seat on a coach with us, and let us take you to Highclere Castle.
5. Castle Howard
Around 15 miles north of York lies Castle Howard, located in the Howardian Hills. It has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years and began to be built in 1699.
With 145 rooms, including the Great Hall (and no, it’s not Harry Potter), the Long Gallery, Grand Staircase and Tapestry Drawing Room are all open to the public for visiting too. The estate’s gardens contain statues and fountains, as well as the Great Lake - breathtaking scenery that is perfect for a walk.
Everything truly is great here. The Skelf Island Adventure Playground is the most magical treetop experience for kids to enjoy, alongside the Walled Garden with beautiful paths for a gentle stroll. Visit the gift shops, cafés, farm shop and even the garden centre.
Holding special events during Christmas and Easter, Castle Howard is a staple piece of British heritage and truly has so much to offer for a day out.
6. Wentworth Woodhouse
Nearby Rotherham stands one of the grandest stately homes in the UK. Stretching 618 feet long, Wentworth Woodhouse was originally a Jacobean manor, with over 300 rooms in total.
The State Rooms and servants’ quarters are all open to visitors, and there are even tours on offer, ‘Duties & Delights’, for a dive into learning about the lives of both the nobility and their staff.
The formal gardens consist of 50 acres, including wildflower meadows. Your canine companions are more than welcome to join you on their leads, and the Forest of Bewilderment natural play areas will keep the little ones entertained!
Visit the Butler’s Pantry Café and gift shop for a quick pit stop or even book an afternoon tea in the Long Gallery for the ultimate regal experience, with beautiful views of the home’s gardens.
And do you want to know something even better? Wentworth Garden Centre is a short 5-minute walk away from this stately home. Sounds like a good 2-for-1 offer to us.
A day out with something for everyone. Spend a day out and let us take you to one of the best stately homes in the UK.
7. Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall was built in the late 1500s in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. As a bold statement of wealth, the stately home was built for Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest women of her era.
As a showpiece designed to impress Queen Elizabeth I, the building is of symmetrical design, with tremendous glass windows and the initials of Bess carved into the stone.
Upon visiting, you will find collections of 16th-century embroidery, furniture and portraits, as well as the Long Gallery (stretching almost the entire length of the building!).
There is ample opportunity for walking and wildlife spotting, with the meadows, woodland and gardens of orchards and herbs. As well, visitors can find the restaurant, bookshop and plant shop within the grounds.
A must-visit stately home in the UK, and a scenic day out for sure.
8. Lacock Abbey
Located in Wiltshire is Lacock Abbey, founded in the 1230s by the Countess of Salisbury, and transformed into a Tudor stately home in 1539. In the late 1500s, Queen Elizabeth I stayed here!
This time, we ARE talking about Harry Potter – Hogwarts scenes have been shot here, in both the first and third movie. HP fans, your time has come.
Find yourself stopping for a cuppa in the tearoom, the Stables Café, or even a mooch around the gift shop and bookshop.
Wooded grounds surround Lacock Abbey, with pleasant walking paths and quiet picnic spots. Lacock Village is nearby too, full of cobbled streets and artisan shops, perfect for a wander around.
Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, or chasing a bit of history, Lacock Abbey is a great day out. And what’s better? Easily accessible by coach. And WE can take you.
9. Stonor Park
One of the oldest stately homes is Stonor Park, in the Chiltern Hills of Oxfordshire. Stood just outside Henley-on-Thames, for nearly 900 years, it has been the home to the Stonor family.
It has evolved throughout the ages – Tudor, Georgian and Victorian times. Full of family portraits and historic maps, the building also features the Gothic Hall, used for events and exhibitions on the estate.
Hillside gardens, woodland walks and beautiful views of the Stonor Valley encompass the grounds of the stately home. Wonder Woods adventure playground is available to entertain the children, as well as multiple seasonal events to tickle everyone’s fancy, including car shows, open-air theatre and even food festivals for the foodies!
Fancy a day out? Find an event to suit you, get planning, and book a seat on one of our coaches to visit Stonor Park!
10. Lyme Park
On the edge of the Peak District, near Cheshire, one of the National Trust’s very own Lyme Park lies, grand and regal.
The Long Gallery, the Library of antique books, and the Drawing Room are only some of the features of the stately home, as well as exhibitions for those interested in the home’s history and its evolution over time.
Not only do the grounds include woodland walks and formal gardens, but a deer park also full of red and fallow deer roaming freely can be found. Or find peace and tranquillity as you stroll through and around the Dutch Garden, Reflection Lake and the Orangery.
And for the kids, of course, Crow Wood Playscape. But this isn’t just any playground. It is a natural playground, with climbing frames, water features and tunnels – perfect for the little ones!
Stop for a refreshment at the Timber Yard Café or for a shopping break at the bookshop or gift shop. Lyme Park has so much to offer, a truly remarkable day out.
Past lives, present vibes
That’s a wrap on the 10 most beautiful stately homes in the UK. Full of so much history and charisma, there really is a vast amount on offer at each location listed.
And it’s not just about having a history lesson, it’s about spending quality time with your loved ones, getting some fresh air, and having a day out, with something in store to please everyone.
Feel like wandering through one of these wonders? You know what to do.
Book a seat on one of our private coaches, and let us take you on your perfect day out.
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