Historic manor homes in the British countryside seem beautiful, placed among the verdant fields and gentle hills. Film and television producers and interested tourists go to the finest stately houses. The well-kept grounds of these historic manors often have adventure playgrounds. Tea shops, farmyards, priceless artworks, and elaborate period furniture.
Visiting Britain’s stately homes is like walking onto the set of a historical drama. Films and TV shows such as Pride and Prejudice, Brideshead Revisited, and Downton Abbey have used many of these locations. Read more..
The manor itself stands near the left bank of the River Derwent..
CHATSWORTH HOUSE
You would be correct in thinking that Chatsworth House is the backdrop for a historical play. Keira Knightley starred in the 2005 “Pride and Prejudice” film adaptation. Which set the grand 16th-century manor against the majestic hills of Derbyshire’s Peak District, northwest England. The historical drama “The Duchess” (2008) featured the star’s comeback to the big screen.
The Duchess and Duke of Devonshire have owned Chatsworth for about 500 years; they still reside in a separate flat. The mansion is famous for its enormous collection of artwork and its spectacularly painted ceilings. Among the items are Lucien Freud paintings and Elizabethan embroidery. While younger visitors may enjoy playing in the large gardens’ playground and seeing the active farmyard, art and architecture lovers will find themselves captivated.
BLENHEIM PALACE
John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, had Blenheim Palace. A stately home and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire was built for him in the 1700s. The grounds are exquisitely landscaped. Not only is it one of the biggest buildings in England. But it is also one of the most storied, as its direct descendant, Sir Winston Churchill, was born here in 1874.
Even though the Dukes of Marlborough still occupy Blenheim Palace, visitors are welcome to explore the 2,000 acres. Explore the gardens and marvel at the huge estate’s baroque architecture. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Whomping Willow. A renowned landmark from the Harry Potter films, among the elaborate tapestries and picturesque fountains.
Explore the history of collecting and display in the Georgian era at Castle Howard.
CASTLE HOWARD
Castle Howard isn’t a fortified structure, despite the name. On the contrary, the Howard family has owned this grand house in North Yorkshire for almost 300 years. Clevedon Castle is home to the Duke of Hastings, and viewers of Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ may remember it. Cinema lovers may also identify it from films like ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (1981) or ‘Lady M’ (1961). Which stars Sophia Loren.
Construction on the edifice, approximately twenty-four kilometers (about fifteen miles) from York. Which began in 1699 and lasted for almost a century. Even though the Howard family still resides here, the majority of the homes and grounds are accessible to the general public. Families love to spend a day at Castle Howard, thanks to its hidden pathways and adventure playground.
HAREWOOD HOUSE
Among the most remarkable collections of Renaissance art in the United Kingdom is located at Harewood House in West Yorkshire. This makes the estate a popular destination for history fans, art lovers, and families seeking a day out. Since its completion in 1771, the mansion has been home to the Lascelles family. Who was commissioned to build it for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron of Harewood.
Picnicking families and art lovers alike go to the home structure and its elaborate grounds to take in the masterpieces of Italian Renaissance painters like Reynolds and Lawrence, as well as the family portraits on display. For younger guests, there is a bustling bird garden, a functioning farm, and the opportunity to peep inside large dining rooms.
Explore Waddesdon, a French Renaissance-style château.
WADDESDON MANOR
Waddesdon Manor in verdant Buckinghamshire is a Neo-Renaissance mansion and park with a whimsical. Almost a mythical atmosphere. The Rothschild Foundation and the British National Trust now share the property.
It was built in the late 1800s for the benefit of British politicians. A financier, and art collector Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. Huge crowds go to see the lavish interiors and grounds. Which have paintings by Gainsborough and Reynolds, among others.
Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos built a multi-tiered wedding cake sculpture that visitors may climb inside—a delightful addition to the grounds. The whimsical 2023 addition will be one of the most popular family attractions in the National Trust’s garden. Joining a Rococo-style gilded aviary and other attractions.
HIGHCLERE CASTLE
Highclere Castle, is located only five miles (eight kilometers) outside of Newbury, Buckinghamshire. Well-known as the location for the popular historical drama ‘Downton Abbey.’ However, anybody can appreciate this show-stealing castle.
Construction began in 1679 for the Earls of Carnarvon, and the present-day Lord and Lady Carnarvon continue to live there. Children evacuated from London during World War II stayed in the home. It had previously served as a hospital for injured troops during World War I.
The Highclere Castle is the real-life castle where Downton Abbey is filmed.
MONTACUTE HOUSE
Montacute House, situated in the rural county of Somerset in southwest England and completed in 1601, is a notable tourist destination known for its grounds that welcome dogs and its remarkable Elizabethan Renaissance art and architecture.
The National Trust manages the gardens, which are well worth spending a few hours visiting. They also provide vantage points, in addition to towers, parklands, a courtyard café. One of the few surviving instances of 16th-century lawns. Famous artworks, including those on loan from the British National Portrait Gallery. Fill the house’s interior, boasting Britain’s longest “long gallery”.
HOLKHAM HALL
An alluring alternative for a day trip in picturesque Norfolk, England, is Holkham Hall. Enjoy the gardens’ cycling rides and playground visits. The marvel at the 18th-century architecture and exquisitely restored period furniture.
Architectural aficionados will have a blast. The 1st Earl of Leicester built Holkham Hall. One of the finest specimens of Palladian architecture in Britain, in 1761. Aside from the breathtaking inside, there is a plethora of outdoor entertainment to choose from, such as the adventure playground. Walled gardens, and greenhouses, as well as the cozy coffee shop, where guests may relax with a nice beverage.
This elegant stately home is set in the scenic Pollok Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow.
POLLOK HOUSE
Pollok House, on the fringes of Scotland’s biggest city. is an exquisite stately mansion that is as quiet and beautiful as the vibrant and busy metropolitan center of Glasgow. One of Scotland’s most picturesque manor houses, it dates back to 1752 and is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
The Georgian architecture, Spanish art collection, and magnificent Edwardian furniture of Pollok House. Sometimes called “Scotland’s Downton Abbey,” it an essential stop for arts and architecture fans visiting Glasgow. On bright days, Pollok House is a perfect jumping-off place for exploring the picturesque grounds of Pollok Country Park on foot, by bike, or with a picnic.
