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Longleat house.

One of the great houses of England.

Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NN

Experience this house

• Accessible loos
• Accessible parking
• Cafe / restaurant
• Facilities for children
• Free parking
• Mostly wheelchair accessible
• Picnic area
• Access statement available
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair ramps/routes
• Guide dogs welcome

Access to Longleat House for visitors with limited mobility and for wheelchair users is via the rear of Longleat House. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to use the lift, which provides access to all floors.

On the advice of the fire service, only two wheelchair users are allowed on any floor; so we can accommodate four wheelchairs in the House at a time.

For conservation reasons it is not possible to allow pushchairs into Longleat House. A pushchair park is available at the rear of the House. Longleat accepts no liability for loss or damage to pushchairs left unattended.

A limited number of hip rests (for babies 6 months to 3 years) are available at the front desk. Please ask on the day of your visit if you would like to borrow one for the duration of your visit to Longleat House. A returnable deposit will be required.

Longleat House is set within 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped gardens and is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.

This former 16th-century Augustinian priory contains many treasures and heirlooms acquired by generations of the Thynn(e) family, some of whom were great collectors of their day. The collection comprises early books and manuscripts, magnificent paintings, exquisite Flemish tapestries, and fine French furniture all housed within 19th-century opulent interiors created by John Dibblee Crace.

We offer specialist tours alongside 2 VIP House Tours taking in a variety of rooms not on show to the general public. These involve being taking around Longleat House by our curator or Head Archivist who have a wealth of knowledge. These tours are private, small numbers and are an additional cost

Please note:  The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.

Guided tours of Longleat House may only be purchased as an optional add-on to a day pass or annual season ticket for the safari park.

See more information about how to tour Longleat House here

Longleat offers a wide range of educational opportunities to groups and has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge and in doing so, meets the high quality criteria required by schools for visits.

Curriculum based educational talks for primary and secondary schools and colleges are available on a range of different subjects (pre-booking is essential), and we are pleased to work with you for additional requirements such as pocket money goody bags, packed lunches and ice creams.

For further information please check our website:  www.longleat.co.uk/education

Getting here

The main visitor entrance is at  ///nights.invest.engineers .  What does this mean?

Longleat is just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury (A362 Warminster – Frome road).

When driving please use the post code BA12 7JS. Please ignore as you approach and follow the brown tourist signs.

Public Transport:

Frome Station is the closest station to Longleat and has a good service from Bath and London.

Warminster station, is about 5 miles from Longleat and is on the Cardiff to Portsmouth line. Westbury station is about 12 miles from Longleat and is on the London Paddington to Penzance line.

Photographer: Chris Lacey Copyright: Longleat Enterprises Ltd

Lord Bath’s ‘famous & fabulous’ Murals

The murals form an extensive sequence of Lord Bath’s personal work which he describes as ‘glimpses of his psyche’. Their subject matter varies between cocoons, therapies and fantasies and they amount to the expression of one man’s individualism within a building which itself is a work of art. A small additional charge applies.

The 53 Best Places to Visit in the South West of England

Invitation to View (Guided Tours)

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• Discover & learn

Houses and buildings in Wiltshire

Discover grand mansions and manor houses including a former abbey and the surrounding village. Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun day out in Wiltshire.

Bring the family for a fun day out in Wiltshire and visit houses and buildings in our care.

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The 16th-century manor house is decorated to display the time periods of previous residents complete with sound and interactive items.

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Homely and welcoming 18th-century townhouse in the heart of Salisbury's Cathedral Close

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Triangular tower named after King Alfred who raised his standard here in 870

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Discover more in Wiltshire

World-famous gardens, villages and ancient landscapes, and some lesser-known gems can all be found in Wiltshire.

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• The Most Beautiful Country Homes...

The Most Beautiful Country Homes To Visit In Wiltshire

A county steeped in history, delicious local food to try, natural oases to immerse yourselves in and views to take your breath away: Wiltshire truly has it all. The best way to discover the best of what this British county has to offer? Taking a trip round one of the historic homes and lush gardens that make the landscape of this typical English paradise so iconic.

1. Stourhead

Building, Park

2. Bowood House

3. Longleat

4. Wilton House

River Barn , near Malmesbury , is a lesser known destination, ideal for tourists seeking a little peace during their visit. The jewel of the River Barn estate is its dazzling 3 1/2 acre garden. The luscious green parklands offer a unique experience to discover the fascinating wildlife of Wiltshire with their wildlife pond and wild flower meadow. Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and let yourself be lulled by the idyllic tranquility of River Barn’s gardens. Its proximity to Malmesbury also gives visitors the perfect opportunity to visit this quaint English market town.

5. Lydiard House

6. Larmer Tree Gardens

Larmer tree gardens.

Not strictly speaking a stately home, the Larmer Tree gardens earn themselves a place in this list thanks to their lavish displays of Victorian extravagance. The magnificent flowerbeds, sprawling lawns, and diverse range of plant life, are sure to wow even the most discerning of visitors. When first created, the pleasure gardens were dubbed a source of “public enlightenment and entertainment” and the same is still true today – a fact supported by English Heritage , who designated Larmer Tree a garden of national importance. Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire, England, +44 1725 516225

7. Mompesson House

Historical Landmark

8. Arundells

Cathedral, Museum

9. Iford Manor

Iford manor.

Wiltshire truly can cater to all: for those whose tastes tend towards the more exotic, take a trip to Iford Manor and its gardens, known as “little Italy ” for their fantastic European style and the chance to escape a little further from home. Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England, +44 1225 863146

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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• Wilton House

History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation

• Historic Connections
• Nearby attractions

Accommodation

Wilton House, located just outside historic Salisbury , ranks among the elite of British stately homes. The 21 acres of gardens and park surrounding the house offers a superb setting to the house, one of the premier examples of Palladian architecture in Britain.

The site now occupied by Wilton House was in use as early as the 9th century when King Alfred, he of griddle-cake fame, established a nunnery here. Three centuries later a Benedictine abbey replaced the earlier nunnery, and the current house largely echoes the monastic layout.

The abbey, in turn, was disbanded by Henry VIII in the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Henry gave Wilton to William Herbert, one of his most influential Welsh supporters. William was the husband of Anne Parr, sister of Queen Katherine Parr. In 1551 William Herbert was created Earl of Pembroke, and the Herbert family still reside at Wilton.

The 1st Earl rebuilt the monastic buildings to create an imposing manor of four wings around a courtyard, with impressive corner towers. Under the influence of the 2nd Earl and his wife, Mary Sidney, Wilton became a centre for the arts, with an 'academy' of painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, and actors congregating here.

The first great transformation of Wilton took place in 1632, when Isaac De Caus extended the gardens with a variety of water features. The house was originally intended to grow to the impressive dimension of the gardens, but a downturn in family fortunes meant that the house plans were scaled back. Around 1633 the 4th Earl of Pembroke created a new south front with state rooms, on the advice of King Charles I.

The design included royal apartments and was a combined effort of Isaac de Caux, Inigo Jones, and Jones's son-in-law John Webb. The south front is now our best historical evidence for how the long-vanished interiors designed by Inigo Jones from Greenwich, Somerset House, and Whitehall may have looked.

DOUBLE CUBE ROOM

The house renovations were completed in 1647 by architect John Webb, the architect of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. It is to Webb that Wilton owes the marvellous Estate Rooms, and the Double Cube Room, a magnificent example of country house architectural ideals realized. The Double Cube Room is unique in that the height of the room is exactly twice its length and width.

Almost overlooked beside the Double Cube Room is the Single Cube Room, where the width, length, and height of the chamber are equal. Taken as a whole, the work of Webb at Wilton must be recognized as the most impressive early Palladian architecture in England.

Further rebuilding took place in the 18th century, notably by the 8th and 9th Earls (the 'Architect Earl'), to give Wilton House the style it has today. The 8th Earl's efforts were aimed at creating a stage to show off his remarkable collection of artwork and sculpture gathered during his travels in Europe.

The final remodelling of Wilton took place in the 19th century under the direction of Countess Catherine and James Wyatt. Wyatt's work has received mixed reviews at best; certainly, the 11th Earl was not impressed, for he fired Wyatt. The Countess took over the work herself, with the aid of Mr Fisher, a builder from Salisbury. This formidable and talented lady helped give Wilton the look it has today.

Over the centuries, each member of the Herbert family has put his individual stamp on the house yet through the generations there has been an overriding thread of artistic and architectural leaning in the family which has resulted in the magnificently adapted and beautifully preserved Wilton House that we can all enjoy today.

Perhaps the most impressive area of the house is the Upper Cloister, a long sunlit corridor designed to show off the 8th Earl's Roman classical sculpture. Other notable rooms include the ornate King's Bed Chamber, designed for Charles I (he never slept in it, as the Civil War and a chopping block intervened), the King's Dressing Room, and the King's Closet.

Since 1551, Wilton House has remained in the Herbert family and is today, although open to the public, still the private home of Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke and his family.

GROUNDS AND GARDENS

Perhaps the most famous architectural feature of Wilton House is not in the house at all, but a short stroll away in the grounds. It is the Palladian Bridge across the River Nadder, designed around 1736 by the 9th Earl of Pembroke himself, and one of the most influential examples of 18th-century country house design.

It was based on the unexecuted design of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio for the Rialto Bridge in Venice and combines the bridge with aspects of classical Roman temple design.

Among other features in the garden is the Whispering Seat, a semi-circular bench so designed that a whisper into one corner can be heard in the other corner of the seat, but cannot be heard outside the seat. Nearby is a relatively new creation, the water garden, a lovely Oriental garden area with linked ponds and 6 arched Chinese style bridges. Also nearby is a small rose garden.

Wilton House is a stunning stately home set in lovely grounds. It deserves its place as one of the finest of English stately homes. While visiting Wilton House, take the time to stroll into Wilton town centre, where you will find the redundant medieval church of St Mary , and the astonishing Victorian Italianate church of St Mary and St Nicholas .

Wilton House is a member of the illustrous Treasure Houses of England , comprising the most prestigious stately homes in England.

Entry: fee charged

ACCESSIBILITY Wilton House is fully accessible to wheelchair, and accessible toilets are available in the Visitor Centre and beside the restaurant.

About Wilton House Address: Wilton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, SP2 0BJ Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 3 m W Salisbury, on A30 Website: Wilton House Email: [email protected] Historic Houses Association Location map OS: SU099 311 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

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Historic Time Periods:

Medieval Roman Tudor Victorian

Find other attractions tagged with:

18th century (Time Period) - 19th century (Time Period) - 8th century (Time Period) - 9th century (Time Period) - Charles I (Person) - Civil War (Architecture) - Earl of Pembroke (Historical Reference) - Henry VIII (Person) - Inigo Jones (Person) - James Wyatt (Person) - Medieval (Time Period) - Palladian (Architecture) - Roman (Time Period) - Tudor (Time Period) - Victorian (Time Period) - William Kent (Person) -

NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

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Longleat House and Safari Park

Longleat house and safari park can be found near the town of warminster..

It is the home of Alexander Thynn, the 7th Marquess of Bath, his son, Viscount Ceawlin Thynn, and Viscountess Emma Weymouth. With  900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, a safari park, maze, animal shows and regular events, there’s plenty to see and do.

Stately Home

The beautiful stately home is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Built by Sir John Thynne, it is full of priceless antiques , ornate painted ceilings and one of the largest private book collections in Europe (over 40,000 books). Free flow tours are possible during the main tourist season.

Some of the highlights of the house are The Elizabethan Great Hall (with a minstrels’ gallery), visitor books showing royal signatures, The ante-library and The Breakfast Room with magnificent Venetian paintings on the ceiling, The State Dining Room  with a Meissen porcelain table centrepiece, The State Drawing Room (designed by Crace) and The Grand Staircase.

Today there are over 500 animals in the park from lions, wolves and cheetah’s to camels and mischievous monkeys.

The safari park was opened in 1966 and was the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa. There’s a one way system in operation and a double gate system keeps the animals in the correct enclosure. Beware of the monkeys though – they frequently pull off rubber trim and damage cars, but they can be avoided if desired. There are self drive and guided options.

The Jungle Cruise is a short boat ride on the park’s lake which is home to a large family of sea lions, a pair of hippos and a silverback gorilla called Nico who lives on the central island and is partial to watching TV and drinking hot Ribena.  A cup of fish pieces can be bought on board to feed the seemingly ever-hungry sea lions that follow the boat, diving,  barking and begging for more fish.

The Jungle Kingdom opened in 2011 and includes walk-through exhibits for meerkats and chipmunks and enclosures for otters, binturong, coatis, porcupines, giant anteaters and mara. Nearby is the  Monkey Temple with tiny marmosets running free around the visitors.

In the Animal Adventure section there are many exotic and familiar mammals, birds, reptiles and insects on display, including Macaws, Rabbits, Tortoises, Iguanas, Armadillos and Siberian Weasels.

In March 2019 Koala Creek opened. It’s home to their newest (and furthest travelled) residents; a group of iconic Southern koalas.

If you like getting really close to the animals you can feed the deer and giraffes, give the noisy Rainbow Lorikeets a nectar drink as they perch all over you and walk amongst beautiful butterflies in the hot house. There are also opportunities to hold snakes,  spiders and rodents, supervised by rangers.

Animal Shows

The Hawk Conservancy Trust put on a spectacular 30-minute Hunters of the Sky show featuring more than 10 species of birds of prey in a purpose-built 500-seater outdoor arena. The extraordinary aerial prowess of the birds is demonstrated as you experience the thrill of a vulture’s wings swoop close to your head, and marvel as the majestic eagle taking flight. As well as being entertaining, the show is also educational.

Getting lost is pretty much guaranteed in this high hedged maze. It has 1¾ miles of paths edged with over 16,000 English Yews, with 6 bridges to give tantalising glimpses of the observation tower that is the target.

Annual events

Longleat Festival of Light

Longleat Sky Safari

Photos of Longleat Sky Safari 2019

New tests reveal Longleat painting may be last portrait of Henry VIII painted in his lifetime

The Longleat Horse Trials

New arrivals a handful for keepers at Longleat’s Jungle Kingdom

Wild otter spotted at Longleat

Longleat voted UK’s best animal or sea life attraction

Chris Evans Magnificent Seven at Longleat

Monkeys make the most of the rain

New cheetah drive through

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Wilton House

nr Salisbury, UK

Sarah Roller

18 feb 2021, @sarahroller8, about wilton house.

Wilton House is a stately home designed in part by Inigo Jones: there are also extensive gardens and an adventure playground. It is located in Wilton, approximately 4 miles west of Salisbury, UK.

History of Wilton House

Before it was a private residence, there was a priory on the grounds, founded by King Egbert around 871 – over the following centuries, more and more lands were granted until its wealth meant there was a large abbey on the site. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, King Henry VIII granted the remnants of the abbey and its attached estates to William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, around 1544.

Some have claimed that Hans Holbein worked on transforming the ruins of the abbey into a manor house but there seems little evidence for this. Inigo Jones, the famous Palladian architect, was employed in the 1630s to complete extensive work on the house and the then Queen, Henrietta Maria, took a real interest, becoming a frequent visitor to Wilton.

The Jones alterations saw the creation of seven grand state rooms: however, only one of these is still original, the rest having been consumed in a major fire in 1647. They remain extremely formal, covered in gilt and rich materials, and include some of Wilton’s most prominent paintings, including those by Rembrandt, van Dyck, Lely, Rubens and Reynolds.

Further work in the early 19th century saw the addition of Gothic details to the building, including the cloisters – by the time the architect, James Wyatt, had finished, Wilton House was said to almost have the feel of a Northern European hunting estate.

The house was opened to the general public in 1951, and remains one of the finest stately homes in England. The 18th Earl of Pembroke and his family occupy part of the house still today, and the 14,000 acre estate still provides employment for many.

Wilton House today

The house is open to visitors between May and September every year – it remains the residence of the Earl of Pembroke and his family.

The current Earl is also a car fanatic, and there is an impressive array of classic cars housed in the grounds too. The gardens make for a pleasant stroll: look out for the whispering spots where you can stand or sit at one end and hear someone whispering at the other, as well as the  Japonnaise  style bridges and lily ponds.

The large adventure playground remains a major draw for families with young children in particular and is a great way for them to let off steam after a house tour.

Getting to Wilton House

Wilton House is located just off the A36, on Minster Street (which becomes the A30), heading towards Shaftesbury. There is bus stop directly outside the main gates, with regular services to Salisbury, the villages towards Shaftesbury and Warminster, and the Park & Ride. The nearest train station is Salisbury.

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Wiltshire is rich in the reminders of ritual and packed with not-to-be-missed sights. Its verdant landscape is littered with more mysterious stone circles, processional avenues and ancient barrows than anywhere else in Britain. It's a place that teases and tantalises the imagination – here you'll experience the prehistoric majesty of Stonehenge and the atmospheric stone ring at Avebury. Add the serene 800-year-old cathedral at Salisbury, the supremely stately homes at Stourhead and Longleat and the impossibly pretty village of Lacock, and you have a county crammed full of English charm waiting to be explored.

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Magna Carta on display in Salisbury Cathedral's Chapter House is one of only four surviving original copies. A historic agreement made in 1215 between…

An ultramodern makeover at ancient Stonehenge has brought an impressive visitor centre and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland)…

Avebury Stone Circle

With a diameter of 348m, Avebury is the largest stone circle in the world. It's also one of the oldest, dating from 2500 to 2200 BC. Today, more than 30…

Wilton House

Stately Wilton House provides an insight into the rarefied world of the British aristocracy. One of England's finest stately homes, it's been the house of…

Overflowing with vistas, temples and follies, Stourhead is landscape gardening at its finest. The Palladian house has some fine Chippendale furniture and…

Half ancestral mansion, half wildlife park, Longleat was transformed into Britain's first safari park in 1966, turning Capability Brown's landscaped…

Visitor Centre

The highlight here is a 360-degree projection of Stonehenge through the ages and seasons – complete with midsummer sunrise and swirling star-scape…

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• Wiltshire Villages To Explore

The county of Wiltshire is filled with bustling market towns and historic monuments. It has stunning stately homes, awe-inspiring cathedrals and exciting visitor attractions.

But Wiltshire’s rolling countryside is also dotted with picturesque villages. Some of them are home to just a few hundred villagers, others are larger but still just as beautiful with chocolate box cottages, village shops and of course a village pub.

With charming locations like Castle Combe, Avebury and Lacock, Wiltshire has many beautiful villages to explore. So we’ve picked out a few of our favourite Wiltshire villages that we think you might like to visit.

Castle Combe

There’s a very good chance that you’ll recognise the streets of Castle Combe. Wiltshire’s picturesque village is a popular filming location and has provided a backdrop for TV and films from Dr Doolittle to War Horse.

Castle Combe has often been called ‘The prettiest village in England’, and lies within the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty. The village is full of old mills and pretty cottages made from the local honey-coloured stone, and you’ll love wandering through the winding roads that look like something from a fairy tale.

And keep your eyes open for cottages selling home-baked goodies from outside their front doors!

Visiting the Lacock Village National Trust property is like travelling 200 years back in time. The National Trust has carefully preserved this Wiltshire village, and its practically unspoiled streets are filled with traditional stone cottages, a medieval tithe barn, a village church and more historic buildings.

As well as exploring the village, don’t forget to visit Lacock Abbey, the local country house which was built on the foundations of a medieval nunnery.

Sherston has the broad High Street and honey-toned cottages that you would associate with a quintessential Witlshire Cotswolds village. Visiting this Wiltshire village in the summer months means that you may be able to experience the village’s annual boules competition and the Sherston summer carnival.

Sherston village is also near to the National Arboretum at Westonbirt , which is perfect for a relaxing stroll amongst the trees. 

Tisbury is the largest village to be found in the Nadder Valley. There has been a settlement at Tisbury for over 2000 years, and the village now has a fascinating blend of architectural styles from quaint stone cottages to red brick Victorian buildings.

The bustling high street is filled with independent shops and places to eat, and Tisbuy is close to Old Wardour Castle , which is great for a family day out in Wiltshire. The village’s location within the West Wiltshire Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) also makes it ideal for walking and cycling.

There aren’t many villages that have their own stone circle but you’ll find one in Avebury. This Wiltshire village grew up around the site of the prehistoric stone circle, which is the largest in the world. As Avebury is only a short drive from Stonehenge, you can cover both sites in one trip and unlike Stonehenge, you can walk right up to the stones at Avebury and even touch them.

As well as the Avebury stone circle , the pretty village of Avebury has the usual mix of cottages and local shops. You may also like to visit Avebury Manor, which has each room decorated in the style of a different historical period and an elegant tea room where you can enjoy light refreshments.

Stourton lies towards the west of Wiltshire, close to the border with Somerset. Many of the buildings in this small village are owned by the National Trust, who also own Stourhead House and Gardens . This beautiful stately home was described as ‘a living work of art’ when it first opened in the 1740s, and has landscaped gardens filled with temples, grottoes and exotic trees.

As well as Stourhead, Stourton is worth visiting for its pretty village church (St Peters), farm shop and riverside pub.

Wootton Rivers

Between Pewsey and Marlborough lies Wootton Rivers, one of the smallest Wiltshire villages which is home to fewer than 300 people. It’s a pretty village with thatched cottages and around 25 buildings constructed before 1800. These include the Grade II* listed church of St Andrews and the Grade II* listed Manor House, parts of which date back to the 1400s.

Although many of the facilities in Wootton Rivers closed during the 20th century, the 16th century village pub is still welcoming visitors. You may also like to visit the Wootton Rivers Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the historic Savernake Forest is full of beech trees which make it a colourful spot to visit in Autumn.

Slaughterford

The unusually-named Slaughterford lies between the Wiltshire villages of Castle Combe and Box, in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Like many picturesque Cotswold villages, its winding lanes are filled with picture-perfect cottages built from the local honey coloured stone.

Many of the buildings in Slaughterford were built before 1800. These include the Grade II* listed church of St Nicholas of Myra, which was rebuilt in the 1800s after being partially destroyed in the English Civil War. You’ll also find plenty of routes for walking and cycling around Slaughterford.

Iford sits in the Frome valley, close to Bradford on Avon and the Somerset border. The picturesque hamlet is best known for Iford Manor and its Peto-designed Italianate gardens. The gardens at Iford Manor are open to visitors between April and October, and their design draws inspiration from Italian, Byzantine, Ancient Roman and Oriental gardens.

If you visit Iford in the summer, you can also enjoy classical music, jazz and opera concerts during the annual Iford Arts Festival .

Stratford-sub-castle

The unusual name of this Wiltshire village is a hint that it sits near the site of Salisbury’s old castle at Old Sarum . Stratford-sub-castle technically lies within the boundaries of the city of Salisbury, but with thatched cottages and a 13th century Grade I Listed church, it still looks and feels like a village.

There are also several walking routes which lead from the village, through the surrounding landscape and over to Old Sarum itself.

That’s our pick of some of the best villages in Wiltshire – which one is your favourite?

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Britain’s best stately homes

We’ve toured the British Isles to bring you 25 of Britain’s best stately homes, from the World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace to the ‘real’ Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle…

The number of heritage buildings still standing proudly across our land never fails to amaze us. Most of Britain’s best stately homes have hosted kings and queens, prime ministers, actors and poets – all manner of illustrious guests.

Here are some of Britain’s best stately homes, from examples of architectural brilliance to places that hide unbelievable stories.  So read on, enjoy, and start planning your next trip.

1.  Blenheim Palace , Oxfordshire

When listing Britain’s best stately homes, we simply had to mention Blenheim, the sprawling Oxfordshire estate that was built for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. The palace was built on land gifted to Churchill by Queen Anne. Anne also awarded him £240,000 for his victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

It was at Blenheim almost two centuries later that one of the duke’s descendants, Sir Winston Churchill, was born. The future prime minister even chose to propose to Clementine Hozier here, by the Temple of Diana, in 1908.

The house – the only non-royal or non-episcopal country house in England to be called a palace – is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor, it includes many beautiful features, such as the painted ceiling in the Saloon.

However, Blenheim’s 2,000 acres of gardens – one of the most exquisite works of 18th-century landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – are what really make it special. It’s small wonder UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987.

2.  Highclere Castle , West Berkshire

With the second Downton Abbey   film recently gracing our screens ,  surely it’s time to revisit the glorious Berkshire ancestral home that has formed the backdrop to so many scenes of the Crawley family and their household.

Certainly one of Britain’s best stately homes, The ‘real’ Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle , is the family seat of the Earls of Carnarvon. It was the current countess, Lady Carnarvon, a close friend of Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes, who saw the value in opening the house up to the period drama that has revived the estate’s fortunes.

Although Highclere has been in the hands of the Carnarvon family since 1679, (and its gardens were also designed by Capability Brown ), the current house was remodelled in the Jacobean style in 1838 for the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon by Sir Charles Barry, the man who famously rebuilt the Palace of Westminster .

Highclere Castle became the focus of a media circus in 1922 when the 5th Earl discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun. The earl died shortly after the discovery, leading to the story of the ‘Curse of Tutankhamun’. However the earl’s death could be explained by blood poisoning from an infected mosquito bite.

3.  Chatsworth , Derbyshire

Few English estates draw such delight as this one in the heart of the Peak District. Chatsworth is known to many as Pemberley in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice , starring Keira Knightley. Eagle-eyed viewers may also remember it from another Knightley film, The Duchess .

Chatsworth has been the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire since 1549 and has passed through the hands of 16 generations of the Cavendish family.

The house is famed for its art collection, which spans four centuries, but its state apartments, overhauled to accommodate a visit from King William III and Queen Mary II that never actually happened, are extraordinary.

4.  Hardwick Hall , Derbyshire

Bess of Hardwick was one of the most influential figures in Elizabethan times – she was second in wealth only to Queen Elizabeth I – and Hardwick Hall was one of her homes.

It is a magnificent example of a prodigy house – showy properties built to house the queen on her annual progresses.

The plentiful windows – an extravagance as glass was expensive – led to the rhyme, ‘Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall.’

5.  Wentworth Woodhouse , South Yorkshire

The largest private residence in Europe, Wentworth is twice the width of Buckingham Palace. This 18th-century mansion has recently been bought and will undergo £40m of restoration work over the next 20 years.

It was once the home of Charles I’s ill-fated administrator, Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford. Wentworth was tried and beheaded for treason in 1641. The house also hosted a visit by King George V and Queen Mary in 1912.

6.  Lacock Abbey , Wiltshire

This quirky country house, near the historic town of Lacock, was built on a former nunnery and represented the ‘real’ Wolf Hall , the family seat of the Seymours, in the recent TV adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novels.

Scenes depicting King Henry VIII’s bedroom and his lodgings at Calais were also filmed here. In real life, Henry sold Lacock to one of his courtiers, Sir William Sharington, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is now in the care of the National Trust.

7.  Stonor , Oxfordshire

Although it is one of our oldest manor houses, Stonor is also one of our lesser-known stately homes, despite the fact that one of the most significant religious events in British history took place here.

In 1581 Edmund Campion hid in the roof space while he printed 400 copies of his famous treatise, Decem Rationes, arguing for Catholicism. However, he was soon caught and tortured before being hung, drawn and quartered.

The house is open at select times from April to September and holds a rare copy of the Decem Rationes.

8.  Castle Howard , North Yorkshire

So ambitious was the vision for Castle Howard, the private residence of the Howard family for more than 300 years, that the Baroque building took over 100 years to complete. The result was astounding, though, with two symmetrical wings and a central dome.

Although much of Castle Howard was devastated by fire in the 1940s, over the years many rooms have been restored. However, when the house was used as the backdrop for the film version of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited in 2008, parts were superficially restored and the East Wing remains a shell.

9.  Crag Hall , Derbyshire

Until recently this sandstone Georgian country house with views over Peak District National Park was the private shooting lodge and holiday home of the Earl and Countess of Derby, but now you can hire it for your own gathering.

Located amid historic royal hunting ground, this 12-bedroomed property can accommodate up to 21 guests. A perfect set-up for living out your Downton Abbey fantasies.

10.  Kenwood House , London

Hidden in London’s Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is a Robert Adam’s house, remodelled by the architect in 1764 to include a new entrance, attic-storey bedrooms and one of his most famous interiors – the Great Library, which was restored to its original colours during a major restoration project in 2013.

The grounds are home to ancient woodland and landscaped gardens, probably designed by Humphry Repton, and feature sculptures from the likes of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

11.  Lyme Park , Cheshire

Best known for its starring role as Mr Darcy’s Pemberley in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (yes, that scene when Colin Firth emerges from the lake), Lyme Park is a fine example of an Italianate palace.

Outside, the 1,300 acres are home to a medieval herd of red and fallow deer, while inside you’ll find an incredible collection of English clocks and the famous Mortlake tapestries. The Edwardian era was when Lyme Park was in its heyday and the house is a time capsule of that period.

12.  Buscot Park , Oxfordshire

This stately home was built in the Renaissance Revival style of architecture between 1779 and 1783 for Edward Loveden Townsend. Buscot also houses the Farringdon Collection , with paintings by Rembrandt, Reynolds, Rubens and Van Dyck.

13.  Great Chalfield Manor and Garden , Wiltshire

The stand-in for Thomas Cromwell’s home of Austin Friars in TV’s Wolf Hall , Great Chalfield is as pretty an English country house as you can imagine.

The 15th-century moated manor house is set in tranquil countryside and features a gatehouse and stunning oriel windows, all of which withstood a siege by Royalists during the English Civil War. The private residence offers guided tours, or you can book into one of Chalfield Manor’s reasonably priced gorgeous four-poster bedrooms for the night.

14.  Burghley House , Lincolnshire

Described as ‘England’s greatest Elizabethan house’, Burghley was built and designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587. Its grounds includes 2,000 acres of Capability Brown gardens, (which were added later), and a deer park.

The interior is lavish and features sumptuous fabrics and carvings by Grinling Gibbons. In the Pagoda Room are portraits of Queen Elizabeth I, King Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell and members of the Cecil family.

Some say that beneath its foundations lie the remains of the medieval settlement of Burghley, mentioned in the Domesday Book, which so far has evaded archaeologists.

15.  Mount Stuart , Isle of Bute

It may come as a surprise that the first house in Britain to have an indoor heated swimming pool is hidden on the tiny Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, but then Mount Stuart is no ordinary place. It was also probably the first property in Scotland to have electric lighting, central heating and a passenger lift – a horse-drawn railway was needed to build the house.

The Gothic Revival building, which replaced an earlier Georgian property, is a feat of Victorian engineering. It was created for John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute – the richest man in Britain in the late 19th century.

16.  Woburn Abbey , Bedfordshire

Woburn has been in the Russell family since King Edward VI gifted it to John Russell in 1547. In 1550 John was made the first Earl of Bedford.

It’s been the family seat since the 1620s and it was turned into the English Palladian home in the 1800s. The estate first opened to the public in 1955 and its impressive art collection includes the largest private collection of Venetian views painted by Canaletto on public view and the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I .

17.  Longleat House , Wiltshire

Completed in 1580, Longleat is another of our great Elizabethan houses and one of Britain’s best stately homes. Set in 900 acres of Capability Brown parkland, it also has one of the largest book collections in Europe. Look out for the bloodstained waistcoat of King Charles in the Great Hall – he reportedly wore it at his execution.

Now home to the 7th Marquess of Bath and run by his son, Viscount Weymouth, Longleat has come a long way from the property bought by MP John Thynne in 1540 for £53.

18.  Llancaiach Fawr Manor , South Wales

Built circa 1550 for Dafydd ap Richard, this house is a great example of a semi-fortified manor house. It’s laid out much as it would have been in 1645 when King Charles I visited. Charles must have angered the owner, Colonel Edward Prichard, as he switched allegiances to the Roundheads.

19.  Luton Hoo , Bedfordshire

A house has stood at Luton Hoo since at least 1601 when Sir Robert Napier, 1st Baronet, purchased the estate. The house we see today dates from the late 18th century. At the time it was the seat of the 3rd Earl of Bute, then prime minister to King George III. Like many of Britain’s best stately homes, it too has Capability Brown designed gardens.

Guests at Luton Hoo hotel can enjoy the Edwardian Belle Epoque interiors introduced by the people behind the Ritz. One highlight is the Wernher Restaurant, named after the owner who ordered the works. Over the years the estate has fulfilled many roles, including testing tanks during the Second World War.

Today it’s a fantastic place to get a taste of the English country life. Take afternoon tea or have a go at archery, much as past guests of its distinguished owners would have done.

20. Hatfield House , Hertfordshire

Within easy reach of London, this Jacobean-style property was built for Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, on the site of Hatfield Palace. Cecil had exchanged Hatfield with King James I for the nearby Cecil family home of Theobalds.

Like the king, Robert Cecil wasn’t keen on the rather old-fashioned Hatfield Palace, which had been owned by King Henry VIII , and so he rebuilt it as Hatfield House.

It was here that Henry VIII’s offspring, Mary, Elizabeth and Edward played as children. Elizabeth was even supposedly told of her ascension to the throne at Hatfield.

The Marble Hall takes its name from the chequered black and white flooring where guests would have danced at balls. Guests were overlooked by the Rainbow Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I – perhaps the most colourful portrait of the Tudor era. The inscription ‘Non sine sole iris’, meaning ‘no rainbow without the sun’, reminds viewers that only the queen’s wisdom can ensure peace and prosperity.

21.  Norton Conyers , North Yorkshire

It is one of the most enduring images in English literature: the mad woman locked away in the attic. And it was at Norton Conyers that Charlotte Brontë is said to have taken inspiration for her novel, Jane Eyre .

Charlotte Brontë visited the medieval house in 1839, before she wrote her seminal novel. Could it be mere coincidence that Norton Conyers has its own legend of a woman hidden in an attic? The discovery of a blocked staircase in 2004, much like the one in the novel, seemed to confirm the theory. The house has recently been restored and reopened to the public on a few select days each year, and is most definitely one of Britain’s best stately homes.

22.  Blickling Hall , Norfolk

Was this red brick mansion built on the site of the birthplace of Anne Boleyn ? The house was built on the ruins of the former Boleyn home during the reign of King James I. Anne’s parents lived here from 1499 to 1505, so if Anne was indeed born in 1501 then it’s highly probable.

On the staircase of the Great Hall there are reliefs of Anne and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I. Anne’s ghost is also said to appear carrying her severed head every year on the anniversary of her execution. The South Drawing Room, with its Jacobean-style chimneypiece and ceiling, is also highly impressive.

23.  Montacute House , Somerset

This late Elizabethan house was Greenwich Palace in TV’s  Wolf Hall and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The house’s biggest draw by far is its Long Gallery, the longest of its kind in England. Montacute’s Long Gallery displays over 60 Tudor and Elizabethan portraits loaned to the house by the National Portrait Gallery.

24.  Sudeley Castle , Gloucestershire

The final resting place of King Henry VIII’s last wife, Catherine Parr, this beautiful private castle is perhaps as well known for its colourful gardens as its restored Tudor buildings.

Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds , in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just a few miles from Broadway, Sudeley lay in ruin for almost 200 years following the English Civil War when Cromwell ordered its ‘slighting’, until an ambitious restoration project began in 1837.

25.  Somerleyton Hall , Suffolk

This gorgeous Tudor palace opens to the public from April to September. It grounds feature one of Britain’s finest yew hedge mazes and a 70ft-long pergola, and it is deservedly on the list of Britain’s best stately homes.

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Wiltshire's Longleat House celebrates 75 years of opening to the public

An exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of the opening of Longleat House to visitors has gone on display.

The estate has been home to the Marquesses of Bath since the 1600s and opened its gates as a tourist attraction in 1949 to provide revenue.

Memorabilia from the archive include the original 'House Open' sign, press cuttings, postcards and guidebooks.

The public are being asked to share their memories of visiting the house, especially in the early days.

"It was a chance for people to see behind the curtains," said curator, Dr James Ford.

"Prior to that there were very few opportunities for the general public to ever see inside the great stately homes of England."

Highlights of a visit to Longleat in 1949 included stepping through the great front doors for a tour of the house, perhaps led by Lady Bath herself, and a visit to the café in the former chapel to enjoy a set luncheon or high tea.

Lord Bath, the 8th Marquess, said: "When my grandfather, Henry, decided to open Longleat as a tourist attraction back in 1949 he was blazing a trail.

"It was a family affair. On opening day, he directed traffic, my grandmother sold the entry tickets and the children, my father and his siblings, sold the guidebooks, which had been written by their mother.

"They couldn't have known just how popular Longleat would become; from 138,000 visitors during that first season, we now welcome almost a million visitors each year."

Great success

The family made the decision to open after the 5th Marquess of Bath died in 1946 and his son and heir, Henry, the 6th Marquess, was left with huge death duties to pay.

He sold off significant portions of the estate and was left with a core of 10,000 acres, but was still left with the question of how to make the house pay for itself.

He had experience running Cheddar Gorge Caves in Somerset in the 1930s, which prompted the decision to open Longleat to the public.

"We've got lots of letters in the archive of people who visited," said Dr Ford.

"Britain was still very grey and gloomy after the Second World War, with rationing still in place.

"To be able to see these houses that contained magnificent objects of a bygone period was an uplifting thing for people," he added.

The 6th Marquess was a pioneering estate manager and by 1966 he had opened the Longleat Safari Park, the first outside Africa, with the help of Jimmy Chipperfield, the circus entrepreneur.

"It's that pioneering spirit and way of forward-looking to find the next thing to introduce to our guests that's still very much alive at Longleat," said Dr Ford.

"Generations of families have come to Longleat at different periods in its evolution, and they look forward to bringing their children and grandchildren to continue that tradition.

Longleat welcomes southern koala from Hong Kong

In pictures: longleat sky safari, photos from ww2 give 'new insights' into estate.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to enjoy the regular displays charting the much earlier history of the house over 500 years.

"We have internationally significant collections here and visitors can see paintings and pieces of furniture that would be at home in any major national gallery or museum.

"It's an important moment for the present family to look back and see how much has developed in that period, but also to look forward and start planning the next 75 years to keep it relevant and at the forefront of visitor attractions," added Dr Ford.

The exhibition runs until 17 July and the public are being asked to contribute photographs or memories of visiting Longleat in the early days.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook , X and Instagram . Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630 .

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Seven of the UK’s grandest stately homes where you can stay

The bridgerton effect has fuelled interest in british heritage — and where better to start than with the uk’s most aristocratic spots at this selection you can stay overnight and have out-of-hours access.

T he Bridgerton factor has brought a stream of new visitors to Britain’s stately homes — including some where you can stay over. To celebrate the return of Netflix’s Regency soap opera here are the best self-catering properties for living out your lord (or lady) of the manor fantasies, from the west wing of a Scottish palace to a converted gatehouse that looks like a mini castle. The cravats and gowns are down to you.

1. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire

Extravagant crenelations give Sudeley Castle the look of a picture book castle and, as the final resting place of Henry VIII’s widow Catherine Parr, it has the backstory to match (£22; sudeleycastle.co.uk). It’s now home to Lady Ashcombe, who has used items from her furniture collection to decorate some of the 17 self-catering properties scattered across the estate. They include a spacious Cotswolds stone farmhouse and a converted gatehouse designed to be Sudeley’s “mini me”. Overnight guests benefit from free admission to the castle and gardens, where they can explore a rose garden beloved by four English queens and an aviary filled with wandering pheasants. The nearby market town of Winchcombe is full of half-timbered houses as well as independent shops and restaurants, including Michelin-starred 5 North Street. Details Two nights’ self-catering for three from £359 (boltholeretreats.co.uk)

2. Houghton Hall, Houghton, Norfolk

This Palladian-style mansion is home to the world’s largest private collection of model soldiers — joined this year by a shadow army of 100 lifesized sculptures by Antony Gormley (until October 31, £22; houghtonhall.com). Houghton was built in the 1720s for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first prime minister, and its cosy West Lodge is one of the modest structures added a century later to guard the entrances. It’s almost monastic in its simplicity, and the Lodge’s neat rooms have large windows looking out onto the surrounding woodland. It’s less than a half-hour drive to the knockout beach at Holkham. While you’re in mid-Norfolk walk a section of the 46-mile Peddars Way — an arrow-straight National Trail that follows the route of an old Roman road. Details Four nights’ self-catering for two from £364 (landmarktrust.org.uk)

3. Florence Court, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh

Newly acquired by the National Trust, red-brick Rose Cottage was once the residence of the head gardener at Florence Court, an 18th-century mansion famed for its rococo plasterwork and Irish antiques (£13; nationaltrust.org.uk). Guests at the creeper-strewn, two-bedroom hideaway have views over the apple orchard and after-hours access to the estate so they can meditate undisturbed in the shade of an ancient yew — said to be the mother of all Irish yews. On the horizon are the Cuilcagh mountains, five miles away, the summit of which can be reached by a boardwalk. Afterwards pop into nearby Enniskillen for a pint — Blakes of the Hollow is a well-loved Victorian pub and hosts live music. Details Two nights’ self-catering for four from £270 (nationaltrust.org.uk)

4. Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne, Lincolnshire

The final creation of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh (who designed Blenheim Palace), Grimsthorpe’s Summer Folly began life as a seasonal party pad, a place for the resident de Eresby family to host visitors on fancy picnics. It’s still appealingly whimsical in feel, from its hand-painted, Pompeii-inspired frescoes and Moroccan-tiled kitchen to a cinema snug and a croquet lawn. A stay includes unlimited access to the castle’s magnificently ornate rooms, as well as the gardens and woodland landscaped by Capability Brown, and an adventure playground (park and gardens, £10, castle, £16; grimsthorpe.co.uk). For the full country experience book in for clay pigeon shooting or take a ramble around Rutland Water, a half-hour drive away. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for four from £1,850 (uniquehomestays.com)

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5. osborne, east cowes, isle of wight.

“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,” said Queen Victoria of her cherished palace by the sea. Italian-influenced and the colour of Amalfi lemons, Osborne is made for clement summer strolling amid ornate terraced gardens (£24; english-heritage.org.uk). Don’t miss the Alpine-style Swiss Cottage, former playhouse of the royal children, and the Rhododendron Walk to Her Majesty’s private beach — which overnight guests have all to themselves after hours. Choose between staying in one of the two former gatehouses or the charming converted cricket pavilion, ideal for squeezing in a quick over before breakfast. It’s Close to East Cowes and — over the river — Cowes, both great spots from which to watch boats bob by, even if you’re not in town for the famous summer regatta. Details Three nights’ self-catering for four from £465 (english-heritage.org.uk)

6. Scone Palace, Perth, Perth and Kinross

Historically, Scottish monarchs were crowned at Scone (pronounced “skoon”), which gets a mention in Macbeth . The original palace was rebuilt into its castle-like form in the 19th century, and still looks suitably regal. Peacocks strut the dazzling grounds — which include a maze and butterfly garden — and inside lavish rooms are hung with noble portraiture (£19; scone-palace.co.uk). Overnight guests stay in the big house, in the plush Balvaird Wing, which has River Tay views, or the capacious West Passage (be sure to bagsy the four-poster). For the full aristo experience book dinner cooked by the palace’s private chef. It’s a little more than an hour’s drive north of Edinburgh, so swing by Loch Leven — and its atmospheric waterside castle — en route. Details Two nights’ self-catering for six from £900 (scone-palace.co.uk)

7. Wallington, Morpeth, Northumberland

Donated to the National Trust by the socialist MP Charles Philips Trevelyan, this imposing grey mansion may look rather austere, but inside is a cornucopia of riches. Highlights include huge pre-Raphaelite paintings around the central hall, and the dining room’s rococo-style ceiling featuring double-headed eagles and garlands of flowers (£18; nationaltrust.org.uk). The grounds feel purpose-built for period intrigue, whether it’s a tryst in the walled garden hidden in the woods or a dawn excursion to spot otters and red squirrels. Self-catering options on site include a cosy former wash house as well as a luxurious lake house, and you’ll have free access to all National Trust properties during your stay — including the extraordinary Arts and Crafts mansion Cragside, a half-hour drive away. Details Two nights’ self-catering for five from £385 (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Which is your favourite stately home? Let us know in the comments below

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34 Magnificent Stately Homes In The US You Can Actually Visit

Posted: May 30, 2024 | Last updated: May 30, 2024

Grand homes, great history

From homes of the presidents and luxurious mansions of the wealthy to artists' abodes and top architects' greatest achievements, these are no average homes. Easy on the eye and brimming with historic detail and stories of the past, these historic homes offer a glimpse into the American past. Here, we take a look at some of the most beautiful historic homes in the country.

Ca' d'Zan, Sarasota, Florida

The façade is particularly impressive, with intricate cresting and blue-stained glass, while the luxurious interior is fit for the string of celebrity guests that once frequented it. Ringling lived here until his death in 1936, when his beloved state of Florida inherited it. A string of renovations mean it is now as dazzling as ever – visitors can tour the property, before heading over to The Museum of Art, also a project of Ringling’s.

Bishop's Palace, Galveston, Texas

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Bishop’s Palace was constructed for wealthy lawyer Walter Gresham and his family. In 1923, the property was acquired by the Catholic church and became home to Christopher C. E. Byrne, the Bishop of Galveston, giving the property its name. Check availability for self-guided tours  here .

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

The mansion features 70 rooms with a total floor space of 62,484 square feet arranged over five floors. The dazzling Morning Room, for instance, was built by artisans in France, shipped to the US, and assembled on-site, and is adorned with wall panels made from pure platinum. A National Historic Landmark, it's one of 10 Newport Mansions – a collection of the grandest and most historic stately homes in the area.

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Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia

Mount Vernon is the historic plantation home of America's First President George Washington. Today, more than 200 years after Washington's death, the estate pulls in visitors with its large grounds, absorbing museum exhibits and the white-and-red mansion, dating to the 1700s. Museum displays, like Lives Bound Together , explore the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked on Washington's estate, while tours cover everything from archaeology and farming to 18th-century America and George Washington himself.

Perched on the banks of the Potomac River,  Mount Vernon 's 21 rooms are immaculately preserved and restored to look almost exactly like they did when the president resided there. One of the highlights of the tour is visiting Washington's study, a room only few were granted access to back in the day. It was also the most challenging to restore as very few descriptions of it exist due to its secretive nature.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West, Florida

The late American writer Ernest Hemingway lived in this Key West home between 1931 and 1940 and the house remains a tribute to him and his work. It’s a graceful, Spanish-inspired building, with much of the novelist's 17th- and 18th-century furniture on display inside. The study where Hemingway worked is also beautifully preserved, capturing the environment as it was when he penned some of his best work, including the short story classic The Snows of Kilimanjaro and his novel To Have And Have Not .

Back in the day, the house featured several luxuries, like indoor plumbing and a built-in fireplace. It was also the first on the island to have an upstairs bathroom with running water and had the first swimming pool in Key West in the 1930s – the only one within 100 miles. Today the house is also home to around 40-50 descendants of Hemingway's polydactyl cats, meaning they all have six toes. Guests are welcome at the museum daily, but note it's cash-only payments on the door.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester, Vermont

The house remained occupied by Lincoln's descendants up to 1975 and today it's almost entirely furnished by only Lincoln family furniture. The 1903 Pullman palace car, another interesting exhibit at Hildene, has been immaculately restored since the time when Robert Lincoln came into possession of it during his tenure as the president of the Pullman Company.

Oheka Castle, Huntington, New York

Oheka Castle in Long Island is certainly a handsome mansion. But it’s the stories surrounding the mansion, built between 1914 and 1919, that really enchant. The second-largest private residence in the US (after the Biltmore Estate), it’s said to be the inspiration behind the glitzy manor in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby . Thanks to its grandeur and European-like appearance, it’s also featured in diverse productions from Citizen Kane to a Taylor Swift music video.

Even the name is fascinating – it’s an acronym of Otto Hermann Kahn, the financier who built the French-style château. He used the estate as a summer home, hosting lavish parties worthy of Jay Gatsby himself in rooms such as the library, richly decorated in jewel shades and luxurious furnishings. It's now a hotel but it's usually possible to visit parts of the mansion and grounds on a tour .

Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania

It’s a rare treat to see one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings exactly as he intended. Hovering over cascading waterfalls, the multi-tiered house somehow blends in with its forest surroundings and brings the outside in with numerous terraces, walkways and wall-to-ceiling windows. Built in 1935, the house was originally designed as a weekend home for the family of Liliane and Edgar Kaufmann Sr, owner of Kaufmann's Department Store. It was used by the family until 1963 when Edgar Kaufman Jr donated it to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

The stunning house is often regarded as Wright's most accomplished design and it's included in Smithsonian's Life List of 28 Places to See Before You Die. Guided tours focussing on the striking architecture, grounds and interiors are offered, with full details available on the  website . 

Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

Fans of the King of Rock 'n' Roll can explore most of the areas of the house as well as the Meditation Garden where Presley and his family are buried. However, the home's second floor, the location of Presley's master suite, remains strictly off limits to all except immediate family members. Of course, this has coated the whole upper level in a thick layer of mystery – some rumors include the fact that the room remains just as Elvis left it. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance .

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, Florida

Visitors can enjoy the graceful Italianate architecture, the manicured gardens, and Deering’s enviable collection of world artworks. The interiors of the main house are particularly interesting as all the details are focused around central elements like doors or fireplaces. The rooms are all also inspired by different Italian cities like Milan (Music Room), Palermo (Reception Room) and Venice (the Cathay and Espagnolette bedrooms). The house is open for visitors .

Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, Louisiana

This former sugar plantation is named for the miles of graceful, arching oaks it's so famous for. The historic site is dedicated to educating visitors about its history that's spanned more than 200 years, with a particular focus on the history of slavery both at this plantation and in the US generally. The Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit chronicles the lives of the many people enslaved here and shines a spotlight on what their life was really like after emancipation. There's also an exhibit on the Civil War, recounting the events of the conflict.

There are several areas to explore at Oak Alley , from the Big House (the name given to plantation mansions) to the blacksmith shop that brings to life the history of metalwork on plantations in Louisiana. There are cottages on the plantation grounds, if you'd like to spend a night and a restaurant offering typical Southern dishes.

Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York

In 1977, the property was acquired by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, who showed it some much-needed love. The entire restored castle has six floors, 120 rooms and a beautiful Italianate garden. Some say it was inspired by the imposing fortresses dotting the German swathe of the River Rhine. The castle and gardens can be visited on guided tours.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

One of America’s most elegant presidential homes, Monticello belonged to the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had a keen interest in architecture and his home was fittingly unique. Although the president was a vocal abolitionist, controversially Monticello was also a plantation and hundreds of enslaved people lived and worked here. Their stories are told through exhibits and on-site tours.

Dubbed an "autobiographical masterpiece" of Jefferson, it's known for its unique architectural features, from an octagonal room to the light-filled dome that crowns the property. The grounds include a vegetable garden, forest groves and many blooming flower beds. Monticello is open for visitors, with  advance booking recommended .

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

Like something straight out of an English village, this charming house was the family residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. The son of Henry Ford, Edsel was an executive at Ford Motor Company and after the couple's travels in the Cotswolds in England, Edsel specifically asked architect Albert Kahn to design a house that resembles a village cottage as closely as possible. The result was a sprawling country estate with sandstone exterior, traditional slate roof and antique wood paneling and fireplaces brought over from England.

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Both Edsel and Eleanor were serious benefactors and lovers of the art and the house's interior reflects that. The extensive art collection was donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts after Eleanor's passing, replicas hung in their places and the house opened to the public as a museum in the 1970s. Since then the house has undergone multiple large-scale, multimillion renovation projects and is normally open to visit .

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

The estate, opened to the public in the 1930s, is more like a village, albeit the village of dreams with manicured gardens bursting with bright blooms and even an indoor bowling alley. Inside the main château-style house, the rooms range from opulent bedrooms and a medieval-style banqueting hall to the servants’ quarters and kitchens. These can all be explored on tours of the estate.

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Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic landmark, set atop a hill in San Simeon, was the home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. It's a majestic estate influenced by European architecture and comes complete with ornate swimming pools, manicured grounds and a series of grand rooms in the main residence, Casa Grande. It's typically open to public offering all manner of tours, including art-focused explorations and evening trips.

While the lavish estate was born out of Hearst’s imagination, it was the architect Julia Morgan who brought his vision to life, painstakingly creating a majestic property filled with ornate details inspired by European architecture. Each of the 165 rooms – including Hearst’s enormous, book-filled study – is uncompromising in its extravagance. The property sprawls over 127 acres on a hilltop Hearst named La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill), which had its own airport and zoo.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

The interiors are equally as opulent and the Throne Room is the plushest of them all. Red velvet curtains frame vast windows, chandeliers hang heavy from the ceiling and a pair of gilded thrones sit on a raised platform. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi‘olani were the first royals to live here, moving in as soon as their regal abode was completed. There are now both guided and self-guided audio tours available to explore this fascinating building.

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South west farmer, classic ibiza headliners prepare for performance, classic ibiza 2024 headliners prepare for summer performance.

Classic Ibiza 2024's headline act has been perfecting its performance ahead of the event this summer.

Urban Soul Orchestra put the finishing touches on their tour orchestration in a London recording studio last week ahead of their eight-night tour of some of the country’s best-loved stately homes.

Classic Ibiza is set to return to Bowood House on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20.

Urban Soul Orchestra's rehearsal (Image: Classic Ibiza)

Led by the the group's founder and Classic Ibiza conductor, Stephen Hussey, the musicians and vocalists practiced the 16 new tracks in this year's orchestral set, forming an list of more than 40 house classics.

The group is known for working alongside dance music greats like Groove Armada, Robert Miles and Nightmares On Wax.

They will be be delving into house music’s archive with DJ Goldierocks, reinventing the most iconic tracks from the last 30 years.

Highlights of the event will include a DJ set by Rich Seam, who has collaborated with the likes of Tricky, and a laser and light show.

Mr Hussey said: "Hearing the orchestrations that I’ve been dreaming up being brought to life for the first time is always something very special.

"This year is particularly exciting though, as we’ll be performing more new tracks than we’ve ever played before.

"For me, musically, this is our best show yet.

"I think we’ve got a perfect mix of some absolutely belting new tracks and some firm Classic Ibiza favourites.

"I can’t wait to share what we’ve got in store with our awesome Bowood House audience."

Classic Ibiza’s gigs start at 5.30pm, "with a vibe straight from one of Ibiza’s iconic beachside bars".

By 11pm, the event will have become "an alfresco nightclub" as the evening reaches its crescendo.

Urban Soul Orchestra has released a new live album, Classic Ibiza III, recorded at multiple venues on last year’s tour. The album is available on all major streaming platforms.

Mr Hussey added: "I’m really proud of our new album.

"Although there’s nothing quite like being at the show, I think it captures the energy and musicianship our performance, as well as the incredible vibe of the audience.

"Featuring some of the tracks that we’ll be playing this summer, it’s the perfect appetiser ahead of this year’s tour."

Demand for tickets to Classic Ibiza at Bowood is strong again this year, with the Saturday night already at over 90 per cent capacity.

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You are here: Home > Blog > Top Things to Do in Calne

Top Things to Do in Calne

Set out on a journey to the historic town of Calne this season, where you will delve deeper into its rich history and iconic attractions.

Calne’s story begins around 978AD through drover’s trails and coach roads, the rise and fall of canal and rail travel, woollen broadcloth and much more. Today, Calne is a great place from which you can discover the timeless wonders of Wiltshire. Located on the edge of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, Calne is stone’s throw away from Cherhill White Horse, Avebury Stone Circle, and many more of Wiltshire’s iconic landmarks.

Attractions in Calne

Calne Heritage Centre

Set in the heart of Calne’s historic Heritage Quarter is the Calne Heritage Centre . Free to enter, this centre tells the story of aspects of Calne’s history in a series of attractive wall panels. There is also a wealth of photographs and memorabilia throughout the centre, as well as community events from schools and local groups.

Bowood House and Gardens

Bowood House and Gardens has an all-round appeal, with a flowing mix of woodlands and lawns sloping down to a lake, overlooked by the formal terraces of an imposing stately home. Bowood also has an exciting Adventure Playground for children to explore! See it in full bloom during the Spring and Summer months, or marvel in its rich Autumn colour from late September.

Cherhill White Horse

During your visit to Calne, be sure to visit the iconic Churchill White Horse , the second oldest of Wiltshire’s iconic carved horse figures . The horse is a lovely destination for a countryside walk with spectacular views over the county’s rolling hills.

Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum

Situated just outside Calne is the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum . Home to over 100 exhibits featuring cars from the 1920s to present day, explore a range of motoring memorabilia as well as a collection of motorcycles, Jack Spittle Model lorries and a reconstructed 1930s garage fitted with vehicles!

Events in Calne

Calne is host to a range of annual events, from garden tours to live music and craft workshops. Check out What’s On in Calne for when you visit.

Calne Summer Carnival

Join many others at the annual Calne Summer Carnival , taking place each year at the end of June. There will be various food and gift stalls from local businesses and a range of fun activities to enjoy!

Wiltshire Game and Country Fair

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Bowood House is the Wiltshire Game and Country Fair . With main arena attractions running throughout the day, supported by a host of smaller country sports arenas and workshops, and the very best in countryside activities and entertainment, this fair is the perfect family event in Wiltshire!

Calne Bike Meet

One of the largest free motorcycle events in Europe, Calne Bike meet is the perfect family day out in Wiltshire. Spot a range of motorcycles of all shapes, size, and colours as they line the historic streets of Calne this July.

Places to Stay in Calne

Whether you are looking for a countryside getaway, or a relaxing stay in a luxury hotel, Calne offers the best of both worlds with its range of stunning accommodation.

Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is among the finest luxury 4-star hotels in Wiltshire. Ideally situated just 18-miles from Bath, between Calne and Chippenham, Bowood Hotel creates the ideal retreat with beautiful parkland surrounding the estate, as well as plenty activities to make your Valentine experience just that better.

Enjoy delicious locally sourced food as you make the most of panoramic views at the Hotel’s Two AA Rosette Shelbourne Restaurant.

The award-winning Spa combines personal and professional service, luxurious treatments and top facilities including an infinity pool, jacuzzi, rock sauna, aromatherapy showers and crystal steam room.

Plan your next visit to Calne …

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