Say 'beaver'. The name is derived from Norman-French meaning 'nice view' but, apparently, the Anglo-Saxon peasants couldn't pronounce it.

Belvoir Castle has been the home to the Dukes of Rutland’s family since 1067 and home to the Manners family for more than five centuries.  The present castle, built in the early 19th century, is the fourth to stand on the site. High on a hill, it commands magnificent views over the counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and is considered one of England’s finest Regency houses.  The house is packed with artwork, period furniture, tapestries and other treasures. And you may hear tales of witches and seiges.

The Belvoir Estate of almost 15,000 acres includes formal gardens and woodland, as well as a retail village, the Engine Yard, in restored Victorian buildings.  Belvoir has also featured in several film and TV productions, including the Netflix series ‘The Crown’, as well as films such as ‘The Young Victoria’ and ‘Victoria & Abdul’ starring Judi Dench.

Image credit: Historic Houses

Enormous 18th century home of the Dukes of Marlborough.  The estate was given to the 1st Duke, John Churchill, as a reward for his military victories against the French.  The house was desuigned by John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor and the park was landscaped by Capability Brown.  Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim and has many associations with it - he proposed to Clementine in the Temple of Diana in the grounds.  The estate is a World Heritage Site and one of the 'treasure houses of England."

The seat of the Duncombe family since 1711, when the house was built by Thomas Duncombe (born Thomas Browne). His descendent, Charles Duncombe, was created Lord Feversham in 1826. The house is not open to the public, but 450 acres of parkland, gardens and nature reserve are. There is also a bird of prey centre on site.

The origins of Hampton court are medieval.  However, it is famously the palace created by Thomas Wolsey, cardinal, Lord Chancellor of England and friend of King Henry VIII.  The palace was 'acquired' by Henry and is often associated with him and Anne Boleyn (who is reputed to haunt it).    It has been a royal palace ever since and was extensively remodelled by Sir Christopher Wren on behalf of William and Mary in the late 17th century.  Hampton Court is a highly popular visitor attraction which is also famous for its annual flower show.

Home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, Highclere is a predominantly Victorian mansion set in extensive grounds in Hampshire - though, confusingly, the postal address is for neighbouring Berkshire. The house was redeveloped in Jacobean style by Sir Charles Barry, the architect responsible for the Houses of Parliament, from an earlier Georgian mansion which, itself, replaced a Tudor House. Before that, a medieval palace stood on the site, property of the Bishops of Winchester.  The property has earlier roots, however, and there is an Iron Age fort in the grounds.

The 5th Earl sponsored the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by Howard Carter in 1922.

Highclere was used as the location for the TV series Jeeves and Wooster and, more recently, played the title role in the highly successful Downton Abbey.

NOTE: Highclere has limited opening - check details before making a special trip.