Stately homes and palaces

Britain, places to visit, attractions, heritage
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This listings directory of over 950 entries is being phased out.
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These can be found in ABAB’s Places.

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Tower of London

Arguably one of the best attractions in London, the Tower has been so many things - Norman fortress, medieval palace, prison, place of execution - even a zoo. There is so much to see, not least the Crown Jewels. Don't let the queues put you off, allow plenty of time and soak up the atmosphere.

Region/Nation
County
London
Post Code
EC3N 4AB
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Tower Bridge, Tower Hill tube station
Primary Management
Historic Royal Palaces
WINCHESTER PALACE, Southwark

Most people walk past the sparse remains of the once enormous London Palace of the Bishops of Winchester. Not much to see - but an amazing history.

The ruins are managed by Bankside Open Spaces Trust on behalf of English Heritage.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Corner of Clink Street and Stoney Street
Bankside
Southwark
County
London
Post Code
SE1 9DG
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Southwark Cathedral, Clink Museum, Shakespeare's Globe
Primary Management
English Heritage
PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was built around an abbey founded by King David I in the 12th century, which had royal chambers attached to it. James IV (1488-1513) decided to upgrade the chambers to a palace, and this work was added to by subsequent monarchs. The Palace is the British monarch's official residence in Scotland and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth would visit during Holyrood week, at the end of June/beginning of July. When The Monarch is in residence, the Scottish variant of the Royal Standard is flown.

Parts of the Palace are open to the public, though opening arrangements are subject to change, sometimes at short notice, and you should check before making a special journey. Highlights of a visit include the magnificent State Apartments and the fascinating Mary, Queen of Scots', chambers. You can also walk round the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and parts of the gardens.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Canongate
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
County
Lothian
Post Code
EH8 8DX
Main Historic Period
Stuart
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Opposite the Scottish Parliament building. You may also want to pop into the Queen's Gallery.
Primary Management
Royal Collection Trust
BLICKLING ESTATE

Blickling is a large estate and stately home, with walks, gardens and a splendid house to enjoy.  Much is made of it being Anne Boleyn's childhood home; she is even said to haunt the place, especially on 19 May, the anniversary of her execution. And she may well do so, but there is no visible trace of the house that Anne knew - so don't be fooled.

Blickling is actually recorded in the Domesday Book. Anne Boleyn’s great-grandfather, Geoffrey Boleyn (1406-63), bought the property in 1452. The red-brick Jacobean mansion we see today was built by Henry Hobart (1560 - 1626), sometime after 1616, designed by Robert Lyminge, the builder of Hatfield House.  Great changes were made to the property in the 19th century.  The last owner, Philip Kerr, 11th Marquess of Lothian (1882 - 1940), an influential politician and diplomat, left the estate to the National Trust.  A particular feature of the house is the wonderful and unique library in the long gallery.

During the Second World War, part of the Blickling Estate became RAF Oulton, a bomber station, with service personnel billeted in Nissen huts in the grounds and officers in the house. itself. The National Trust has set up a museum on the site to commemorates this period in Blickling’s history.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Blickling
Aylsham
County
Norfolk
Post Code
NR11 6NF
Main Historic Period
Stuart
Tip/Nearby
Felbrigg Hall, Sheringham, Cromer, North Norfolk coast
Primary Management
National Trust
SANDRINGHAM

Sandringham is the private Norfolk home of the Royal Family.  The late HM Queen Elizabeth II inherited it from her father, George VI. George loved the place and died there on 6 February 1952.  The house is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the large Sandringham Estate, which includes Sandringham Royal Park, open to the public free of charge, and extensive private gardens.

There is evidence of prehistoric and Roman activity nearby and Sandringham itself is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Sant Dersingham”, the sandy part of Dersingham. The royal connection came via Queen Victoria’s son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who bought the then 18th century house and estate in 1862, aged 21. Edward demolished the house and, between 1870 and the 1890s, replaced it with the current one.  It passed to his son, King George V, and then to his son Edward VIII who, following his abdication, sold it to his brother, George VI.  All monarchs appear to have had a special affection for Sandringham.

The gardens were first opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908, and in 1930 the Museum was opened with an admission charge of 3d (1.25p). Queen Elizabeth opened the House itself to the public in her Silver Jubilee year, 1977.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr King's Lynn
County
Norfolk
Post Code
PE35 6EH
Main Historic Period
Victorian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
King's Lynn, Hunstanton
Primary Management
Independent – Historic Houses member
CASTLE HOWARD

Castle Howard is an 18th century Baroque stately home in North Yorkshire, one of the grandest and most over the top in England, with 145 rooms and set in 1,000 acres of gardens and parkland. It is owned by the Howard family, and has been for over 300 years. The house was started for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle in c1699, designed by John Vanbrugh (his first commission) and Nicholas Hawksmoor, and took about 100 years to complete. It is built on the site of a ruined medieval castle and the original estate covered 13,000 acres - which included several villages. In addition to being able to tour the house and gardens, visitors can enjoy various exhibitions, and activities take place frequently.

Castle Howard was famously used for the 1980s TV series and 2008 film, Brideshead Revisited.

Location/Address
Nr Malton
County
North Yorkshire
Post Code
YO60 7DA
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Link to featured article
Useful Website Address
Primary Management
Independent – Historic Houses member
DUNCOMBE PARK

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.

Location/Address
Helmsley
County
North Yorkshire
Post Code
YO62 5EB
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, Castle Howard
Primary Management
Independent – Historic Houses member
ALTHORP

Sitting in acres of Northamptonshire countryside, Althorp has been the residence of the Spencer family for 500 years and is one of England's grand stately homes. It is packed full of treasures, including some fascinating portraits. The original Tudor house is still there, beneath the later restorations and refurbishments, but the overall feel of the place is distinctly 18th century. The gardens are lovely and regular events are held, including an annual literary festival. Althorp is, sadly, best known for the association with possibly the most famous Spencer, Lady Diana, whose last resting place is on an island in the Round Oval lake.

Althorp has limited opening - it is essential to check their website before making a special trip.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Northampton
County
Northamptonshire
Post Code
NN7 4HQ
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Link to featured article
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Althorp is about 8 miles north west of Northampton.
Primary Management
Independent – Historic Houses member
SOUTHWELL ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE

The former Palace of the Archbishop of York stands on the site of a Roman villa, next door to the Minster and adjoining the present official residence of the Bishop of Southwell. It dates from 14th century, was wrecked during the Civil War of the 17th century and the house restored in the 19th century. Cardinal Wolsey stayed here on his last journey and Charles I was imprisoned here, having been captured in the town. Part of the building is now a choral school.  There is public access to the ruins and an area of garden (including a sensory garden) and the restored state chamber.

The palace is used for functions so check opening before making a special trip.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Church Street
Southwell
County
Nottinghamshire
Post Code
NG25 0HD
Main Historic Period
Tudor
Tip/Nearby
Next door to Southwell Minster
Primary Management
Church authorities
BLENHEIM PALACE

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."

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Woodstock
County
Oxfordshire
Post Code
OX20 1PP
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Bladon Church
Primary Management
Independent – Historic Houses member

If your favourite attraction is not listed yet, and you have a good quality digital photograph of it that you are able to freely send, please get in touch

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