Stately homes not only offer beautiful views but also a glimpse into the life of luxury of those who have accommodated them, making it easy to see why they’re a great day out for people of all ages. And with Easter half term approaching, it’s the perfect chance to get out with the family and explore the beauty of the nation’s stately homes.
But which are the UK’s favourite? Holiday lettings company holidaycottages.co.uk surveyed Brits across the nation to reveal what their number one stately home is. Here are the top six stately homes in England you can visit.
1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire (23%)
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and home to one of the UK’s most loved novels turned film, Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth House’s stature is as impressive as it is rich in history. Unsurprisingly, it takes the lead as Britain’s favourite stately home with almost one in four Brits claiming it as their favourite. It offers a wide range of activities for its visitors, whether it be seasonal fairs or a taste of the life of luxury for the beloved characters of Downton Abbey.
2. Wind sor Castle, Windsor (22%)
Founded by Willian the Conqueror in 11 th Century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, which is where Britain’s longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II chooses to spend her weekends. Windsor Castle’s beauty and cultural richness makes it easy to see why it is a close second as Brits’ favourite stately home. Its rich history makes it perfect for fans of the Royal Family.
3. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (19%)
The impressive Oxfordshire estate was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and boasts a beautiful palace accompanied with 12,000 acres of land. It is almost one in ten of Brits’ favourite stately homes as it offers many fun activities for both adults and children, including the 2-mile-long Marlborough Maze and a miniature train which circles the grounds daily.This makes it a great day out for all the family!
1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire (23%)
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and home to one of the UK’s most loved novels turned film, Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth House’s stature is as impressive as it is rich in history. Unsurprisingly, it takes the lead as Britain’s favourite stately home with almost one in four Brits claiming it as their favourite. It offers a wide range of activities for its visitors, whether it be seasonal fairs or a taste of the life of luxury for the beloved characters of Downton Abbey.
2. Windsor Castle, Windsor (22%)
Founded by Willian the Conqueror in 11 th Century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, which is where Britain’s longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II chooses to spend her weekends. Windsor Castle’s beauty and cultural richness makes it easy to see why it is a close second as Brits’ favourite stately home. Its rich history makes it perfect for fans of the Royal Family.
3. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (19%)
The impressive Oxfordshire estate was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and boasts a beautiful palace accompanied with 12,000 acres of land. It is almost one in ten of Brits’ favourite stately homes as it offers many fun activities for both adults and children, including the 2-mile-long Marlborough Maze and a miniature train which circles the grounds daily.This makes it a great day out for all the family!
4. Kensington Palace, London (17%)
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family, with its glorious gardens and grand rooms to explore, it is easy to see why 17% of Brits said that Kensington Palace is their favourite. It often has seasonal exhibitions, galleries, and events for people of all ages.
5. Longleat House, Wiltshire (16%)
Regarded as an example of one of Britain’s best examples of Elizabethan architecture, Longleat House has housed fifteen generations of the Thynne family and now accommodated by the 7 th Marquess of Bath. It is a great staycation destination as there are many attractions for all the family, whether it be immersing yourself in the family history on the house tour, or being at one with nature on the spectacular drive-through safari.
6. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (15%)
Another impressive castle rich in history, Alnwick Castle was built in 11 th century and is the second largest inhabited castle today, following Windsor Castle. Being the filming destination for some of the Harry Potter films, the castle is great for those who want a taste of Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
Commenting on the UK’s favourite stately homes, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk says: “Britain is home to some spectacular stately homes and castles which are perfect for the family to explore at any time of year. They’re enriched with culture and history whilst being beautiful sights to see and often masses of grounds to explore, which makes them the perfect places to visit while on a staycation year-round! We hope this list inspires the nation to explore the beautiful history on our doorstep.”
