|
 |
See also: Scotland
| Wales
These are only some of the wonderful country
houses you can visit in England and Wales. I'll be adding more as
time and my three-fingered typing style permits. You can take it as
a given that most Country Houses, often known as Stately Homes,
have extensive collections of art, furniture, and paintings. Those
that are exceptional or have works of particular interest have been
noted.
North Americans please take note : Many of these houses are
only open afternoons. Why? Often because they are still family homes,
or, as a means to preserve the sensitive contents from too much traffic
and exposure to light. If a favorite house of yours has been omitted,
it was probably because it had restricted opening hours; I
have selected those houses which are open more frequently, to minimize
the possibility that you will be disappointed. For optimal peace of
mind, please phone or check with a local tourist information centre.
|
A La Ronde
|
|
|
An unusual 16 sided house built by two cousins, ane and Mary Parminter, in 1796. The cousins were inspired by a grand tour to the continent, and created this striking houe looking out over the Exe estuary. The interios contain mementoes collected by the two women, and feature unusual decor, including a 'featherfrieze', and a gallery lined with shells. The latter chamber is so fragile that visitors must view it on closed-circuit television.
Summer Lane,
Exmouth,
Devon,
England,
EX8 5BD
Attraction Type:
Historic House
Location: 2 m N Exmouth, on A376
Website: A La Ronde
Email: alaronde@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 01395 265 514
National Trust
Location
map
OS SY007 835
Heritage Rating:  ?
Nearest
attractions and accommodation 
Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts |
|
|
|
Althorp
|
|
|
Althorp is famous as the home of the Earl and Countess Spencer, and the ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales. There has been a house at Althorp since the beginning of the 16th century when Sir John Spence bought land here. The house that Sir John built provides the essential shape of the current building; an enclosed courtyard with a projecting wing along the south side. Althorp is set in magnificent grounds, covering 450 acres of parkland.
Althorp,
Northampton,
Northamptonshire,
England,
NN7 4HQ
Attraction Type:
Historic House
Website: Althorp
Email: mail@althorp.com
Location
map
Details
of Althorp
OS SP681606
Heritage Rating:  ?
Nearest
attractions and accommodation
Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts |
|
|
|
Apsley House
|
|
|
The London home of the Duke of Wellington sits opposite the entrance to Hyde Park. Commonly known as No.1 London, Apsley House was built between 1781-1787 by neo-classical architect Robert Adam. The prominent location of the house at the entrance to Hyde Park, and just outside the toll gates at Knightsbridge, led to the popular moniker "#1 London", though there is no such official designation.
Hyde Park Corner,
London,
Greater London,
England,
W1J 7NT
Attraction Type:
Historic House
Location: north side of Hyde Park Corner
Website: Apsley House
Phone: 020 7499 5676
Fax: 020 7493 6576
English Heritage
Location
map
Details
of Apsley House
OS TQ283798
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest
attractions and accommodation
Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts |
|
|
|
Arley Hall
|
|
|
Arley Hall was begun in 1469, and it has been owned by the same family ever since. The current hall is a product of the 19th century; it was built by George Latham for Rowland Egerton-Warburton beginning in 1832. The library in particular is a good example of Victorian Gothic style, with richly coloured stained glass windows flooding the large wooden bookcases with light. Napoleon III lived at Arley briefly, and his bedroom is preserved upstairs, with watercolours by Piers Egerton-Warburton decorating the walls. Near the house stands a mock-Gothic chapel designed by Anthony Salvin.
Northwich,
Cheshire,
England,
CW9 6NA
Attraction Type:
Historic House
Location: 6 miles from Knutsford and Northwich, off the M6 and M56
Website: Arley Hall
Email: enquiries@arleyhallandgardens.com
Phone: 01565 777 353
Fax: 01565 777 465
Location
map
Details
of Arley Hall
OS SJ674808
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest
attractions and accommodation
Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts |
|
|
|
Avington Park
|
|
|
A historic Georgian mansion beside the River Itchen. Once the property of Winchester Cathedral, Avington was granted by Henry VIII to Edmund Clerke, who built what is now the orangery. Avington was later owned by George Brydges, Groom of the Bedchamber under Charles II. Brydges enlarged the house to create quarters for Charles and his mistress, Nell Gwynn. Later owners, including the Dukes of Buckingham, added greatly to the interior and sumptuous gardens.
Itchen Abbas,
Winchester,
Hampshire,
England,
S021 1DB
Attraction Type:
Historic House
Location: 4 m NE Winchester off B3047
Website: Avington Park
Email: enquiries@avingtonpark.co.uk
Phone: 01962 779 260
Fax: 1962 779 202
Location
map
OS SC925753
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest
attractions and accommodation
Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts |
|
|
MORE Stately Homes
Browse alphabetically or page by page
| Recommended Resources |
| Hudsons
Historic Houses and Gardens - HUDSONS is the definitive
annual guide to heritage property in Britain. As the British
Tourist Authority called Hudson's the "bible" of the
stately house visitor to Britain. The website provides a gateway
to these properties and also indicates which are available not
just for visiting but also for special events, weddings,and
accommodation. It incorporates all categories of ownership be
it National Trust, private or public.
Country
House Database - 7000 country houses in the UK and Ireland
profiled |
|
|
UK Ordnance Survey
Maps |
 Every
OS map including
Landranger, Explorer, and new Right to Roam. Free UK post and Up to 36% Discount on OS Maps! |
|
|
