The Most Beautiful Stately Homes in England

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim was built in the early 18th century to celebrate the victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession, but it’s also known for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Now home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, the more than 600,000 tourists who visit each year enjoy the busy schedule of events, including car shows, marathons and horse trials. Inside you’ll find the typical furniture, artwork and tapestries, but the real star is the Churchill Exhibition, which features letters written by the late prime minister and a range of interesting photographs of him at the palace.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, +44 (01) 9938 10530

Castle Howard is one of England’s most beautiful houses. Built in the 18th century, this magnificent building sits amongst the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just outside of York. The interior is dramatic, but that’s nothing compared to the 1,000-acre grounds. Take a turn around the walled rose garden, an ornamental veggie patch or the woodland garden, all dotted with statues, fountains and lakes. If you have time, be sure to stop off for lunch at the Courtyard Cafe; the food is to die for.

Possibly the most eccentric of all the stately homes in England, Longleat seemingly has no end to its attractions. The house was built in the 16th century and sits on 900 acres of land, which include a maze, a habitat for red pandas and one for penguins, and an extensive safari park with cheetahs, lions, tigers, elephants and more. Inside the house, there are dozens of rooms to wander around, each filled with antique furniture and artwork.