Credit Adam Bronkhorst - Visit Brighton
Some of the most exquisite and intriguing historic houses in England can be found scattered across South East England. These stunning properties showcase some of the most beautiful architecture of their times, have links to iconic characters that have shaped British history and often have grounds and gardens that will take your breath away.
There are so many esteemed historic houses throughout England and some amazing examples that the South East can lay claim to. Some of the most iconic from each county are featured here, but find many more and a stately home to visit near you using the map function at the bottom of this page.
On the Isle of Wight, visit Queen Victoria's family home at Osborne House, marvel at the Victorian opulence and extravagant interiors and the stunning Indian décor of the Durbar Room.
Step back to the 15th Century in Southampton at Tudor House, the city's most important historic building or follow in the footsteps of acclaimed author Jane Austen at her house in Chawton where she wrote many of her novels. Discover Palace House at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu in the New Forest, home of the Montagu family home since 1538.
Nature lovers, head along to Gilbert White's House and Garden in Selborne, writer of the book ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, it is the fourth most published book in the English language or Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum and see where this literary great was born.
Stansted Park in Rowlands Castle takes you back to a bygone era and gives you the chance to explore the grand State Rooms and extensive Servant Quarters along with the 1800 acres of parkland.
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire was built in the late 1800s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild; today it is home one of the most exceptional collections of French 18th Century decorative arts and English portraits in the world.
Near Milton Keynes, Bletchley Park is a place of exceptional historic importance, as it was home of the top secret code-breaking centre during WWII and birthplace of modern information technology.
The imposing baroque style of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is one of the most architecturally elaborate historic houses in England.
Discover the beautiful inspiration retreat and summer home of William Morris at Kelmscott Manor in Lechlade, Oxfordshire. This grade 1 listed farmhouse was built in the 1600's and recently saw conservation and restoration work funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Set in the Vale of The White Horse, Kingston Bagpuize was built circa 1660 and remodelled in the early 1700’s for the Blandy family.
The beautiful Georgian house of Belmont, contains fabulous mementoes of the family's history and travels - fine paintings, furniture, Indian silverware and the finest and most extensive range of clocks in private hands in the country. A tour of the Grade II listed Quex House is included within a visit to The Powell-Cotton Museum near Margate in Thanet. The house reflects the diverse interest of the Powell family and the 7 acre gardens are home to the Waterloo Tower which was used in the 1970's science fiction series Blake 7.
The spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV) was transformed by John Nash into one of the most dazzling & exotic buildings in the British Isles, Royal Pavilion, Brighton or dive into Tudor and Elizabethan times with a visit to Anne of Cleves House, Lewes.
Pay a visit to the stunning Petworth House and Park in West Sussex, home to one of the finest art collections looked after by the National Trust or visit the beautiful Parham House, one of the top twenty houses featured in the Simon Jenkins' book ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’.
Titsey Place and Gardens, Oxted is the one of the largest surviving historic houses in Surrey, dating back to the 16th century, the house and gardens are open to visitors from May - September.
Situated on the west side of Lingfield, The Garth stands as a testament to the village's deep-rooted history. This venerable property began its story in 1729, when the parish commissioned Thomas Stanford, a local craftsman, to build a workhouse for the sum of £290.
If you love history and heritage, don't forget to enjoy exploring the different ways you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty throughout the South, on our royal connections page.
You can also stay in some beautiful historic houses in the South, including Charney Manor, Oxfordshire, parts of which date back to the 13th Century. Gravetye Manor House, Sussex, once owned by William Robinson one of the greatest gardeners of all time and Oakley Hall Hotel, Hampshire, which dates back to 1795 and was formerly owned by the Bramston Family who were close friends of Jane Austen.
With 185 million years of history to choose from, find historic houses near you by selecting the 'map view' button below.
Number of results: 42
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Historic House / Palace
LONDON
Marvel at VisitEngland's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, right in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the peaceful riverside location and Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic architecture. The stunning buildings…
Garden
(opposite Barge Tiles), Lingfield
Visit The Garth in Surrey, an 18th-century Grade II* listed house with open days and seasonal events. Explore 9 acre of historical Godfrey's "Pleasure Grounds," and the Tea Room Gallery's exhibits. Learn about workhouse history and enjoy activities…
Gallery
Chichester
The Gallery houses one of the most impressive collections of art in the country in a Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse. Focusing mainly on British art from the 20th century with important representation of international artists too.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
A Tudor house with Georgian additions in downland park setting. Important English and European Old Master paintings, fine furniture and notable Sevres porcelain.
Historic House / Palace
Faversham
A late 18thC country house designed by Samuel Wyatt, seat of the Harris family since 1801. Harris clock collection, mementos of connections with India. Gardens and pinetum.
Historic House / Palace
Southampton
Sensitive restoration has returned this house to its mid 14th century appearence steeped in atmosphere. It is easy to imagine the life of John Fortin, a wine trader, and his family who lived here c1290.
Garden
Stockbridge
A haven of peace above the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Grade II* Gardens with fine trees surround an enchanting and unique example of an 18th Century “Cottage Orne”.
Historic House / Palace
Pulborough
Set in the heart of an ancient deer park, Parham House and Gardens is situated below the South Downs. The house and gardens have been lovingly restored by the Pearson family who bought Parham in 1922.
Museum
Alton
Historic house and garden, home of Gilbert White, author of 'The Natural History of Selborne'. Exhibition on Frank Oates, explorer and Capt Lawrence Oates of Antarctic fame.
Historic House / Palace
East Cowes
Step into Queen Victoria’s favourite country home and experience a world unchanged since the country's longest reigning monarch died here just over 100 years ago.
Garden
Haywards Heath
One of the great Gardens of the Sussex Weald with a collection of rare and beautiful plants from all over the world, including breathtaking spring colour in the walled garden, an old fashioned rose garden, summer borders and much more.
Gallery
London
The Royal Mews is an important branch of the Lord Chamberlain's Office and provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and motor car.
Historic House / Palace
Petworth
Explore this majestic mansion and beautiful landscaped deer park.
Historic House / Palace
Orpington
Visit Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin. Explore the atmospheric family rooms where he lived and worked and learn about his fascinating life and groundbreaking theories with our exhibition “Uncovering Origins” .
Museum
New Forest
A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.
Historic House / Palace
Lechlade
The summer home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is a Grade I listed farmhouse, built around 1600 adjacent to the River Thames.
Historic House / Palace
London
The term ‘State Rooms’ is applied to those rooms that were designed and built as the public rooms of the Palace, in which monarchs receive, reward and entertain their subjects and visiting dignitaries.
Historic House / Palace
Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion for a real sense of a bygone era.
Historic House / Palace
Brighton
A delightful manor house which belonged to the Stanford family for over 200 years and which still has the atmosphere of an Edwardian country house.
Historic House / Palace
Strood
A 13th century great chamber, on a vaulted undercroft, of a manor house of the Knights Templar.
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