Near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
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.
Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham re-opened following a £9 million restoration and this fine example of Georgian Gothic architecture is matched by its unique collection of Renaissance painted glass. In south-east London, the Grade I listed Down House was the home of Charles Darwin, now under the ownership of English Heritage.
Guildford House Gallery is a Grade I listed townhouse with many of its original features including a carved staircase and panelled rooms.
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 the state rooms of Edwardian mansion of Stansted House, Rowlands Castle, or Palace House, New Forest, home of the Montagu family home since 1538.
Dorney Court near Windsor is a Tudor Manor House where visitors will find six centuries of artefacts collected over thirteen generations.
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.
Stonor Park near Henley-on-Thames dates back to Medieval times and behind the red brick facade, lies a treasure trove of architecturally fascinating rooms.
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 is reopening to the public in April 2022 and are looking forward to welcoming visitors back after conservation and restoration work funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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
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.
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.
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.
With 185 million years of history to choose from, find historic houses near you by selecting the 'map view' button below.
Number of results: 51
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Historic House / Palace
Margate
Thought to be one of the oldest of its kind in Kent, it was built around 1525 and is believed to be the home of a wealthy yeoman farmer
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.
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
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” .
Historic House / Palace
Twickenham
Visiting Strawberry Hill is a truly theatrical experience, with a unique collection of renaissance painted glass and magnificently restored interiors.
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.
Castle / Fort
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
Historic House / Palace
Brighton
A delightful manor house with the interior of an Edwardian home containing ceramics, furniture, glass, clocks and silver. Servants' quarters and restored kitchen. Garden.
Historic House / Palace
Southampton
Uncover over 800 years of history in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town. Tudor House and Garden gives visitors an insight in to the lives and times of its residents with informative displays and hands on interactive experiences.
Historic House / Palace
Woodstock
Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, one of the finest baroque houses in England, is set in over 2,000 acres of landscaped gardens
Historic House / Palace
Rochester
Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of Charles Dickens.
Farm
Waterlooville
Butser Ancient Farm, nestled within the Southdowns National Park, is a wonderful outdoor space showcasing Ancient Britain through experimental archaeology.
Castle / Fort
Windsor
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the family home of 39 British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and is today one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen.
Open to visitors throughout the…
Historic House / Palace
Henley-on-Thames
House built between 12th and 18thC with a 13thC chapel. Has connections with Catholicism and exhibition of the work and life of Edmund Campion, furniture, tapestries and paintings.
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.
Historic House / Palace
ABINGDON
This lovely family home built in circa 1660 was remodelled in the early 1700’s for the Blandy family. With English and French furniture in the elegant panelled rooms the entrance hall is dominated by its handsome cantilevered staircase.
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.
Museum
Sandwich
Museum telling the story of Sandwich from early medieval times. There are many illustrative panels relating to the town’s history with artefacts dating back to the early 13th century.
Castle / Fort
Arundel
The towering stately home and fortified castle in the heart of Sussex by the Sea! Open April to October, Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, Bank Holiday Mondays and August Mondays.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
Charleston, the home of the artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell (sister of Virgina Woolf), became the country meeting place for the group of writers, artists and intellectuals known as Bloomsbury.
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