Credit Visit Isle of Wight
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: 41
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Castles & Stately Homes
Basingstoke
he Vyne is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, which later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. It was remodelled to…
Castle / Fort
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
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…
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
Sandwich
Take a tour of Sandwich Guildhall. Built in the reign of Elizabeth I the Guildhall has been enlarged and modified in more recent times.
Gallery
Chichester
Pallant House Gallery is one of the UK’s most distinctive public galleries, exploring new perspectives on Modern art through critically acclaimed exhibitions, adventurous installations and engaging displays of its world-class collection.
Historic House / Palace
Rochester
Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of Charles Dickens.
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.
Historic House / Palace
Brighton
The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China.
Historic Site
Winchester
Remains of Bishop of Winchester`s palace are mainly 12th and 14thC consisting of buildings around a courtyard and moat. Remains include the Great Hall and 3-storey tower.
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
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
Milton Keynes
Once Britain’s Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park is a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Open daily, visitors can explore some of the iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks and marvel at the astonishing achievements of the…
Museum
Alton
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire is the picturesque country cottage where Jane Austen lived. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world. It was here that Jane’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised and had published all her…
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.
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
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 Site
Winchester
Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was the seat of power of medieval monarchs. The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in England, and the Westgate, which served as the castle’s primary defence, are now the sole survivors of…
Gallery
London
The King's Gallery is located adjacent to Buckingham Palace, on the site of what was once a private chapel for Queen Victoria.
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