Brighton
Some of the most exquisite and intriguing historic houses in England are scattered across the South East.
From the Indian-style confection of Brighton Pavilion in East Sussex to the grace of 17th Century Cliveden in Berkshire, the region’s many stately homes and historic buildings are steeped in rich social and architectural heritage.
Aside from these esteemed historic houses mentioned above, there are many other amazing examples in England 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.
The National Trust's Polesden Lacy is one of the most visited historic houses in Britain and this old English country mansion houses a fabulous collection of art and ceramics. Guildford House Gallery is a Grade I listed townhouse with many of its original features including a carved staircase and panelled rooms.
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.
On the Isle of Wight, visit Queen Victoria's family home at Osborne House or Carisbrooke Castle, once a prison to King Charles I.
The Elizabethan Mapledurham House near Reading is still home to the descendants of the original owners. Its stunning architecture and beautiful paintings may be familiar to anyone who was watched Midsomer Murders or Miss Marple.
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 was famous as a World War Two code-breaking centre and now houses a superb museum.
The 17th Century Ironmaster's House, Batemans, was the home of Rudyard Kipling and visitors can see the old watermill, one of the world's oldest working water-driven turbines.
The gigantic 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.
Chartwell is a country house once home to Winston Churchill while the National Trust's Knole in Sevenoaks is of Jacobean architecture and has many historical links with the monarchy and literary figures.
Whether you live locally or are on holiday in South East England, find historic houses near you by selecting the 'map view' button below.
Number of results: 54
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Garden
Hartley Wintney
West Green House Gardens is an historic garden with a contemporary twist.
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.
Historic House / Palace
Alton
Chawton House Library is an internationally respected research library with a unique collection of early English women's writing from 1600 to 1830. Access to the Library's collection is for the benefit of academics, scholars, students and the general
Farm
Waterlooville
Butser Ancient Farm, nestled within the Southdowns National Park, is a wonderful outdoor space showcasing Ancient Britain through experimental archaeology.
Historic House / Palace
Chichester
Goodwood House combines the glamour of a great English country house with the warmth of a family home. With an outstanding collection of art on display, the House is open from March to October for tours and luxury afternoon tea.
Historic House / Palace
Brighton
The Royal Pavilion, the spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV), transformed by John Nash between 1815 & 1823 into one of the most dazzling & exotic buildings in the British Isles.
Historic House / Palace
Winchester
Medieval almshouses, church, ambulatory, Brethren's Hall and kitchen, Master's garden.
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
TWICKENHAM
In 1813 England’s great landscape painter JMW Turner built a small villa, on a large plot near the Thames at Twickenham. Here, the painter became an architect, guided by the hand of his friend John Soane. Following its careful conservation, Turner’s…
Historic House / Palace
Strood
A 13th century great chamber, on a vaulted undercroft, of a manor house of the Knights Templar.
Castle / Fort
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
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
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.
Historic House / Palace
FRESHWATER
Visiting Farringford
Farringford is a Grade 1 Listed Building and was the main domicile residence of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate, from 1856 until his death in 1892. It continued in the possession of the Tennyson family until 1945, when it…
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.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Ashford
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, set in 600 acres, has something for everyone, whether you're interested in animals, historic houses, elegant gardens or magnificent scenery, you'll have a totally wild day out!
www.aspinallfoundation.org
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.
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…
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.
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