Buckinghamshire
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.
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.
Craft Centre
Lewes
A converted 19thC candle factory housing variety of different craft workshops. Visitors can see candle making, hand-engraving and visit other specialist shops.
Garden
Alresford
Best known for its fine garden, Hinton Ampner is an elegant country house with an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings and objets d'art.
Historic Site
Winchester
Founded in 1382, Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Water Mill
Winchester
Winchester City Mill is a rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill, Winchester city mill is powered by the fast-flowing River Itchen, which can be seen passing underneath, thrilling our visitors. Rebuilt in 1743 on the site of a medieval…
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
Rochester
Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of Charles Dickens.
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
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
Dorney Court is one of the country’s finest stately homes and any visit is a fascinating and unique experience.
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
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…
Castle / Fort
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
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