Oxfordshire
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 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
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
Lewes
A Tudor house with Georgian additions in downland park setting. Important English and European Old Master paintings, fine furniture and notable Sevres porcelain.
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
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.
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.
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…
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
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 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.
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
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” .
Garden
Hartley Wintney
West Green House Gardens is an historic garden with a contemporary twist.
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
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
Abingdon
Range of medieval domestic buildings remaining from Abingdon Abbey.
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…
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
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
Winchester
Medieval almshouses, church, ambulatory, Brethren's Hall and kitchen, Master's garden.
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