Woodstock, Oxfordshire
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: 42
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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
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
Founded in 1382, Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
Late 17th-century royal residence, particularly associated with Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria. Frogmore House is currently closed to visitors.
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 Site
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.
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
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
Rochester
Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of Charles Dickens.
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 Site
Poole
Home to 160 acres of parkland, shoreline & formal estate gardens, Upton Country Park offers free admission, 7 days a week, all year round, however, opening times do vary on season.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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
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
(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
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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