The popularity of the TV show ‘Downton Abbey’ has seen an increase in the country’s interest in stately homes. Places such as Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and Castle Howard in Yorkshire attract thousands of visitors each year and are fantastic places to visit on your luxury cottage holiday. Here is our list of the very best country houses in the UK:
1. Highclere Castle, Hampshire
What better place to start than the very country house that is used as the main setting for ‘Downton Abbey’? Home to stunning gardens, an Egyptian Exhibition and 1000-acre estates, the castle is now open to the public and can be enjoyed by those of all ages. See for yourself the Drawing Room and other locations from the show and enjoy your very own behind the scenes look at the home of ‘Downton Abbey’. Have a look at our selection of luxury accommodation in Hampshire and look forward to feeling like Lord Grantham himself.
2. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Chatsworth House in Derbyshire
Chatsworth House is a stately home in Derbyshire which lies close to the River Derwent and within 1000-acres of parkland. Consistently voted as England’s best country house, Chatsworth has been owned by the Cavendish family since 1549 and is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. Visitors are attracted to the house’s incredible antiques and artwork that has been built up over the last five centuries and has resulted in one of Europe’s finest private collections. Find your dream luxury cottage in Derbyshire and also enjoy exploring the nearby Peak District National Park.
3. Longleat House, Wiltshire
Deer can be spotted at Longleat
Home to a safari park, a maze and 900-acres of parkland, Longleat House in Wiltshire is a fantastic place for all the family to visit. Completed in 1580, the house is a fantastic example of high Elizabethan architecture and is currently the home of the 7th Marquess of Bath. Explore the many rooms in the house that are open to guests and don’t forget to see the lions, monkeys and rhinos in the safari park. Treat yourself and rent a luxury cottage in Wiltshire for the entire family. They are sure to love their visit to the Cotswolds.
4. Castle Howard, Yorkshire
Famous for being used in the 1981 television version of Brideshead Revisited, Castle Howard in Yorkshire took more than 100 years to build and once covered 13,000-acres. The house is the historic seat of the Earls of Carlisle and the public can explore many of Castle Howard’s 145 rooms. There are also gardens and an adventure playground, perfect for relaxing in during the summer months. Browse through our selection of luxury accommodation in Yorkshire and find somewhere special for you and your family to stay.
5. Mellerstain House, Scotland
The only country house on our list that is outside of England, Mellerstain House in the Scottish Borders was designed by Robert Adam and is the setting of many couples’ special days. Built in 1778, the house is full of fascinating history and has been open to the public for the last 50 years. Come along and see some of the amazing artwork that has been collected over the years and visit the gardens, home to a children’s play area and both lakeside and woodland walks. You may not be able to stay in the country house itself but fret not as we have some fantastic accommodation in the Scottish Borders that is just as luxurious.
