Castles & Stately Homes of England: A Journey Through Living History
England’s landscapes are dotted with architectural marvels that whisper centuries of stories. From royal residences to private manor houses still lived in today, these historic treasures offer a captivating glimpse into the nation’s cultural past, and a few unforgettable travel experiences along the way. we’ve compiled our list of English estates worth traveling for.
Windsor Castle - The Royal Residence
No list begins anywhere but here.
Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, has been home to British monarchs for over 1,000 years. Its grand State Apartments, manicured gardens, and the regal St George’s Chapel (where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed) offer a cinematic immersion into royal life.
TBS Tip: Time your visit to see the Changing of the Guard, best viewed from the Horseshoe Cloister side of the courtyard for fewer crowds.
Highclere Castle - The Downton Abbey Estate
Fans of Downton Abbey will instantly recognize the iconic silhouette of Highclere Castle, the real-life country seat of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
Inside, gilded drawing rooms, sweeping staircases, and secret Egyptian artifacts (a passion of the 5th Earl) await. The estate’s rolling parkland was designed by Capability Brown, England’s original landscape architect.
Bookable experience: Afternoon tea in the Coach House, followed by a private tour of the castle’s Egyptian Exhibition.
Chatsworth House - The Estate of the Dukes of Devonshire
Located in the heart of the Peak District, Chatsworth House is one of England’s most opulent stately homes, and frequently cited as “the palace of the north.”
Inside, 25 rooms are open to the public, including a gilded ballroom and an astonishing sculpture gallery featured in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Outside, 105 acres of gardens include cascading water features, maze hedges, and monumental contemporary art installations.
TBS Tip: Visit in spring or summer when the gardens are in bloom and book lunch at the estate’s farm-to-table restaurant, The Cavendish.
Blenheim Palace - Birthplace of Winston Churchill
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is a baroque masterpiece gifted to the 1st Duke of Marlborough in 1704. Its grandeur is extraordinary, think soaring colonnades, massive frescoed ceilings, and a library straight out of a period drama.
It is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, whose presence still echoes through the estate in personal letters, photos, and memorabilia.
Travel highlight: A private boat ride across the palace lake, designed by Capability Brown.
Leeds Castle - “The Loveliest Castle in the World”
Surrounded by a tranquil moat and lush countryside in Kent, Leeds Castle has been everything from a Norman fortress to a Tudor palace. It was once even home to six medieval queens.
Today, visitors can explore the grand rooms, falconry displays, vineyard, and 500 acres of woodland and gardens.
Want something unforgettable? You can stay overnight inside the castle, from manor-style rooms to modern luxury lodges.
Hampton Court Palace - Henry VIII’s Playground
Set along the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace was once the lavish residence of King Henry VIII. Its Tudor kitchens, gold-studded Great Hall, and infamous Haunted Gallery offer a thrilling glimpse into royal intrigue, and scandal.
In summer, the palace gardens burst to life with vibrant flower displays and the famous hedge maze, which has delighted visitors for over 300 years.
For the Art & Architecture Lovers:
Holkham Hall (Norfolk) - A Palladian masterpiece with an impressive art collection.
Castle Howard (Yorkshire) - Known for its dramatic dome and lush formal gardens.
Syon House (London) - A hidden neoclassical gem just minutes from the city.
TBS Tip
Many of England’s grand estates now offer private tours, chef-led dining, or even full-property buyouts, perfect for milestone celebrations or group escapes.
Final Thoughts
England’s castles and stately homes are not just relics, they are living pieces of history, where stories are carved into stone staircases, and time feels suspended. Exploring royal chambers, wandering rose gardens, or staying the night in a former noble estate, these places offer something few destinations can: the feeling of stepping directly into another era.