Historic Houses

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.

South East England's Stately Homes

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.

Stately Homes in Hampshire

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.

Stately Homes in Buckinghamshire

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 18^th 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.

Stately Homes in Oxfordshire

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.

Stately Homes in Kent

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. 

Stately Homes in Sussex

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’. 

Stately Homes in Surrey

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.

Stately Homes near me

With 185 million years of history to choose from, find historic houses near you by selecting the 'map view' button below.