The best historic houses and gardens to visit over winter

Crowning a hill in rural Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle has been the home to the Duke of Rutland’s family since 1067. With extraordinary views the castle remains as one of the most magnificent and beautiful Regency houses in England.

The brand new Adventure Playground is inspired by the iconic architecture of Belvoir Estate and its past and present explorers. It covers four acres and is a safe space for imaginations to run free. Featuring a giant timber castle, along with a ship and towers, it is perfect for children and teenagers of all ages to explore.

Belvoir’s Twelve Days of Christmas is the ultimate destination for a magical Christmas experience. Step into a world of wonder as they bring to life the enchanting theme of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and festive charm of the castle, where the spirit of the season is celebrated in extraordinary ways.

Historic Houses members cannot use their card for the Twelve Days of Christmas, but can purchase heavily discounted tickets. Entry to the Adventure Playground is free for Historic Houses members.

Explore Belvoir Castle

Easton Walled Gardens is Lincolnshire’s own ‘lost’ garden.

Since 2001, Ursula and Fred Cholmeley have restored this ancient garden from an overgrown wilderness to the nationally important garden it once was.

The restoration continues year on year with innovative new planting schemes and currently includes herbaceous borders, roses, sweet peas, spring bulbs, cutflower and vegetable gardens set off by limestone buildings and surrounded by beautiful parkland. Experience the winter magic of Easton Walled Gardens with extended opening hours in the run up to Christmas. Enjoy leisurely strolls amidst the tranquil beauty of the gardens, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxed Christmas shopping and coffee in the Courtyard. Half-price admission throughout November and December, and free for Historic Houses members.

Explore Easton Walled Gardens

Elsham Hall Gardens and Country Park offers beautiful lakeside gardens, a contemporary walled garden, an adventure playground, and a variety of animals and birds. Open throughout the seasons, the gardens and country park are home to a rich assortment of wildlife.

The park is open every day, closing at 4pm from November to February.

Explore Elsham Hall

With origins in the Anglo-Saxon period, Bamburgh Castle has dominated its volcanic outcrop and the surrounding countryside for centuries. From its humble wooden palisade to the impressive stone walls of today, it strikes an iconic pose on the Northumbrian coastline.

Open all year round, the castle welcomes visitors to enjoy the grounds and staterooms. From the medieval kitchen to grandeur of the Victorian Kings Hall, there are fourteen rooms to explore.

Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the north of England. Built in the fourteenth century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long history. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.

Today visitors can experience this incredible medieval fortress, set in two hundred acres of beautiful parklands. With a cafe, shop, and new adventure playground, it’s the perfect place for a family day out. The deer park is open all year round, while the castle can be explored between March and November.

Explore Raby Castle

Tucked away in beautiful open countryside near Durham City, Ushaw’s Historic House, Chapels & Gardens are open to all. Young or old, each corner of Ushaw is a curiosity, waiting to wow.

Lose yourself in the grounds, be amazed by beautiful buildings, or marvel at centuries of art, history, and heritage. All attractions are open daily, 11am till 4pm.

Explore Ushaw

Auckland Castle & Gardens is the ancient seat of the Bishops of Durham, and now the subject of one of the twentieth century’s most ambitious restorations.

It forms part of The Auckland Project, a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, and gardens in the historic town of Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Attractions and venues are open to visitors all year round from Wednesday to Sunday.

Explore Auckland Castle

Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the grandest stately homes in the country and is at the beginning of an ambitious regeneration project. Run by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, the team aim to use the restoration of the site as a catalyst for positive change in South Yorkshire.

Visit one of England’s most spectacular facades, explore the fifty acres of gardens, and pause for lunch at the Butler’s Pantry Café where you will find a selection of seasonal items, light-bites, and sweet treats from local suppliers.

Open Tuesdays to Sundays between November and March.

Explore Wentworth Woodhuse

Harewood House, built in the 1760s by Edwin Lascelles, is renowned for its magnificent Robert Adam interiors.

It is also home to superb Thomas Chippendale furniture and a world class collection of paintings by, amongst others, JMW Turner, Joshua Reynolds, Tiziano Veccelli (Titian) and Domenikos Theotokopoulos (known as El Greco).

Explore Harewood House

Athelhampton is one of England’s finest Tudor Manor Houses.

Historic Houses membership allows free entry at Athelhampton and a 5% discount in the shop and restaurant. It is open every season, until 23rd December when it is closed for two weeks.

Explore Athelhampton House & Gardens

Castle Hill Gardens is an eighteenth-century landscape garden surrounding a Palladian mansion, built in 1730 for the Fortescue family.

The steep walk up to the Castle reveals unsurpassed views to Exmoor, Dartmoor, and beyond. The gardens are open Mondays to Fridays, 11am – 4pm.

Explore Castle Hill Gardens

Built by the Knight family in the 1580s, Chawton House has undergone centuries of change and development as it has passed through different hands.

This makes it rich with quirky and fascinating features: from graffiti on paintings and ‘witch marks’ on walls, to heraldic stained glass windows and ornately carved fireplaces.

The house’s most famous association is with Jane Austen, whose brother Edward inherited the estate in the 1780s.

Explore Chawton House

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed mansion built in the romantic gothic style. It was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early 1830s and remained a family home until the 1950s. It is situated on the cliff top with beach access and spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight.

The grounds are open daily all year round.

Explore Highcliffe Castle

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy.

Surrounded by a breath-taking moat (with resident swans) visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge, walk under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells.

The Palace and grounds are open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm, in the winter months.

Explore Bishop’s Palace & Gardens

Visit West Dean Gardens (part of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation) in West Sussex and escape to a beautifully rejuvenated historic garden rich in creative and social heritage. Explore the extensive grounds on a gentle walk or venture further to the unique arboretum.

Explore West Dean Gardens