You're 'Invited to View'
The owners of some our most amazing private homes and unseen spaces offer exclusive guided tours of their houses, only available through 'Invitation to View'
An invitation to discover
‘Invitation to View’ offers exclusive tours behind the closed doors of some of the country’s most remarkable places. As part of a small group of like-minded people, you’ll have privileged access to some of Historic Houses’ most private homes. The majority rarely open to the public and those that do offer visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of areas that are not normally accessible.
Tours are usually led by the owners, and you’ll hear fascinating stories about the heroic or villainous exploits of their ancestors or the joys and struggles of caring for a historic building. As honoured guests, you’ll be offered something to eat and drink – from a cream tea to lunch with wine – and have a chance to socialise with the rest of your group and the owner, who will be happy to answer all your questions.
Forthcoming tours
Want to know what's on and when? We have hundreds of tours to book onto through the year. Browse all our upcoming tours by date here.
Houses offering tours
Looking for places to discover in your area? The number of houses across the UK offering special tours is expanding. Browse houses that are offering tours by region here.
Request a group tour
If you have a number of people interested in going on a Historic Houses Invitation to View tour, it's best you get in touch with us to get a date set up in the diary.
A chance to go inside historic halls and magnificent manors… Invitation to View offers a rare glimpse inside houses and gardens seldom seen by the public.
— Eastern Daily Press —
Terms of booking
Make sure you’ve read the terms on which all tours on our ‘Invitation to View’ platform are booked.
I must have passed this house a thousand times, and always dreamed of seeing if the inside was as beautiful and full of character as the outside. It was better!
— Visitor feedback form —
Historic Houses Handbook 2022
If you prefer to read about the tours in our handbook, the latest issue is available to read in full-screen here. You are also welcome to download it to enjoy offline. The tour section starts on page 84.
Each house, each group, each visit is an individual as its owner and as unpredictable as the weather…
— Kate Worsley, Country Living —
