Have you ever dreamed about exploring some of England’s most beautiful manor houses? Well, even if you haven’t yet, these estates are going to totally change your mind.
We’ve handpicked 15 stunning manors, each brimming with its own secrets; and here’s the kicker—they’re all open to the public! That’s correct, you can wander through their grand halls and soak up the elegance, both inside and out.
To make your adventure even more seamless, we’ll guide you on how to get there by train. It’s convenient, eco-friendly, and adds a touch of old-world charm to your journey.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sylvia Rueda Photography. Image Location: Wollaton Hall, Nottinghamshire, England
1. Wollaton Hall, Nottinghamshire (Bruce Wayne’s house)
Wollaton Hall has a flair that even Batman couldn’t resist. Yep, you heard that right: this Elizabethan beauty, built in the 1580s for Sir Francis Willoughby, doubled as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The house was quiet as a mouse for nearly 40 years following a 1642 fire, then it rose back to life with interior makeovers, underground cellars, and secret passages that still echo its Elizabethan roots.
Did you know? Wollaton Hall is just five miles north of a little village called Gotham. No kidding! That’s the same Gotham that indirectly lent its name to Gotham City, Batman’s hometown. It’s like a full-circle moment for the caped crusader and his ancestral home!
Nearest train station: Nottingham. Wollaton Hall is just 5 miles away.
What else to see nearby: After marveling at Wollaton Hall, why not dive into Nottingham's history with a visit to Nottingham Castle, the heart of Robin Hood lore? And, if you're into the arts, the Nottingham Contemporary gallery is a must-see for some cutting-edge exhibits.
2. Highclere Castle, Hampshire (the real Downton Abbey house)
Ever heard of it? Oh, just the small matter of being the real-life Downton Abbey! But wait, there’s more to this Hampshire gem than just TV fame. This Jacobean-style beauty was redesigned in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry, the same architect who designed the Houses of Parliament.
Did you know? The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, George Herbert, who owned Highclere, was quite the Indiana Jones of his time. He teamed up with Howard Carter and hit the jackpot in Egypt — they found King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. Now, Highclere has its own Egyptian exhibition with some serious treasures.
Nearest train station: The castle is a short journey from Newbury or Andover.
What else to see nearby: Hampshire is more than just rolling hills and tea rooms. It’s a place brimming with history, quaint villages, and, who knows — maybe a few more secrets waiting to be uncovered just like Highclere itself.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jeremy Horner. Image Location: Castle Howard, North Yorkshire, England
3. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Ever wondered what a hundred years of construction looks like? You can see it for yourself at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. This Baroque estate surrounded by sprawling gardens and woodlands has been the private residence of the Howard family for over 300 years. It’s basically a century-long story carved in stone.
Did you know? Castle Howard was the filming location for Brideshead Revisited, a 1981 British TV series based on Evelyn Waugh’s novel, starring Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews. It also snagged a starring role in Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties (2006). In this feline frenzy, Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer) jets off to the UK with his lasagna-loving cat, Garfield (voiced by Bill Murray). A hilarious mix-up crowns Garfield the king of the castle, but his cushy gig is under threat from the dastardly Lord Dargis (Billy Connolly), eyeing the estate for himself. Cue the cat chaos!
Nearest train station: Malton station, located about 15 minutes away by car.
What else to see nearby: Head to the Howardian Hills. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretching from Helmsley to Kirkham Priory, covers a whopping 79 square miles of pure scenic beauty. Expect lush woodlands, open grasslands, and views that look like they’re straight out of a watercolor painting.
4. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace in Woodstock represents the big leagues of history. We’re talking Churchill-level big! That’s right, the one and only Winston Churchill — Britain’s own lionhearted leader — was born here. It is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and is the only non-royal, non-episcopal manor in England to hold the title of palace. No wonder Blenheim has been tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Did you know? Blenheim Palace has the amazing Marlborough Maze. What’s so special about it? It’s the second largest maze in the world made from hedges. Here, you’ll find over 3,000 yew trees spread across almost two acres. Quite a labyrinth, huh?
Nearest train station: Oxford, and then there’s a 20-minute bus ride to the palace.
What else to see nearby: The university city of Oxford is full of historic colleges, must-visit museums, and beautiful walking paths.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Guido Cozzi/Atlantide Phototravel. Image Location: Bath, Somerset, England
5. Longleat, Wiltshire
Longleat is an Elizabethan country house, a maze, and a safari park all rolled into one. And if you think that’s cool, just wait until you hear about Lord Bath’s wild art collection. Late Alexander George Thynn really had an eye for the quirky. He transformed the interior walls of many rooms with his surreal murals. So surreal, in fact, that about seven years before his passing, he had a major fallout with his son Ceawlin about them. Why? Well, Ceawlin decided to paint over some of his dad’s works with brilliant white paint, without so much as a heads-up. Now, tours of Longleat will only give you a peek at some of the remaining murals, including the portraits of Lord Bath’s 75 “wifelets” (told you he had a knack for the unusual).
Did you know? Back in 1966, Longleat turned the wild animal game on its head by launching the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa. Talk about a road trip with a twist! And, if you’re a documentary buff, you might have spotted Longleat on the BBC’s Animal Park.
Nearest train station: Westbury (Wiltshire) or Frome (Somerset), both are approximately a 20-minute drive away.
What else to see nearby: Warminster, nestled in Wiltshire, is a history buff’s dream with its classic English charm. And Frome, just a quick train ride away in Somerset, is a shopper’s paradise, brimming with artsy boutiques and vintage bazaars.
6. Kenwood House, London
Kenwood House in Hampstead is famous for its elegant neoclassical facade. However, there’s more to it. Can you imagine a world-class art collection, including Rembrandt’s Self Portrait with Two Circles, hidden right in the heart of London? What will really take your breath away is the Great Library designed by Robert Adam, the renowned British architect. It’s so classy it feels like you’re walking straight into a Jane Austen novel. A bit of gossip: back in 1922, they almost sold the house to some builders, but a big fuss from the public saved it at the last minute for all of us to enjoy.
Did you know? Kenwood House is quite the celebrity. In the 1930s, it was featured in a Margaret Calkin James poster, turning heads in the London Tube. Fast forward to the movies, and there it is in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Notting Hill (1999). Talk about time travel! If you’re more into books than cinema, you can spot Kenwood House in Zadie Smith’s Swing Time (2016).
Nearest train station: Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath. From these stations, it’s a scenic 35-minute walk across Hampstead Heath to reach Kenwood House.
What else to see nearby: Set within Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is surrounded by tranquil gardens and offers stunning views over London.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Snowshill. Image Location: Lyme Hall and Cage, Cheshire England
7. Lyme Park, Cheshire
This stunning Italianate palace is a slice of Hollywood in Cheshire. Remember Mr. Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, in Pride and Prejudice? That’s Lyme Park for you. And here’s the juicy bit: the estate’s medieval deer herd is not just for show; they’ve been around since the 1400s. Also, if you’re into spooky tales, there’s a ghost of a lady in white who supposedly haunts the manor’s 1,300-acre park.
Did you know? Inside Lyme Park, you’ll find Mortlake tapestries, woodcarvings, and an exhibit examining English clocks. On a hill in the park stands The Cage, a Gothic hunting tower built in the 18th century, which has also served as a groundskeeper's cottage and a prison.
Nearest train station: Disley, a short drive or 50-minute walk from the park.
What else to see nearby: The nearby town of Stockport has a viaduct so large that it was a big deal back in the 1840s — and it still is!
8. Great Chalfield Manor and Garden, Wiltshire
You may know Great Chalfield Manor as a backdrop for TV series like Wolf Hall and Poldark but it’s actually a real-life time capsule. Its moat, gardens, and medieval architecture make you feel like you’ve walked into a parallel reality. The manor is still a family home, and they don’t shy away from sharing their amusing private stories during tours. By the way, they say there’s another lodger hanging around the estate— a friendly ghost who pops up now and then. See if you catch a glimpse of it!
Did you know? Great Chalfield Manor is a classic example of medieval English architecture. Built in the 15th century, it has all the typical features of a manor house from that time, like oriel windows and a moat. Next to the manor is the All Saints Church, dating back to the 14th century, with medieval wall paintings and historic tombs.
Nearest train station: Bradford-on-Avon rail, a 4-mile drive away.
What else to see nearby: Make sure to visit the historic city of Bath to soak up some ancient vibes at the Roman Baths and then chill out in a rooftop spa. You’ll get an amazing view of the old Gothic Abbey tower and the city’s skyline, like something out of a storybook.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andyd. Image Location: Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, England
9. Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle tells a centuries-old saga of rebuilds and restorations. Each Duke of Rutland left his mark, turning it into a mishmash of architectural styles. Belvoir’s art collection that includes paintings, furniture, and tapestries, is like a mini museum. And its impressive gardens were designed by the same landscape architect who worked on the gardens of Versailles. No wonder this castle was used as a filming location for a bunch of movies and TV series, including The Da Vinci Code and The Crown.
Did you know? Despite its name, Belvoir Castle doesn’t follow French pronunciation. It’s pronounced “beaver” Castle.
Nearest train station: Grantham, around 15 minutes by car.
What else to see nearby: Explore Grantham, a small town with a big history! It’s the place where Margaret Thatcher started her journey to become the UK’s first female Prime Minister. And, hey, it’s not every day you stroll through the same streets that Sir Isaac Newton once did, pondering gravity and apples. Fancy a pint? Pop into one of England’s oldest inns, the Angel and Royal.
10. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire
Haddon Hall is one of the oldest manors in England, with parts dating back to the 12th-century. Often dubbed the “sleeping beauty house”, it lay dormant for 200 years. You can feel that this manor is truly frozen in time with its Elizabethan interiors, and its untouched character is a rare find.
Did you know? American Charles Major’s 1902 novel Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall was a smashing success, inspiring a Broadway play and later, a London adaptation. The story even hit the big screen in 1924 with Mary Pickford, thanks to a screenplay by Waldemar Young.
Nearest train station: Matlock, about 25 minutes away by bus.
What else to see nearby: Drop by Bakewell for a laid-back trip into history and literature. It’s the birthplace of the famous Bakewell tart, a real treat in Derbyshire. The town has an old medieval bridge that might transport you back in time as you cross it. They’ve been running a market since the 1300s, so there’s always something going on; and, for the literary fans, Jane Austen might have worked on Pride and Prejudice while she was here.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Emily_M_Wilson. Image Location: Harewood House, West Yorkshire, England.
11. Harewood House, Yorkshire
Harewood House, built in 1759, is a real showstopper. Designed by big names like Thomas Chippendale, it's a treasure trove of stunning craftsmanship and art, including pieces by J.M.W. Turner. It has royal vibes too, being the former home of Princess Mary, Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt. The popular TV show Victoria starring Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes was filmed at Harewood House. And its grounds? Just wow! Designed by Capability Brown, they’re perfect for those who love a good scenic stroll.
Did you know? Harewood has a Bird Garden with over 40 species of birds, including penguins — yes, penguins in Yorkshire!
Nearest train station: Leeds, with a short bus ride to Harewood.
What else to see nearby: Visit Leeds, where Louis Le Prince filmed the first motion pictures in the 1880s. This is where you can wander through Kirkgate Market, one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, or explore Roundhay Park, among the continent’s biggest city parks. Leeds is also the birthplace of Jelly Tots, a sweet little invention. Plus, it’s a pioneer in communication and education, having the UK’s first telephone directory and the first school of medicine.
12. Newby Hall, North Yorkshire
Newby Hall in North Yorkshire is an outstanding mansion with a mix of architectural styles by masters like John Carr and Robert Adam. They’ve got a room with some old French tapestries, unique because these are still in the original spots they were intended for. There’s also a gallery full of ancient Roman sculptures. On the grounds, you’ll find a church built as a memorial and the heartwarming Dollhouse Collection.
Did you know? There’s a miniature railway at Newby Hall, constructed in 1973 and expanded in 1985. It’s got this cool 1/5-scale model of the Royal Scot locomotive so you can hop on for a ride and chug along!
Nearest train station: Thirsk, around 25 minutes by car.
What else to see nearby: The historic city of York, 18 minutes by train, offers famous attractions like York Minster and the Shambles.
Image Credit: Getty Images, duncan1890. Image Location: Osborne House, Isle of Wight, England
13. Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Osborne House is a Victorian masterpiece that showcases the personal tastes of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in every corner. From the lavish staterooms to the private beach — yes, a beach! — it’s a royal experience like no other. And the view! The terrace offers a panoramic vista that Queen Victoria herself described as “impossible to surpass”.
Did you know? The terrace at Osborne features a white plant called the royal myrtle, planted in the 1840s and used in royal weddings, including those of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton. Osborne House had its share of unusual animals too: Queen Victoria once had a pet elephant — yep, an elephant named Gwola, given to her in 1884 by an Ethiopian king’s envoy.
Nearest train station: Ryde Pier Head, followed by a bus ride to Osborne House.
What else to see nearby: When the tide’s high, the Isle of Wight is officially England’s tiniest county. This little island is also famous for its epic music festival, where Jimi Hendrix once rocked the stage. And, if you’re fascinated by the old days, check out the Needles Lighthouse, lit up since 1859. Oh, and don’t miss the oldest phone box in the country — so old that it won’t accept modern money!
14. Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, is a slice of French Renaissance in the heart of Buckinghamshire. This late 19th-century manor is famed for its exceptional collection of French 18th-century decorative arts. But it’s not just the inside that’s impressive; the grounds are a vision with perfectly manicured gardens and an aviary. The annual Christmas market here is something of a local legend, drawing crowds from far and wide.
Did you know? Waddesdon Manor features a Neo-Renaissance design inspired by the French castle Châteaux of the Loire. Beneath its stunning façade lies one of the largest private collections of Rothschild wines in the world, with cellars boasting over 15,000 bottles, some dating back 150 years.
Nearest train station: Aylesbury Vale Parkway, around 15 minutes by car.
What else to see nearby: The historic town of Aylesbury just a stone’s throw away offers a mix of antique charm, modern shopping fun, and musical heritage. By the way, it was right here in Aylesbury where David Bowie, in the 1970s, premiered his groundbreaking albums Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.15.
Image Credit: Getty Images, George W Johnson. Image Location: Bibury, Cotswold, England
15. Kelmscott Manor, Oxfordshire
For the renowned designer William Morris, this 17th-century Cotswold-stone farmhouse was more than just a summer home, it was his muse. Morris’s designs are everywhere at Kelmscott Manor, from the wallpaper to the textiles. It’s like walking into one of his famed tapestries.
Did you know? Morris’s famous saying, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”, was inspired by the simplicity and beauty of Kelmscott.
Nearest train station: Swindon Wilts, followed by a 40-minute car journey.
What else to see nearby: The Cotswolds are just around the corner, where every village looks like it’s straight out of a vintage English postcard.
FAQs: Stately homes of England
What is a manor house in England?
Think of a manor house as the big boss house in old-time England. It was where the lord of the manor lived. These houses were the heart of the estate, sort of like the headquarters, overseeing everything happening in the surrounding lands.
What makes a home a manor?
It’s all about being the main house of the area back in the feudal days. A manor house was a power symbol managing the lands and the local affairs. They were often grand and impressive, showing off the wealth and status of the lord’s family.
As our train journey through England’s grandest manor houses comes to a close, we can’t help but give a nod to the magnificent Drayton House, a star in its own right as the filming location for the Saltburn movie. No matter which estate you choose to start your adventure, Trainline is there to help you book the perfect trip. Book your trip today using the Trainline app.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Snowshill. Image Location: Lyme Hall, Cheshire, England
