Open houses: 10 of the finest stately homes in the UK

And there’s no need to gatecrash: many of the best stately homes in the UK are open to the public for general tours, weddings and a host of other events and festivities.

Renowned for their remarkable architecture from Elizabethan to Victorian period design mastery, many of Britain’s grandest estates have art collections to rival museums; priceless antiques at every turn and have been lovingly restored to turn back time. Peek inside bedrooms and ballrooms and you’ll discover how the upper crust of bygone eras slept, dressed, dined and danced in high style.

From the wonderfully ornate Castle Howard to famous Highclere House — the real ‘Downton Abbey’ — Britain’s finest stately homes make for an exceptional day out, or the perfect excuse for a glorious weekend escape if you have your sights on properties further afield.

Follow our guide to ten of the best stately homes to visit in the UK — and the most suitably refined places to stay in each destination. And not forgetting that many of the very best historic houses with gardens in the UK are now hotels!

Located in leafy Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style château built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. If you’ve got an eye for the finer things in life, you’ll be captivated by its opulent interiors, housing one of the most celebrated collections of French decorative arts in the world. And don't miss the stunning aviary, the wine cellars, and the spectacular fountains in the enchanting grounds.

Where to stay: Step back in time to the 18th century with a stay at The National Trust owned stately home turned hotel, Hartwell House & Spa in the Vale of Aylesbury. The interiors are opulent and the surroundings are just as grand. From £290 per night.

Tucked away in the heart of Somerset, Montacute House is a stunning example of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture. Its majestic facade and beautifully preserved interiors showcase period furniture and artwork, and the grounds are home to one of the few remaining Elizabethan compartmentalised gardens with beautiful flower borders and clipped yew hedges. And take a stroll to the estate’s Prospect Tower, situated on the summit of St Michael’s Hill, for magnificent views of the Somerset countryside.

Where to stay: Make haste to Bath and travel forward in time to the 19th century with a stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Housed in a stunning Georgian mansion building, this five-star gem is the ultimate hotel for Jane Austen fans. From £375 per night.

Nestled in the Cornish countryside near Newquay, Trerice House is a charming Elizabethan manor with a tranquil garden and orchard. It’s a grand house on a small scale and one of the best historic houses and gardens in the UK. Marvel at its well-preserved interiors, including the Great Hall and ornate plasterwork ceilings, and stroll around the pretty grounds which feature an Elizabethan knot garden and Cornish kayling lawn. The peaceful surroundings offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Where to stay: For another experience fit for royalty, check into The Headland Hotel — a stunning Victorian hotel in Newquay on the Cornish coast. An award-winning spa, sweeping sea views along Fistral Bay, and delicious cuisine are among the highlights. From £185 per night.

Gorhambury House is an exquisite 18th century mansion on the rural Gorhambury Estate, surrounded by stunning parkland near St Albans in Hertfordshire. This Grade II listed house, built in a neo-Palladian style, was constructed in 1777-84 by Sir Robert Taylor —the architect who also designed The Bank of England. Highlights include the impressive Great Hall, the beautifully landscaped gardens, and the ancient Roman wall ruins on the estate.

Where to stay: Unwind in classic Georgian splendour with a contemporary twist at Sopwell House Hotel & Spa, an inviting luxury hotel in St Albans. Nearby you’ll find Ye Olde Fighting Cocks — the oldest pub in England that dates back to the 11th century. From £249 per night.