Ready to discover London’s stately homes? Look no further – these are the best ones to visit in the capital.
Not only are London’s stately homes steeped in British history, but they make for a fun day out and, better yet, there are lots of them to explore in the capital.
Although, with so many to choose between, it can be tricky to decide where to go. Luckily, we’ve found the best Gothic, Medieval, Georgian and French-inspired stately homes in London for you to peruse.
Fancy travelling a little bit further? We’ve also rounded up the best stately homes to visit near London if you’re in the mood for a day trip.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive in.
Stately Homes in London
Strawberry Hill House
Twickenham
Horace Walpole built the gothic Strawberry Hill House– commonly known as Strawberry Hill– in the 18th Century. Walpole’s eccentric architectural style is present throughout, from a piercing white castle exterior to its cathedral-like interior.
Inside the house is adorned by a collection of antiques and renaissance paintings with intricate tiles spanning the floors and red-painted walls.
This Twickenham stately home hosts a number of events every month from dinner clubs, book clubs and theatre shows– as well as being open to the public to visit.
Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace in Greenwich was once a Medieval palace and then a royal Tudor residence. It’s a quirky mix of Medieval and Art Deco and is one of the most interesting stately homes in London.
When Eltham Palace was transformed in the 1930s by eccentric millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, the house was fitted with the latest technology of that time. A must-visit is the extravagant bathroom, lined with gold mosaic and onyx, gold-plated taps, and the goddess of the psyche.
Visit Eltham Palace for its gardens, Medieval palace and exquisite Art Deco interior.
Ham House
Ham House and Garden is a unique 17th Century stately home, and one of the only great Stuart houses. Just 10 miles from Central London on the rural banks of the River Thames, Ham House was originally built by William Murray.
This stately home has a variety of art and treasures from the historic families who lived there over the years. The 17th Century walled gardens are bursting with plants and garden produce that supply the cafe with home-grown ingredients all year round.
Ham House offers family activities and free tours guided by knowledgeable volunteers – it’s a National Trust property, so you’re in good hands.
Kenwood House
A neoclassical home on Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is surrounded by an expansive and luscious green garden.
Kenwood House’s Georgian and neoclassical architecture are worth a visit. The house was designed by 18th Century architect Robert Adam, and The Great Library is a beautiful blue colour with an arched roof with ornamental designs.
The gorgeous gardens span 112 acres of glorious parkland, look out for various sculptures, ancient woodland and the Sham Bridge.
Apsley House
Piccadilly
On the southeast corner of Hyde Park, you’ll find Apsley House – a unique aristocratic home. Also named No.1 London, this Georgian home of the Duke of Wellington is Grade-I listed and the building pretty much remains the same as when the Duke lived there.
Apsley House has a museum dedicated to its former residents and its must-see art collection includes paintings from Van Dyck, Goya, Velazquez, and Rubens. The English Heritage house has grand chandeliers hanging from the sculpted ceilings with etched glass and artwork that hangs proudly from the walls.
Apsley House is open Wednesday through Sunday and groups can book guided tours to find out more about its paintings and rich history.
Spencer House
Located next to St James’s Park is Spencer House, a historic mansion that looks fit for royalty. And, funnily enough, the magnificent 18th Century aristocratic palace was built under orders from Princess Diana’s ancestor, John Spencer.
You may notice its Greek architecture, that’s down to the designer James Stewart who had a love for Greek buildings.
Eight state rooms are open for public viewing on Sundays. The rooms were some of the first neoclassical interiors in Europe. A tour of the garden is not to be missed, with not a blade of grass out of place, learn about its historical context from experts.
Chiswick House
Chiswick
Chiswick House and gardens is a celebration of 18th-century British architecture. This Neo-Palladian style villa was designed and built by Richard Boyle, and it showcases his love for art and architecture.
You’ll notice the Roman style of Chiswick House as soon as you see its grand pillars and many stairways at the rear. Inside you’ll be greeted with lavish velvet hangings that scour the first floor – and don’t forget to look up at the remarkable painted ceilings.
Chiswick House is a backdrop for festivals, summer camps, dog shows and lots more, it’s also open to the public Thursday through Sunday.
Kensington Palace
You may know Kensington Palace as part of the official London residence of Will and Kate, but did you know there’s a part of it you can visit?
Steeped in Royal history, Kensington Palace was once a small suburban villa known as Nottingham House before becoming a royal retreat.
Discover the royal stories of Queen Victoria, William and Mary and the clothes worn by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Magraret and Diana. Wander the ornate rooms, with elegant staircase and impressive halls where William and Mary held magnificent balls.
Fenton House
Hampstead
One of the most interesting stately homes in North London is Fenton House. A 17th Century former merchants home that now belongs to the National Trust.
Its previous owner, Lady Binning, left behind furniture, paintings and a stunning collection of 18th-century porcelain that’s now on display for visitors to see. The Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instruments, Georgian furniture, 17th Century needlework and oriental and european porcelain was brought to Fenton House too.
Not much is known about the origins of this two storey house, except that it boasts an attic and dormers built with deep brown bricks, with rubbed red brick window frames and quoin. Mysterious, we like it.
Stately Homes Near London
Hatfield House
Hertfordshire
Once a Tudor royal palace, Hatfield House is a stately home near London. This Hertfordshire house was turned into a stately home when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, and he used it as a place where could raise his children.
Hatfield House is set in an expansive park with beautiful woodland walks to explore. The house is a prime example of Medieval brickwork and the banqueting hall still retains its original roof timbers.
You can book tours to visit Hatfield House, the old palace and the gardens throughout the year. The gardens are filled with interesting sculptures as well as a yew hedge, herbaceous plants and geraniums.
Chartwell House
Kent
Gain an in-depth insight into Sir Winston Churchill’s family home at Chartwell House in Kent.
Churchill brought his daughter up at the Chartwell House and reluctantly moved out due to ill health in 1964. The house was given to The National Trust 18 years before his death because the upkeep was too expensive for Churchill.
The house is still decorated as it was in the 1930s and the library, dining room, study and sitting room look as if the Churchill family has only just left.
Explore Churchill’s studio (who knew he was an amateur painter?), wander through the family home, and embark on walking trails, or discover Chartwell House through an audio guide.
Knole
Kent
Originally an archbishop’s palace, Knole is a stately home situated in Knole Park. The 1,000-acre park is in the southeast of Sevenoaks in Kent, and the house is ranked one of England’s fifth largest houses.
Bourchier transformed the archbishop’s palace into a stately home that looks distinctly like an Oxford college. Later, Thomas Sackville made the house an aristocratic treasure house for the Sackville family designed to impress visitors– and it definitely does just that.
Today you can visit Knole’s impressive collection of furniture, tapestries, paintings, objects and tiles, most of which were removed from former Royal residents homes. At Knole there are plenty of family activities, fun days and wild deer to spot in Knole Park – it’s one of the best stately homes to visit near London.
Polesden Lacey
Surrey
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian 19th-century stately home located on the North Downs near Bookham in Surrey.
Mrs Ronald Greville transformed the house into an Edwardian mansion where she would entertain film stars, politicians and socialites. The beautiful home was designed by Mewes and Davis who designed the Ritz Hotel in London.
Greville, the socialite, filled Polesden with a glamorous collection of treasure, no expense spared where she was concerned. Luckily she left her collection of over 100 treasures to the National Trust to be viewed by intrepid visitors.
You can explore the house at your own pace or join one of the many guided tours at Polesden Lacey, from the great dining room to the central hall.
Waddesdon Manor
Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor is a country house in the little village of Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire – it’s National Trust owned and managed by the infamous Rothschild family. In fact, Waddesdon Manor was built by a Rothschild in the 19th Century and was inspired by a French Renaissance Chateau.
Inside there are more French resemblances, rooms are built with wall panels taken from Parsian houses of the 1700s. In the green boudoir, dragons, butterflies and monkeys imitating humans are carved into the walls.
Waddesdon Manor was created to impress, and it certainly does that. See it for yourself, book tickets that grant you full access to explore the exquisite grounds and house.
Practical Tips for Visiting London’s Stately Homes
- The National Trust is a charity and membership for heritage and conservation and most of these stately homes are owned by the National Trust. You can choose from joint, family, individual and lifetime memberships here. Starting from as little as £6.40 a month. Membership gives you free access to any National Trust stately home and more
- English Heritage manages over 400 historic monuments including some of these stately homes. Become a family, individual, joint or lifetime member and enjoy free access to English Heritage sites for as little as £5.50 a month.
- Check if you need to book tickets before you visit any stately home.
