Cliveden House is not only known for being one of the most beautiful historic houses in England, but also for its stunning grounds and gardens. In the walled garden you can find a range of plants, including pumpkins growing in the autumn, as well as various toparies and shrubbery.

Historic houses in England – day out ideas near London

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The National Trust owns a lot of the historic houses in England. It’s a charity preserving beauty, nature & history throughout the UK. There are many different houses and locations to visit in England, with a wide selection close to London.

Are you looking for historic houses in England and day trip ideas from London? In this post I share six different locations with you. Are you looking for more inspiration for your trip to London? Here are 13 free places to visit in London, which might interest you.

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Historic houses in England – South East:

The Vyne- 16th Century historic house in England

Location: Hampshire
The red brick mansion of the Vyne is a 16th century historic house, located in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. The mansion house is located next to a walled garden, a river flowing through the property and a small bridge, crossing over a weir.

One of the most beautiful historic houses England is the Vyne, owned by the National Trust. Lord Sandy constructed the brick mansion during the 16th century. Lord Sandy passed the property onto a family called the ‘Chute Family’. The Chute Family looked after the property for a further 300 years.

What I find striking at The Vyne is how different the grounds are as the seasons change. It’s worth visiting the property at different times of year. In the grounds you’ll find the following:

  • walking trails
  • a river & wetland – great for bird spotting.
The red brick mansion at the Vyne was built in the 16th century and is one of the most striking historic houses in Hampshire. Inside the glass windows of the house you can discover its history, as well as exploring a yearly-changing Christmas display.

Waddesdon Manor

Location: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built Waddesdon Manor in 1874 in a French Renaissance style. After completing the construction of the house, the Baron displayed an art collection inside the historic property.

At Waddesdon Manor you will find:

  • woodland walks
  • statues around the grounds.
  • Seasonal highlight : During the winter months, Waddesdon Manor hosts a ‘Winter Light’ event, during which the grounds are decorated and illuminated with a lights trail. Additionally, the house is lit up with projection mapping, which plays in time to music.

Grey’s Court

Location: Henley on Thames, South Oxfordshire

Grey’s Court has a incredibly rich history. The walled gardens have been standing for over 900 years and the house itself since the 14th century. What’s more, Grey’s Court was used as a school and shelter during the war. You can learn more about the history on tours with the National Trust through the property.

The house at Greys court is built out of orange brick, with beautiful shrubbery hanging down from the walls. There is a small wooden bench in-front of the entrance to the House, where you can sit and look out onto the Oxfordshire countryside.
  • Seasonal Highlight: Visit in February to see the snowdrop displays at the grounds.
During February you will find a sea of white snowdrops at the historic house, Greys Court. The snowdrops are located deep in the woods of the grounds at Greys Court, Henley on Thames..

Basildon Park House

Location: Reading, Berkshire

The 18th century mansion at Basildon Park stands in the middle of a 400 acre ground with woodland walkways. The house itself was refurbished and reconstructed after being damaged in World Wars. After exploring the inside of the house, enjoy the beautiful views onto the Berkshire countryside. There are several woodland trails to discover, including a pheasant park.

A highlight at Basildon Park is during the festive period, when the mansion house is decorated with multiple Christmas trees and other festive decorations. The theme of the Christmas display changes yearly, with a focus on Christmas films, such as a red dress from the film The Holiday.

Highlight: Visit during the winter months for a Christmas display inside the mansion house. Theme of the display changes yearly. Previous themes have included Christmas Films and Wind in the Willows.

Filmset locations in England

Did you know that multiple films have been directed and recorded on some of England’s most stunning properties? Here are a couple that you need to know about. These filming locations are also available for public visits.

Cliveden House and Gardens

Location: Buckinghamshire

Cliveden House and grounds boasts one of the most expansive and beautiful national trust properties. The House itself has been converted subsequently to its original purpose to a luxury hotel. However, you can still go on a guided tour around the house (during selected times). If you’re looking to go on a house-tour, you can reserve your place via the National Trust website.

The house itself is set prominently above the River Thames. You can also explore the walled gardens and woodland walks down to the river.

What has been filmed here?

  • Cinderella
  • Sherlock Holmes.
Cliveden House is not only known for it's grand architecture and on-site hotel, but also for the house tours through the film set location. The property is located near Windsor and known for its beautiful stone pillars and golden clock on the building.

Englefield House

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Englefield House is a privately owned estate. Therefore, it is not open to the public. However, on Monday’s throughout the year you are able to visit against a cash fee of £5.

Englefield House is located on Englefield Estate and is an Elizabethan mansion house, built in the 1500s.

One of the things which makes Englefield House so prominent is the magnificence of the grounds and house itself. This has resulted in various production companies chose to film their films and tv series on these grounds.

What has been filmed here?

  • Disney’s Cruella
  • The King’s Speech
  • Black Mirror
  • Great expectations
The grand mansion House of Englefield is one of the most beautiful historic houses in England. The grounds are lined with beautiful toparies and the beautiful sandstone building was used as the filming location of various films, including Cruella.

Which of these historic houses in England appeals to you the most? ? SHARE this post with those you plan to visit these locations with and keep up-to-date with my social media pages for more travel tips, inspiration and advice:

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