How To Find Historical Properties You’ll Want to Visit
There are at least 9 organizations that help preserve historical homes in the UK, and open them for visitors. The properties are beautiful, usually have a tea tent or cafe, and often have lovely gardens, as well. You can hit the link to each of these 9 organizations to see where their properties are and the visiting times. Do this well before your trip to the United Kingdom and make sure to leave some time to visit a few of these.
See below for a quick reference list of some properties scattered throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
English Historical Properties to Visit
There are so many places that open to visitors across England that no one list of all of them exists. Be sure to search in the areas you’ll be visiting for special events and openings that are interesting to you. By doing this we were able to visit an English garden by a renowned English landscape designer, which is only open to the public twice a year!
Finding Historical Properties to Tour In the United Kingdom Share on XHere are a few historical properties in England to consider visiting.
- The Charleston Farmhouse in East Sussex, the country home of the Bloomsbury Group.
- Stokesay Court is a private family home in Shropshire. For movie buffs, this is where scenes in the movie Atonement were shot. Be sure to check their website for open dates and times.
- If you love the Arts and Crafts movement be sure to check the open dates and times for the Red House which is located in Bexleyheath, Greater London. This property was lived in by William Morris, the father of the Arts and Crafts movement. This property is managed by the National Trust.
Scottish Historical Properties
Just as in England, there’s no lack of Scottish castle and historical properties to visit. Be sure to check the tourist office in your area to see what might be open while you are there. Here are some to consider.
- The Hill House is in the Glasgow area. While it’s still under renovation, it’s an interesting place to visit and is famous for being Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece. It was commissioned by Walter Blackie, a Glasgow publisher, and is a prime example of what is known as “Glasgow style.” Be sure to visit the website for open dates and times.
- Scotland’s oldest inhabited home is the Traquair House. It dates from the early 1100’s and was originally a royal hunting lodge. You can visit the house and the grounds, where currently the 21st Lady of Traquair lives. There’s a maze to meander in, and the house crafts its own beer.
Northern Ireland Historical Properties
These historical Irish properties are absolutely beautiful, you won’t regret taking the time to see either of them.
The Grey Abbey House sits on Strangford Lough in County Down. It’s named after the Cistercian Abbey ruins which share the grounds. It’s been owned by the same family continuously since 1607. The Grey Abbey House has been used in many films. You’ll enjoy the wonderful Gothic windows and an outstanding cantilevered staircase in the main hall of the house.
Another historical property in County Down is Mount Steward, which was built later, in the mid-1800s. If you love gardens this is a property you don’t want to miss. Mount Steward is known for its gardens and the old stable buildings and walled garden. You’ll also see the Temple of the Winds which was built as a banqueting hall in the late 1700s, and is identical to the ancient Tower of the Winds in Greece.
Historical Properties in Wales
You can visit Picton Castle, which was inhabited for centuries but is now uninhabited. It is owned by longstanding Welsh families and is a popular place to visit. Its style is unique to the United Kingdom. You’ll find a few cottages for rent at Picton Castle, and a Welsh Owl Garden to explore.
Another Welsh historical property is Llanerchaeron, which is built on the site of a medieval village. It was designed by architect John Nash, who also designed the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and Buckingham Palace. It was built at the end of the 1700s and is meant to make good use of the views. Check the website for open times.
Be sure to check the websites of the 9 organizations listed above for more properties in the area you are visiting. Historical properties to tour in the United Kingdom can give you a live sense of history and a great setting for your trip’s photographs.
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