Historic Houses to Explore
Go back in time in these stunning halls and houses
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Rooted in the North’s Christian heritage, the forefathers of Ushaw were forced out of France by the French Revolution, setting sail for England in search of a new home. Originally built as a school for priests, Ushaw expanded over the years and today you can take a tour through the corridors, chapels, cloisters and permanent exhibitions which include some amazing artworks and artefacts. From family-focused art exhibitions to showcasing local talent, there’s always something to see.
Durham DH7 7DW
0191 373 8500
ushaw.org
Howick Hall
A charming hidden gem in Northumberland, Howick Hall has been the ancestral seat of the famous Earls Grey since 1319. This is a true haven for keen gardeners with a 65-acre arboretum, a vast woodland garden, a wild bog garden which flourishes in summer, and a sensory garden with a labyrinth circle, water feature and tumbled glass pond. Follow the Long Walk and you’ll end up on the beach. Obviously, there’s always time for tea – so head to the elegant tea house for a cup of Earl Grey.
Alnwick NE66 3LB
01665 577285
howickhallgardens.com
Seaton Delaval Hall
Home to the devilishly devious Delaval family, this 18th century hall is a place of great theatricality with a dramatic history. In its prime, the Grade-I mansion hosted many extravagant parties where outrageous pranks were played on unknowing guests. Although the hall was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1822, careful and extensive restoration has returned it to its former glory. Take time to explore the stunning gardens before heading to the West Wing where the stories of the Delavals come to life. The remaining central block offers a unique opportunity to explore the surviving architecture and the basement explores the lives of the staff who worked at the hall.
The Avenue, Seaton Sluice NE26 4QR
0191 237 9100
nationaltrust.org.uk
Wallington
On a sprawling 13,500-acre estate, the house at Wallington is surrounded by a mixture of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland all waiting to be explored. The former home of Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, his family were known for their love of the outdoors. Inside the hall, you can learn more about this remarkable family and the history of Northumberland. Discover pre-Raphaelite paintings in the Central Hall, alongside stunning furniture and a whole host of curiosities besides.
Cambo, near Morpeth NE61 4AR
01670 773606
nationaltrust.org.uk
Jarrow Hall
Set across 11 acres, this Anglo-Saxon open-air museum celebrates the life of the Venerable Bede, a monk, author and scholar. The Bede Museum tells the story of Bede (known as the father of English history), and there is also a replica Anglo-Saxon village which shows what an agricultural estate may have looked like in Bede’s time, as well as a living history farm with Cheviot goats, Iron Age pigs and primitive sheep (a blend of native breeds).
Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY
07802 426171
jarrowhall.com
Cragside
This stunning Arts and Crafts-style home is known as Britain’s original smart home – and with good reason. The first in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power (which it still is to this day) the house had plenty of technical wonders besides including a hydraulic lift and water-powered spit. All of these inventions were made possible by the home’s owner, the pioneering Victorian innovator Lord William Armstrong. Outside the home, explore the stunning grounds which were lovingly designed by Lord Armstrong’s wife, Margaret. A network of 40 miles of footpaths takes you under the canopy of towering trees, across timber bridges, between rugged rocks, along the banks of sparkling lakes and under arches of stunning rhododendron.
Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX
01669 620333
nationaltrust.org.uk
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
This unique Greek Revival mansion sits in 30 acres of fabulous gardens and has a medieval castle a stone’s throw away. Completed in 1817, the mansion was designed by Sir Charles Monck and the whole estate was owned by the Middleton family from the 13th century. In the famous Quarry Garden, visitors will find an impressive array of exotic plants, shrubs and flowers, and there is also a great outdoor play area.
Belsay, near Morpeth NE20 0DX
01661 881813
english-heritage.org.uk
Wentworth Woodhouse
Wentworth Woodhouse stands in 87 acres of gardens and grounds. With the longest façade in the UK, a suite of grand State Rooms and 50 acres of private gardens, this is one of the finest and grandest houses in England. Being passed down generations, across different families, means it’s a house of many styles, reflecting its diverse and intricate history. Explore its fascinating architecture and interior (book a guided tour to learn more) before visiting its expansive 50-acre grounds. New for this year, Wentworth Woodhouse introduces House of Fun, where children can lead the way and adults can let loose – from an interactive exhibition and circus acts in the gardens to silent discos in the cellars, they’ve turned the house on its head!
Rotherham S62 7TQ
01226 351161
wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
Shibden Hall
Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and offers a fascinating exploration into the lives of those who lived and worked here (notably Anne Lister, who was the focus of the BBC drama series, Gentleman Jack). Set in the picturesque Shibden Valley, the Grade II-listed hall is an interesting mixture of architectural styles, reflecting its varied history. Set in 32 hectares, explore the beautifully restored grounds and house, and outside find a boating lake, miniature railway and play area.
Lister’s Road, Halifax HX3 6XG
01422 352246
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
Castle Howard
Building for Castle Howard began in 1699, but construction took more than 100 years, spanning three generations of Earls. One of the finest stately homes in Britain, and home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, Castle Howard is popular with visitors and film crews, and has been featured in various adaptations, such as Bridgerton, Brideshead Revisited and Victoria. Expand your knowledge with a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in the rich history of the house, and a visit this year promises a reveal of the once-in-a-generation project transforming the interiors, including restoring the lost Tapestry Drawing Room. Don’t forget to wander the beautiful grounds, with woodland walks, lakes, follies and fountains.
York YO60 7DA
01653 648333
castlehoward.co.uk
Temple Newsam
One of the great houses of England, explore this historic mansion filled with treasures. Immerse yourself in the history of the house and its extraordinary inhabitants such as Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots and father to James I. Today, Temple Newsam contains a rich tapestry of period interiors from the 1600s onwards, showing how different generations lived. Not to be missed are the spectacular Picture Gallery and the intimate Chinese Drawing Room. In the ground explore the parkland and lakes, follow the nature trails and visit the rare farm animals at the Home Farm (say hello to the vaynol cow and white-faced woodland sheep). Make sure to take a stroll down the Rhododendron Walk and into the Walled Gardens which reflect 17th century designs and landscaping.
Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AE
0113 336 7460
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
Harewood House
Harewood House has remained within the Lascelles family for centuries and boasts one of the greatest 20th century collections of Italian Renaissance paintings in Britain, a notable collection of of Turner paintings, French porcelain and Chippendale furniture. Its expansive landscaped grounds have parrots and flamingos in the Bird Garden and are home to the family-friendly Farm Experience and Adventure Playscape. A brand new exhibition in the house celebrates the 250th anniversaries of JMW Turner and Jane Austen.
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
0113 218 1000
harewood.org
Sledmere House & Gardens
Sledmere has captivated visitors for more than 200 years. Stroll around the grounds at your own pace, or book a guided tour to explore the history and atmosphere of the house as you step back in time to view the spectacular fine art and architecture that has been cherished by the Sykes family for as long as the house has been standing. The kids will love the Rare Breed Farm Park and adventure play area.
Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG
01377 236637
sledmerehouse.com
Burton Agnes Hall
Since the original Norman manor house was built by Roger de Stuteville in 1173, Grade I-listed Burton Agnes Hall has never changed hands by sale, though it has at times passed from family to family, and has luckily suffered little in the way of alterations or additions throughout its history. The historic house is famous for its unsurpassed Elizabethan plasterwork, carving and panelling, and it also boasts the (reputedly haunted) Queen’s state bedroom, a Chinese room with 18th-century lacquered panels, and a fine collection of French Impressionist and contemporary art (including pieces by Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse and Renoir), bronzes, furniture and porcelain all bought and commissioned by the family over generations.
Driffield YO25 4NB
01262 490324
burtonagnes.com
