World’s most stunning stately homes you can actually explore

Travel, Travel Tips, World Roaming 9 Minutes

Slide 1 of 30: From castles to palaces, halls to manor houses, we’ve rounded up some of the world’s finest stately homes which also happen to be open to visitors. Go ahead, be our guest…

1/30 SLIDES © Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

The world’s stateliest homes

From castles to palaces, halls to manor houses, we’ve rounded up some of the world’s finest stately homes which also happen to be open to visitors. Go ahead, be our guest…
Slide 2 of 30: This extravagant 70-room country home in Newport, Rhode Island belonged to the Vanderbilts. Inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, Commodore Vanderbilt’s grandson Cornelius commissioned the renovation of this once wooden ‘cottage’ and transformed it into an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. Its lavishly decorated rooms (think platinum, marble and intricate stonework) are now open to the public throughout the year.
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The Breakers, Rhode Island, USA

This extravagant 70-room country home in Newport, Rhode Island belonged to the Vanderbilts. Inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, Commodore Vanderbilt’s grandson Cornelius commissioned the renovation of this once wooden ‘cottage’ and transformed it into an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. Its lavishly decorated rooms (think platinum, marble and intricate stonework) are now open to the public throughout the year.
Slide 3 of 30: This UNESCO World Heritage site has been home to many a knight and royal over the years and it’s now France’s second most-visited tourist attraction, after the Eiffel Tower. This medieval citadel comprises a staggering 53 towers, joined by walls and surrounded by a moat. Within the fortifications, there’s plenty to explore including a castle, church and even a small town. The views from the top of the hill more than make up for the crowds too.
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Castle of Carcassonne, Carcassonne, France

This UNESCO World Heritage site has been home to many a knight and royal over the years and it’s now France’s second most-visited tourist attraction, after the Eiffel Tower. This medieval citadel comprises a staggering 53 towers, joined by walls and surrounded by a moat. Within the fortifications, there’s plenty to explore including a castle, church and even a small town. The views from the top of the hill more than make up for the crowds too.
Slide 4 of 30: America’s largest home, built by George Vanderbilt II, is modeled on the Château de Blois in France's Loire Valley. This impressive mansion was built over a six-year period (1889-1895) and boasts more than 250 exquisitely-decorated rooms. It’s open to the public 365 days a year. While there, why not visit the estate’s winery, six restaurants or even stay the night?

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Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, USA

America’s largest home, built by George Vanderbilt II, is modeled on the Château de Blois in France’s Loire Valley. This impressive mansion was built over a six-year period (1889-1895) and boasts more than 250 exquisitely-decorated rooms. It’s open to the public 365 days a year. While there, why not visit the estate’s winery, six restaurants or even stay the night?
Slide 5 of 30: This Gothic Revival-style mansion and gardens should be on any Toronto must-visit list. Constructed between 1911 and 1914 (it took 300 workers to build), it was the former residence of financier Sir Henry Pellatt. It was meant to have three bowling alleys in the basement alone but construction halted with the outbreak of the First World War. Today, it’s open to the public (it can even be rented out in the evening) and it’s also a popular filming location for TV shows and movies, including X-Men. Discover more Toronto highlights here.

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Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

This Gothic Revival-style mansion and gardens should be on any Toronto must-visit list. Constructed between 1911 and 1914 (it took 300 workers to build), it was the former residence of financier Sir Henry Pellatt. It was meant to have three bowling alleys in the basement alone but construction halted with the outbreak of the First World War. Today, it’s open to the public (it can even be rented out in the evening) and it’s also a popular filming location for TV shows and movies, including X-Men.

Slide 6 of 30: This striking Baroque-style palace was the official residence of many a Russian Tsar from 1732 to 1917. Today, visitors can take a look around the expansive palace which now forms part of the Hermitage Museum (the largest art gallery in Russia). The palace boasts a whopping 1,945 windows, 1,786 doors and 1,057 lavishly-decorated rooms – many of which are open to the public.
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Winter Palace, St Petersburg, Russia

This striking Baroque-style palace was the official residence of many a Russian Tsar from 1732 to 1917. Today, visitors can take a look around the expansive palace which now forms part of the Hermitage Museum (the largest art gallery in Russia). The palace boasts a whopping 1,945 windows, 1,786 doors and 1,057 lavishly-decorated rooms – many of which are open to the public.
Slide 7 of 30: The Queen’s official London residence opens its doors to the public every summer. On top of being able to take a sneak peek behind the scenes of a working palace, it’s also an opportunity to explore the palace’s lavish interiors and 19 state rooms. Visitors can feast their eyes on paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Poussin. Read our full guide to London here.

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Buckingham Palace, London, UK

The Queen’s official London residence opens its doors to the public every summer. On top of being able to take a sneak peek behind the scenes of a working palace, it’s also an opportunity to explore the palace’s lavish interiors and 19 state rooms. Visitors can feast their eyes on paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Poussin.

Slide 8 of 30: The primary residence of Japan’s Imperial family, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is set within a series of gardens on the former site of Edo (the name previously given to Tokyo). Guided tours of the grounds take place throughout the year and while no buildings are entered, they’re a great opportunity to explore the gardens – and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. The Imperial Family make balcony appearances on 2 January and 23 December each year. Once you've discovered all Tokyo has to offer, find the best weekend trips from the city here.

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Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan

The primary residence of Japan’s Imperial family, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is set within a series of gardens on the former site of Edo (the name previously given to Tokyo). Guided tours of the grounds take place throughout the year and while no buildings are entered, they’re a great opportunity to explore the gardens – and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. The Imperial Family make balcony appearances on 2 January and 23 December each year. Once you’ve discovered all Tokyo has to offer, find the best weekend trips from the city here.

Slide 9 of 30: Also known as the castle “in love with the wind”, this fairy-tale home was built single-handedly by ex-world champion wrestler Georgi Tumbalov, and it’s a sight to behold. While it may look like a medieval relic, construction only started in 1997. Boasting impressive gardens, an art gallery, summer cinema, horse riding center and even a small zoo, this eye-catching castle is definitely worth a visit.

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The Castle of Ravadinovo, Sozopol, Bulgaria

Also known as the castle “in love with the wind”, this fairy-tale home was built single-handedly by ex-world champion wrestler Georgi Tumbalov, and it’s a sight to behold. While it may look like a medieval relic, construction only started in 1997. Boasting impressive gardens, an art gallery, summer cinema, horse riding center and even a small zoo, this eye-catching castle is definitely worth a visit.
Slide 10 of 30: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home was built by Robert Lincoln, the son of former president Abraham Lincoln, at the turn of the 20th century. It was primarily used as a summer home and today there is more than enough to explore. As well as the building, you can take a look around the well-kept gardens, a dairy farm and a Pullman car.

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Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Vermont, USA

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home was built by Robert Lincoln, the son of former president Abraham Lincoln, at the turn of the 20th century. It was primarily used as a summer home and today there is more than enough to explore. As well as the building, you can take a look around the well-kept gardens, a dairy farm and a Pullman car.
Slide 11 of 30: This ornate Jacobethan-style country house, located five miles south of Newbury in Berkshire, has an impressive history. The first written records of the Highclere estate date back to 749 but it’s most well-known as the filming location for award-winning TV series and soon to be film, Downton Abbey. Selected events take place throughout the year for the public and the estate’s castle, gardens and Egyptian exhibition can be visited during summer.

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Highclere Castle, Newbury, UK

This ornate Jacobethan-style country house, located five miles south of Newbury in Berkshire, has an impressive history. The first written records of the Highclere estate date back to 749 but it’s most well-known as the filming location for award-winning TV series and soon to be film, Downton Abbey. Selected events take place throughout the year for the public and the estate’s castle, gardens and Egyptian exhibition can be visited during summer.

Slide 12 of 30: Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic landmark was the former home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. While Hearst’s original intentions were modest – he intended to build a bungalow – the outcome was a majestic estate influenced by European architecture, set atop a verdant hill at San Simeon. It’s open to the public with all manner of tours including art-focused explorations and evening trips.

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Hearst Castle, San Simeon, USA

Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic landmark was the former home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. While Hearst’s original intentions were modest – he intended to build a bungalow – the outcome was a majestic estate influenced by European architecture, set atop a verdant hill at San Simeon. It’s open to the public with all manner of tours including art-focused explorations and evening trips.
Slide 13 of 30: The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill needs no introduction. On top of learning all about the former Prime Minister’s early years, visitors can explore the palace’s many state rooms (and portrait, tapestry and furniture collections), roam the tranquil pleasure gardens and lose themselves in the Marlborough Maze. There’s also a miniature train for children, organ recitals and forest schools – you may need more than a day to explore!

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Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill needs no introduction. On top of learning all about the former Prime Minister’s early years, visitors can explore the palace’s many state rooms (and portrait, tapestry and furniture collections), roam the tranquil pleasure gardens and lose themselves in the Marlborough Maze. There’s also a miniature train for children, organ recitals and forest schools – you may need more than a day to explore!
Slide 14 of 30: From open-air concerts to garden festivals and weddings, King Henry VIII’s former residence is no stranger to hosting elaborate events. But regular daytime tours of the environs are also highly recommended. Aside from exploring the grand palace and its artifacts, day-trippers can also visit the stunning gardens and maze, and even participate in Baroque chocolate-making courses in the palace’s kitchens.
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Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, UK

From open-air concerts to garden festivals and weddings, King Henry VIII’s former residence is no stranger to hosting elaborate events. But regular daytime tours of the environs are also highly recommended. Aside from exploring the grand palace and its artifacts, day-trippers can also visit the stunning gardens and maze, and even participate in Baroque chocolate-making courses in the palace’s kitchens.
Slide 15 of 30: Leeds Castle sits just five miles southeast of Maidstone and celebrates its 900th anniversary this year. Open year round – including Christmas Day – there's plenty of history to soak up (Henry VIII frequented the castle regularly). Visitors can also punt on the moat, enjoy falconry displays, and explore the manicured gardens and mazes.
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Leeds Castle, Kent, UK

Leeds Castle sits just five miles southeast of Maidstone and celebrates its 900th anniversary this year. Open year round – including Christmas Day – there’s plenty of history to soak up (Henry VIII frequented the castle regularly). Visitors can also punt on the moat, enjoy falconry displays, and explore the manicured gardens and mazes.
Slide 16 of 30: This Elizabethan gem has a busy year coming up: 2020 marks the 500th anniversary of its founder William Cecil. Expect plenty of celebrations including festivals, concerts, outdoor cinema and food markets. The house and gardens are open daily, plus there’s even the opportunity to stay overnight in the estate’s dairy.

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Burghley House, Lincolnshire, UK

This Elizabethan gem has a busy year coming up: 2020 marks the 500th anniversary of its founder William Cecil. Expect plenty of celebrations including festivals, concerts, outdoor cinema and food markets. The house and gardens are open daily, plus there’s even the opportunity to stay overnight in the estate’s dairy.
Slide 17 of 30: This pretty tidal island has been home to the St Aubyn family since the 17th century. Accessible by foot via a cobbled causeway at low tide, the castle is open to the public daily (except Saturdays) and organizes all manner of activities including garden tours, foraging, picnics and rockpooling at low tide.
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St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, UK

This pretty tidal island has been home to the St Aubyn family since the 17th century. Accessible by foot via a cobbled causeway at low tide, the castle is open to the public daily (except Saturdays) and organizes all manner of activities including garden tours, foraging, picnics and rockpooling at low tide.
Slide 18 of 30: This impressive castle and stately home has belonged to the Percy family for more than 700 years. It’s also famed for being one of the film locations for Harry Potter so expect plenty of wizard-related activities including dragon quests and broomstick training.
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Alnwick Castle Northumberland, UK

This impressive castle and stately home has belonged to the Percy family for more than 700 years. It’s also famed for being one of the film locations for Harry Potter so expect plenty of wizard-related activities including dragon quests and broomstick training.

Slide 19 of 30: The principal royal residence of France between 1682 and 1789, Versailles is every bit as splendid as you’d imagine. Located 12 miles southwest of Paris, it’s more than worth a trip. You’ll need the whole day – the museum contains more than 60,000 works, plus the gardens are too grand to miss.
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Palace of Versailles, Paris, France

The principal royal residence of France between 1682 and 1789, Versailles is every bit as splendid as you’d imagine. Located 12 miles southwest of Paris, it’s more than worth a trip. You’ll need the whole day – the museum contains more than 60,000 works, plus the gardens are too grand to miss.
Slide 20 of 30: The largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia, Frederiksborg Castle is situated to the north of Copenhagen. It was built in the early 17th century by the then-king Christian IV. Today, it’s home to the Museum of National History which is well worth exploring. What’s more, the castle’s old wine cellar has been converted into a children’s department, offering all sorts of activities including Renaissance dress-up.
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Frederiksborg Castle, Copenhagen, Denmark

The largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia, Frederiksborg Castle is situated to the north of Copenhagen. It was built in the early 17th century by the then-king Christian IV. Today, it’s home to the Museum of National History which is well worth exploring. What’s more, the castle’s old wine cellar has been converted into a children’s department, offering all sorts of activities including Renaissance dress-up.
Slide 21 of 30: Holkham Hall, one of England’s finest stately halls located just minutes from the scenic Norfolk coast, will be unveiling a number of never-seen-before rooms to the public this year. Book a historical tour between April and October 2019 to see stately rooms such as the Venetian Bedroom and the Old Servants’ Hall, plus a number of hidden passages, attics and cellars. Discover what else North Norfolk has to offer here.

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Holkham Hall, Norfolk, UK

Holkham Hall, one of England’s finest stately halls located just minutes from the scenic Norfolk coast, will be unveiling a number of never-seen-before rooms to the public this year. Book a historical tour between April and October 2019 to see stately rooms such as the Venetian Bedroom and the Old Servants’ Hall, plus a number of hidden passages, attics and cellars. Discover what else North Norfolk has to offer here.

Slide 22 of 30: One of London’s hidden gems, Kenwood House sits to the north of Hampstead Heath and is well worth a wander. It’s a little-known fact that it also houses an impressive collection of artwork, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Gainsborough. Don’t miss the fantastic library, either. It’s adorned with marble, murals and antique books.
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Kenwood House, London, UK

One of London’s hidden gems, Kenwood House sits to the north of Hampstead Heath and is well worth a wander. It’s a little-known fact that it also houses an impressive collection of artwork, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Gainsborough. Don’t miss the fantastic library, either. It’s adorned with marble, murals and antique books.
Slide 23 of 30: Shaped like the bow of a ship, this medieval castle-palace is a sight to behold. While it was originally built as a fortress, it has also served as a state palace and a military academy in its time. It’s also claimed to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. Since being used as a location in hit TV series Game of Thrones, it has become even more popular so book tickets ahead.
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Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

Shaped like the bow of a ship, this medieval castle-palace is a sight to behold. While it was originally built as a fortress, it has also served as a state palace and a military academy in its time. It’s also claimed to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. Since being used as a location in hit TV series Game of Thrones, it has become even more popular so book tickets ahead.

Slide 24 of 30: China’s most-visited tourist attraction is popular for a reason. On top of having been the home to more than 20 emperors in its time, this imposing network of palaces boasts upwards of 90 palace quarters, 900 buildings and 8,000 rooms. Take a whole day to marvel at the medieval wooden structures and keep your eyes peeled for the many animal statues that line the roofs.

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The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

China’s most-visited tourist attraction is popular for a reason. On top of having been the home to more than 20 emperors in its time, this imposing network of palaces boasts upwards of 90 palace quarters, 900 buildings and 8,000 rooms. Take a whole day to marvel at the medieval wooden structures and keep your eyes peeled for the many animal statues that line the roofs.
Slide 25 of 30: This ornate 15th-century palace served as the political headquarters – and residence – of many sultans for almost 400 years. Each sultan added a different element to the palace, which opened to the public in 1924, making it a curious maze of buildings to explore today. Don’t miss the sacred relics department on your visit, it’s home to all manner of treasures.
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Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

This ornate 15th-century palace served as the political headquarters – and residence – of many sultans for almost 400 years. Each sultan added a different element to the palace, which opened to the public in 1924, making it a curious maze of buildings to explore today. Don’t miss the sacred relics department on your visit, it’s home to all manner of treasures.
Slide 26 of 30: A masterpiece of French architecture, Château de Chambord is one of the most recognized castles in the world and it exemplifies classical Renaissance style. It’s thought that Leonardo da Vinci was involved in its design. Chambord celebrates its 500th anniversary this year, making it the perfect time to explore. On-site activities include horse and birds of prey shows, boat tours, hiking trails and horse-drawn carriage rides.
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Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France

A masterpiece of French architecture, Château de Chambord is one of the most recognized castles in the world and it exemplifies classical Renaissance style. It’s thought that Leonardo da Vinci was involved in its design. Chambord celebrates its 500th anniversary this year, making it the perfect time to explore. On-site activities include horse and birds of prey shows, boat tours, hiking trails and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Slide 27 of 30: In 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle opened its doors to visitors and people have been coming in their droves ever since. This majestic castle was the brainchild of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, who used it to hide away from the public eye. While heavy restoration work is ongoing, all rooms are open to look around and like Spain’s Alcázar of Segovia, it’s also said to have inspired Walt Disney.
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

In 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle opened its doors to visitors and people have been coming in their droves ever since. This majestic castle was the brainchild of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, who used it to hide away from the public eye. While heavy restoration work is ongoing, all rooms are open to look around and like Spain’s Alcázar of Segovia, it’s also said to have inspired Walt Disney.
Slide 28 of 30: One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace was restored by English architect Henry Unwin in 1912. With its striking gold dome and ornate archways, the exterior is a sight to behold and the interiors are just as impressive. There’s a lot to pack into a day but be sure to check out the Public Durbar Hall and the Doll’s Pavilion. Visit on a Sunday or public holidays to see the palace illuminated by 97,000 lights. Read more: 15 spectacular American castles you didn't know existed

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Mysore Palace, Karnataka State, India

One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace was restored by English architect Henry Unwin in 1912. With its striking gold dome and ornate archways, the exterior is a sight to behold and the interiors are just as impressive. There’s a lot to pack into a day but be sure to check out the Public Durbar Hall and the Doll’s Pavilion. Visit on a Sunday or public holidays to see the palace illuminated by 97,000 lights.

Slide 29 of 30: Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe and double the size of Buckingham Palace. Boasting five miles of corridors and 80 acres of pleasure gardens, it’s a guaranteed great day out. There are three tours to choose from and if you book onto all three, be sure to reward yourself with the newly-launched afternoon tea at the end. Read more: 50 of the most beautiful small towns in the world

Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire, UK

Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe and double the size of Buckingham Palace. Boasting five miles of corridors and 80 acres of pleasure gardens, it’s a guaranteed great day out. There are three tours to choose from and if you book onto all three, be sure to reward yourself with the newly-launched afternoon tea at the end.

Slide 30 of 30: Located just outside of Lisbon, Pena Palace sits regally atop Sintra’s verdant hills and it looks every bit like something out of a fairy tale. Pastel-hued and boasting various domes and turrets, this striking palace, which housed a number of Portuguese royals throughout the ages, typifies 19th-century Romanticist architecture. Read more: Britain's prettiest palaces fit for a queen

 

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

Located just outside of Lisbon, Pena Palace sits regally atop Sintra’s verdant hills and it looks every bit like something out of a fairy tale. Pastel-hued and boasting various domes and turrets, this striking palace, which housed a number of Portuguese royals throughout the ages, typifies 19th-century Romanticist architecture.

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