Best National Trust houses: Visit a real-life Downton Abbey at one of England’s top 10 majestic manors

Our experts have curated a list of standout National Trust properties, from all over the UK.

So, whether you're a local seeking nearby treasures or on holiday exploring new horizons, these estates offer an exciting experience for adventurers of all ages:

Best National Trust houses:

Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Best National Trust house for Italianate Splendour

Transport yourself to the allure of Venice without leaving Britain at Kingston Lacy.

Originally built in the 1660s, this exquisite Dorset mansion underwent a transformation into a Venetian palace in the 1830s by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament.

The explorer William John Bankes, who inherited the house, infused it with treasures from his European and Egyptian expeditions, creating an art collection now deemed the most impressive in the National Trust’s care.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 10.30–3 (winter 10.30–2.30).
• Amenities: Café, shop, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire. Dogs welcome in the parkland.

For more information read the full feature about Kingston Lacy: what to see and do

Ightham Mote, Kent

Best National Trust house for Medieval Sumptuousness

Step back 700 years at Ightham Mote, a quintessential example of medieval living.

This Kentish ragstone and Wealden oak manor house has witnessed centuries of history.

From being a residence for an army captain during the Hundred Years’ War to hosting a 'gentleman composer,' the Mote reflects a rich tapestry of ownership.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–4.30 (winter 11–3).
• Amenities: Café, bookshop, gardens, parkland, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire. Dogs allowed in the gardens Nov–Feb.

For more information read the full feature about Ightham Mote: what to see and do

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Best National Trust house for Style on a Vast Scale

Attingham Park, a Georgian mansion commissioned by the wealthy Hill family, is a testament to extravagance.

With 81 hectares of parkland on a 3,237-hectare estate, it was built in the Regency style. Home to a straw-bale fortress, a 'Field of Play,' and natural play areas, Attingham offers family-friendly adventures.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–4 (winter 10–3.30).
• Amenities: Café, shop, parkland, walled garden, playground, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire. Dogs on leads welcome.

For more information read the full feature about Attingham Park: what to see and do

Cragside, Northumberland

Best National Trust house for Pioneering Technology

Cragside, the visionary creation of industrialist William Armstrong, is a Victorian marvel.

This mock-Tudor mansion on a Northumberland hillside was the first house worldwide to be powered by hydro-electricity.

With electric lighting, a dishwasher, and a telephone system, Cragside was at the forefront of technological innovation.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–4 (closed from 6 Nov).
• Amenities: Tea room, shop, garden, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire. Dogs welcome outdoors.

For more information read the full feature about Cragside: what to see and do

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

Best National Trust house for Palatial Proportions

Hardwick Hall, built by the formidable 'Bess of Hardwick,' stands as a remarkable example of Elizabethan splendor.

Constructed in the Italian Renaissance style, it was the first architect-designed English house. Inside, the house boasts an impressive collection of 16th and 17th-century tapestries and furniture.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–3.30 (winter 11–3).
• Amenities: Restaurant, shop, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire.

For more information read the full feature about Hardwick Hall: what to see and do

Belton House, Lincolnshire

Best National Trust house for Lavish Interiors

Belton House, a Carolean-style mansion since 1685, showcases opulence at its finest.

Lavished with money, the house boasts Dutch and Italian-inspired gardens, 526 hectares of parkland, and an outdoor adventure playground.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–4 (winter 11–2.30).
• Amenities: Café, shop, bookshop, garden, park, indoor play, playground, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire. Dogs on leads welcome.

For more information read the full feature about Belton House: what to see and do

Stourhead, Wiltshire

Best National Trust house for Landscaped Gardens

Stourhead's park, designed by Henry II as "a living work of art," surpasses typical English landscapes.

With temples, grottoes, and a Palladian bridge, it tells the epic story of Aeneas' journey into the underworld. The extensive estate offers picturesque walks and panoramic views from King Alfred's Tower.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–4 (winter 11–3).
• Amenities: Restaurant, pub, shop, bookshop, landscape garden, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire. Dogs on leads welcome.

For more information read the full feature about Stourhead: what to see and do

Blickling Hall, Norfolk

Best National Trust house for Captivating Past

Discover the intriguing history of Blickling Hall, where the question of Anne Boleyn's birth lingers amidst the sumptuous surroundings.

The grand Jacobean moated house that now stands is adorned with a statue and portrait of Henry VIII's ill-fated second wife suggesting a connection to her early years.

Visiting details:

• House Opening Hours: 11–4 (tours only in winter).
• Amenities: Café, restaurant, shop, gardens, parkland, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire.

For more information read the full feature about Blickling Hall: what to see and do

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Best National Trust house for Scandalous Luxury

Indulge in the allure of Cliveden, built in 1666 as a lavish gift for the 2nd Duke of Buckingham's mistress.

Passing through the hands of dukes, earls, and even a prince, it became synonymous with the Astor family, marked by the scandalous Profumo Affair in the 1960s.

Perched high above the Thames, Cliveden now serves as a luxury hotel, offering guided tours and access to 121 hectares of woodlands, formal gardens, and the captivating Cliveden Reach of the Thames.

Visiting details:

• Gardens Opening Hours: 9.30–5.30 (winter 9.30–4).
• Amenities: Café, plant shop, second-hand bookshop, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire, dogs welcome.

For more information read the full feature about Cliveden: what to see and do

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Best National Trust house for Magnificent Moat

Discover the captivating history of Dunham Massey, a moated Georgian house with roots dating back to the early 17th century.

Uncover the intriguing tales, including the Victorian-era prejudices that shaped its fate, roam the 121-hectare park, home to fallow deer, and explore the vibrant grounds featuring one of Britain's largest winter gardens.

Visiting details:

• Gardens Opening Hours: 10–5 (winter 10–4).
• Amenities: Café, restaurant, bookshop, shop, parkland, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire, dogs welcome.

For more information read the full feature about Dunham Massey: what to see and do

Looking for more inspirational days out with The National Trust?

We've put together comprehensive guides and features about the National Trust properties, including their best cinema locations and their best walks.