World's most stunning stately homes you can actually explore
Peek inside these lavish homes

From sturdy castles to lavish manor houses, the world is filled with fine stately homes – and many are open to visitors. To celebrate the release of the new Downton Abbey movie, we reveal the glorious stately homes you can actually explore. Go ahead, be our guest…
The Breakers, Rhode Island, USA

This extravagant 70-room country home in Newport, Rhode Island, belonged to the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt’s grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, 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.
Winter Palace, St Petersburg, Russia

Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, USA

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 property’s lavish interiors and 19 state rooms. Visitors can feast their eyes on paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Poussin too.
Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

This Gothic Revival-style mansion 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. Inside you'll find the pillared Great Hall, the library and Sir Pellatt's plush walnut and mahogany suite. Today, it’s open to the public and has also served as a filming location for TV shows and movies, including X-Men.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan

Set within a series of lush gardens, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Guided tours take place here throughout the year, and while no buildings are entered, it's a great opportunity to explore pockets of the grounds, and get a closer look at the main palace, or Kyuden. The Imperial Family also makes a balcony appearance on 2 January each year.
The Castle of Ravadinovo, near Sozopol, Bulgaria

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, UK

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Vermont, USA

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

Hearst Castle, San Simeon, USA

Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic landmark, set atop a hill in San Simeon, was the home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. It's a majestic estate influenced by European architecture and comes complete with ornate swimming pools, manicured grounds and a series of grand rooms in the main residence, Casa Grande. It’s open to the public with all manner of tours including art-focused explorations and evening trips.
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Leeds Castle, Kent, UK

Burghley House, Lincolnshire, UK

This Elizabethan gem has a busy year coming up: 2020 marks 500 years since the birth of its founder, William Cecil, who was Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. Expect plenty of celebrations including festivals, concerts, an 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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Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France

A masterpiece of French architecture, Château de Chambord is one of the most recognised castles in the world and it exemplifies classical Renaissance style. It’s even thought that Leonardo da Vinci could have been involved in its design. Chambord celebrates its 500th anniversary this year, making it the perfect time to explore. On-site activities include horse and bird-of-prey shows, boat tours, trail hiking and carriage rides.
Castle at St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, UK

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, UK

This impressive castle and stately home has been owned by 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. It also made an appearance as Brancaster Castle in two Downton Abbey Christmas specials.
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, this glittering palace warrants a whole day's exploration – its collection holds more than 60,000 works and its incredible gardens are filled with statues, fountains and the famous orangery. Don't miss the Hall of Mirrors, the most opulent room of all.
Frederiksborg Castle, Copenhagen, Denmark

Boldt Castle, New York, USA

An unexpected find in New York's Thousand Islands, this European-style castle is a stone's throw from Alexandria Bay. It was built from 1900 for affluent hotelier George C. Boldt and remains an impressive confection of conical towers, turrets and stonework today. The stately building was actually intended for Boldt's beloved wife, though she sadly died before its completion. Now visitors come for self-guided tours of the impressive 120-room property and its surrounds.
Holkham Hall, Norfolk, UK

Holkham Hall, one of England’s finest stately halls, is located just minutes from the scenic Norfolk coast, and has opened a number of never-seen-before rooms to the public this year. Book a historical tour before 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.
Kenwood House, London, UK

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 been touted as the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle, and served as a location for cult TV series Game of Thrones too.
The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

One of China’s most visited tourist attractions, The Forbidden City is popular for a reason. It has been home to more than 20 emperors in its time, and this imposing network of palaces boasts upwards of 90 palace compounds, 900-plus buildings and upwards of 8,000 rooms. Take a whole day to marvel at the medieval wooden structures and keep your eyes peeled for the many animal statues.
Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Mysore Palace, Karnataka State, India

One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace was completed as it stands today in 1912, though it's thought a fortress could have existed here since the 14th century. With its striking domes and ornate archways, the exterior is breathtaking and the interiors are just as impressive. There’s a lot to pack into a day, but be sure to check out the colourful Public Durbar Hall and the curious Doll’s Pavilion. Visit in the evening (except on Sundays or public holidays) to see the palace illuminated by 97,000 lights.
Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire, UK

Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe, with a facade even longer than that of Buckingham Palace. Boasting five miles (8km) of corridors and 80 acres of pleasure gardens, the property has plenty to explore. There are oodles of tours to choose from – from conservation-themed tours to those focused on the grounds – and you can reward yourself with afternoon tea at the end.
Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

Located just outside of Lisbon, Pena Palace sits regally atop Sintra’s verdant hills and could be pulled straight from a storybook. Pastel-hued and boasting various domes and turrets, this striking palace has housed a number of Portuguese royals throughout the ages. Its architecture typifies 19th-century Romanticism.
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 to 749, but it’s most well-known as the filming location for award-winning TV series and 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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