Analysis by South Western Railway reveals the top 15 grandest homes across the UK and the South West.
- Blenheim Palace tops the research as the grandest stately home in the UK
- Hampton Court Palace has been awarded the grandest stately home in the South West
- Rangers House in Blackheath, London, stands out as the most affordable option, with entry starting at £18.10 for an adult and child – £41.90 cheaper than Blenheim Palace
Whether you’re exploring the British countryside or a bustling city, stately homes are never far away. Britain’s grand homes are basking in the “Bridgerton effect” after the popular Netflix series spiked interest in British heritage, leading to a 49% year-on-year increase* in Google searches for ‘stately homes.’ These grand estates, with their picturesque gardens and rich interiors, offer a glimpse into Britain’s aristocratic past. But with so many to choose from, which ones are must-sees?
South Western Railway has uncovered the UK and South West’s grandest stately homes in the UK. The research analysed factors such as Google Reviews, monthly search volumes, television appearances and pricing to award each home a score out of 100.
The 10 grandest stately homes in the UK
| Rank | Place | Location | Number of 5 Star Reviews | Avg. monthly searches | Television Appearances | Cost of 1 adult and 1 child ticket | Overall score/100 |
| 1 | Blenheim Palace | Woodstock, Oxfordshire | 9,362 | 60,500 | 71 | £60.00 | 95 |
| 2 | Hampton Court Palace | Molesey, Richmond upon Thames | 16,800 | 74,000 | 19 | £45.00 | 91.1 |
| 3 | Chatsworth House | Bakewell, Derbyshire | 14,700 | 74,000 | 20 | £45.00 | 88.2 |
| 4 | Burghley House | Stamford, Peterborough | 3,430 | 201,000 | 15 | £26.00 | 87.8 |
| 5 | Montacute House | Montacute, South Somerset | 2,632 | 135,000 | 3 | £19.50 | 74.4 |
| 6 | Rangers House | Blackheath, London | 99 | 165,000 | 1 | £18.10 | 73.8 |
| 7 | Hatfield House | Hatfield, Hertfordshire | 1,200 | 33,100 | 46 | £36 | 73.7 |
| 8 | Bletchley Park | Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes | 9,909 | 27,100 | 1 | £26 | 72.5 |
| 9 | Alnwick Castle | Alnwick, Northumberland | 6,621 | 90,500 | 18 | £31.30 | 70.1 |
| 10 | Highclere Castle | Highclere, Newbury | 3,083 | 33,100 | 28 | £45 | 67.7 |
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace, the UK’s second-largest inhabited palace, tops the list. Built after the Norman conquest, it has been central to British history and film, from the War of the Roses to the ancient tree featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It boasts 71 TV and film appearances, including Bridgerton and Black Adder. Home to stunning art, gardens, and a butterfly house, Blenheim has over 9,000 5-star Google reviews and scored an impressive 95/100 in the ranking.
2. Hampton Court Palace, Richmond upon Thames
Hampton Court Palace, one of the UK’s most iconic royal residences, ranks second. Built in the early 16th century for Cardinal Wolsey, it later became a favorite of King Henry VIII. The palace features remarkable art, priceless artifacts, world-famous gardens, a hedge maze, and the magnificent Great Hall. With over 16,000 5-star Google reviews, it’s a must-visit for anyone eager to experience the grandeur of British history.
3. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Concluding the top three grandest stately homes is Derbyshire’s Chatsworth House. Built in the 16th century and still home to the Cavendish family, it has been a significant part of British history. Its stunning architecture and rich heritage have made it a sought-after filming location, featuring in productions like The Duchess and Peaky Blinders. Chatsworth boasts 14,700 five-star reviews, thanks to its exceptional art collection and expansive estate, which includes beautiful gardens, a farmyard, playground, and sculpture park.
The 5 grandest stately homes in the South West
| Rank | Place | Area | Avg. monthly searches | Number of 5 Star Reviews | Television Appearances | Cost of 1 adult and 1 child ticket | Overall score/100 |
| 1 | Hampton Court Palace | Molesey, Richmond upon Thames | 74,000 | 16,800 | 19 | £45 | 91.1 |
| 2 | Highclere Castle | Highclere, Newbury | 33,100 | 3,083 | 28 | £45 | 67.7 |
| 3 | Osborne House | East Cowes, Isle of Wight | 33,100 | 5,323 | 0 | £38.10 | 61.7 |
| 4 | Kingston Lacy | Wimborne, Dorset | 22,200 | 3,749 | 0 | £28.50 | 59.1 |
| 5 | Great Chalfield Manor and Garden | Melksham, Wiltshire | 33,100 | 400 | 3 | £19.50 | 57.6 |
1.Hampton Court Palace, Richmond upon Thames
Hampton Court Palace emerges once more in the research as the South West’s grandest stately home. Its impressive 91.1/100 score can be attributed to its 16,800 5-star reviews and 74,000 average monthly searches – making it the most searched for and highest-rated home in the South West.
2. Highclere Castle, Newbury
Featuring in second place is Highclere Castle, with an overall score of 67.7/100. This Berkshire estate boasts the highest number of TV appearances in the South West, with 28 as the primary filming location for Downton Abbey. It’s no surprise that Highclere earned 33,100 five-star reviews, as visitors flock from near and far to explore its opulent interiors, artwork, and impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts.
3. Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Rounding off the top three is Osborne House, earning a modest score of 61.7/100. Located on the Isle of Wight, this former summer retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert attracts 33,100 average monthly searches, making it the region’s second most sought-after home. Visitors can explore the house’s magnificent rooms, original furnishings, landscaped gardens, and private beach for a reasonable price of £38.10 for one adult and one child.