Discover England’s Heritage with Stately Homes and Traditional Pubs

Attractions | Country Pubs | Countryside | Events | Featured | Historic | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.07.03

England is filled with history, where every corner seems to whisper tales from centuries ago. Historic houses and pubs form a tapestry of heritage and hospitality, offering visitors a journey through time.  

Manor houses and stately homes are architectural marvels telling stories of the lives, loves and legends of their former inhabitants. Nearby historic pubs echo the same storied past, providing a warm embrace of traditional English hospitality. After exploring regal halls and gardens, there’s no better place to unwind than in a cosy pub filled with local charm.  

We’ve worked with Heritage Explore to bring you a curated list of historic houses to explore across the country, alongside a few charming pubs located nearby.  

Broughton Sanctuary 

The Tempest family has been at Broughton Hall near Skipton, North Yorkshire since the 11th century, with Roger Tempest representing the 32nd generation. The current house, adapted in the 19th century, features a monumental porch of Ionic columns added by architect George Webster in the 1830s. TV shows like Channel 5’s “All Creatures Great and Small” and Netflix’s “The English Game” have featured the house. Beyond the house, Avalon retreat center has Fibonacci sequences on its doors, while the Utopia bistro and a garden by Dan Pearson enhance the estate. Since 2021, a nature recovery project has planted 230,000 trees and is assessing the reintroduction of beavers in the wetlands. 

Where to stay near Broughton Sanctuary  

• The Tempest Arms: Located about ten minutes from Skipton, this traditional pub features stylishly refurbished rooms, some of which have balconies overlooking the Yorkshire countryside. 
• Woolly Sheep Inn: An award-winning, dog-friendly pub in Skipton with 12 beautifully decorated bedrooms. Owned by Timothy Taylor’s, one of the oldest family-owned breweries with over 160 years’ heritage, the pub serves a range of the breweries ales, in addition to delicious home cooked pub classics. 

Holkham Hall 

Holkham Hall, inspired by Thomas Cooke’s Grand Tour of Italy, is a prime example of Palladian architecture in England. The estate has been the seat of the Coke family, Earls of Leicester, for over 250 years. 

The Hall itself is surrounded by an extensive 25,000-acre estate comprising rolling parkland, ancient woodland, and a stunning walled garden. The interior of Holkham Hall is as impressive as its exterior, with opulent state rooms, a remarkable art collection, and an extensive library. The Marble Hall, a grand space with a spectacular ceiling is one area of the hall not to miss, alongside the Landscape Room, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland.  

Where to stay near Holkham Hall  

• The Globe Inn, a gorgeous costal pub found in the town of Wells-next-to-the-sea. Inspired by the towns maritime charm, the pub has recently undergone a refurbishment, with the 19 bedrooms featuring touches of the Norfolk shores. Make the most of the coastal vibes with a visit to the sandy beaches just a short stroll away. 
• The Hoste, located in the picturesque village of Burnham Market, named one of the UK’s most beautiful villages. The pub features 45 uniquely designed bedrooms, a 17th century wood pannelled restaurant, a beautiful walled garden and a serene beauty spa. 

Newby Hall & Gardens 

Described as being the ‘jewel of the north’, Newby Hall has a rich history starting in the 1690s with Sir Edward Blackett who built a new mansion on the site. The house, enlarged in the 1760s by William Weddell, passed through various families and is remains in the Compton family today.  

The house was opened to the public in 1948 by current owner Richard Compton’s grandfather Major Edward Compton, a fanatical gardener who described his inheritance of Newby as ‘a lovely picture with no frame’ – a house without a garden. He put this right, and now the garden includes a popular model railway, on which visitors can ride.  

Where to stay near Newby Hall & Gardens 

• The Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge is just a few miles from Newby. This pub is not only a fantastic spot to enjoy delicious pub classics, but it also boasts some stunning bedrooms. Whereby, each room is uniquely decorated and features luxurious amenities such as Egyptian cotton linens. 
• The Royal Oak is found a 10-minute drive away in Ripon. During your stay, you can admire Ripon’s stunning architecture, including the cathedral, and observe the Ripon Hornblower, one of the UK’s oldest continuous traditions. Head back to the pub after a day of exploring for a delicious meal and peaceful sleep.  

Stansted Park 

Stansted Park, with history dating back to 1094, has seen various owners and rebuilds, including a new house in 1688 for Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarborough with formal gardens, avenues, and sweeping parkland.  

The estate was considerably marked by the Second World War, when 85 bombs fell on the estate. On one occasion a German aircraft carrying a landmine fell on the cricket ground and exploded, killing its crew, watched by the Countess of Bessborough from a safe distance. Evacuated children from Portsmouth occupied the north and stable wings of the house, and when the Home Guard was formed they used the theatre at Stansted during the evenings, until one day in 1942 it was accidentally burned down. 

Where to stay near Stansted Park 

• The Hampshire Hog is a 20-minute drive from Stansted Park and offers excellent accommodation for those wishing to stay nearby. This dog-friendly pub offers a variety of en-suite rooms, including accessible options. Be sure to take advantage of the South Downs National Park located nearby, offering walking and cycling routes. 
• The White Hart is a bit further away from Stansted Park, however its charm is unparalleled. You can look forward to open fireplaces, oak beams, and cosy armchairs perfect for snuggling up in. During the summer months, enjoy a cold beer in the beer garden while chatting with the locals. 

Stonor Park 

Home to the Stonor family for over 850 years, Stonor Park offers visitors a rich tapestry of history, art, and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, Stonor Park’s history is deeply intertwined with the religious and political upheavals of England, having provided refuge to notable historical figures such as St. Edmund Campion.  

The estate boasts a perfectly preserved prehistoric stone circle, believed to be the oldest resident of Stonor Park, adding a mystical element to the grounds. The house has also featured in various film and television productions, including The Crown and Bridgerton, where its picturesque grounds and historic interiors provide a perfect backdrop. 

Where to stay near Stonor Park 

• The Crown Inn in Benson is an excellent base for exploring this historic estate. Just a 20-minute drive from Stonor Park, The Crown Inn exudes a classic country pub atmosphere. It features a dining room with low wooden beams and traditional furniture whilst also incorporating bold colours and modern bedrooms to add a contemporary twist.