Historic Houses, Castles & Palaces

Near to Owlpen

Chavenage House

An Elizabethan house of mellow grey Cotswold stone and tiles. It’s a privately owned family home and estate. The property has been used for filming of movies and TV shows such as Poldark and Rivals. The owners have a YouTube channel called ‘Life on the Manor’, which we enjoy watching, documenting the trials and joys of owning an old manor house and estate that has been in their family for generations. Tours can be booked, or you can visit the café on the estate. chavenage.com

Newark Park

A country house of Tudor origins on an estate of 700 acres. It’s a National Trust property so there is a fee to enter the gardens & estate, and the house. There are three waymarked walks around the estate, and gardens with seasonal blooms to explore. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/newark-park

Woodchester Mansion

An unfinished, Gothic revival mansion house in a beautiful Cotswolds valley. Development of the house stopped mid construction so floors and ceilings are missing, walls are not plastered and windows are unglazed. This means all the secrets of construction are visible - something which cannot be seen in other country houses. woodchestermansion.org.uk

Berkeley Castle

A medieval fortress with over 900 years of history. It’s a captivating place to explore with a vaulted Great Hall, ancient staircases and a Romanesque chapel hidden in the walls. Berkeley Castle is rich in stories - from royal visits to historic battles, and dark secrets in the dungeons. berkeley-castle.com

Further afield in the Cotswolds

Broadway Tower

Standing tall on a hilltop, Broadway Tower offers one of the most spectacular views in the Cotswolds. It can be visited as part of a loop walk from Broadway. The tower itself has links to the Arts and Crafts movement, and Cold War era bunkers beneath the ground. broadwaytower.co.uk

Sudeley Castle

A romantic and historic castle, best known as the burial place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. The castle offers a mix of Tudor history and peaceful beauty, and offers exhibitions that bring the history to life. sudeleycastle.co.uk

Snowshill Manor

A unique property known for its vast collection of objects gathered by eccentric collector Charles Wade. From samurai armour to vintage toys, the displays are full of character, and the surrounding gardens offer a quiet escape. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/snowshill-manor-and-garden/visiting-snowshill-manor

Gloucester Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning vaulted-ceilings, medieval stained glass, and historic tombs. Its cloisters where used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Blenheim Palace

One of England’s most magnificent stately homes, most famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Visitors can tour the lavish state rooms, vast landscaped parkland and formal gardens, and explore exhibition galleries. blenheimpalace.com

Wales

Tintern Abbey

A monastic ruin set against the dramatic backdrop of the Wye Valley. Tintern Abbey is a beautiful ruin with soaring Gothic arches and ivy-covered stone walls. A great place for a quiet walk to soak in the history. cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tintern-abbey

Chepstow Castle

One of Britain’s oldest stone-built castles, it has a military past with towering walls and ramparts with stunning views. cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/chepstow-castle