Kenwood House

Set in splendid grounds beside Hampstead Heath, this outstanding neoclassical house holds one of the most important collections of paintings ever given to the nation. Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough all hang against a backdrop of sumptuous rooms.

Open space in the heart of Suburbia.  The parkland covers over 50ha (125 acres) with the River Wandle meandering through. The park has hay meadows, wetlands, a collection of old estate buildings and an impressive rose garden with over 2000 roses. The w'shops house local craftworkers. There is an independent garden centre and a city farm.

In Essex, this was one of the great wonders of the nation when it was built by the first Earl of Suffolk, Lord Treasurer to James I, on the scale of a great royal palace.  The Gardens are Capability Brown.  

Just outside the park there is a great miniature railway.

The 2500 acre  Wimpole Estate, situated eight miles south west of Cambridge (just past Royston if coming from London), offers visitors the chance to visit: a house built mainly in the 18th Century; landscaped park; gardens and Home Farm

On the edge of the Thames near Marlowe, this National Trust property was once the home of Nancy, Lady Astor.  The estate is huge - it has amazing formal gardens as well as woodland and riverside walks

The home of Victorian prime minister and statesman Benjamin Disraeli from 1848 until his death in 1881. Most of his furniture, books and pictures remain in this, his private retreat from the rigours of parliamentary life in London. There are beautiful walks through the surrounding park and woodland, and the garden is a recreation of the colourful design of his wife, Mary Anne. It is 1.5 miles North of High Wycombe.

Kew Gardens is one of the two Royal Botanic Gardens.  It is a great place to spend the day enjoying the amazing flower & plant displays as well as learning about the environment. 

A National Trust property and gardens five minutes drive from Chiswick Roundabout.  Its a good place for a picnic and a run around for the kids.   

Syon Park is the Duke of Northumberland's London home. You can look around the magnificent State and Private Apartments and enjoy the 40 acres of gardens.  The estate also houses (separately priced) other attractions such as the Butterfly House and Aquatic Experience.

In Esher, Surrey, the many features include a lake, island with pavilion, grotto, turf amphitheatre, viewpoints and vistas

Near Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with formal gardens and an Enchanted Forest Groombridge Place makes for a great day out.  Picnic areas are available by the car parks only.

For almost 200 years, Hampton Court Palace was at the centre of court life, politics and national history. Although often identified with Henry VIII, its history was influenced just as much by William III and Queen Mary II in the late 17th century.  When visiting the house you will find costumed actors telling stories of court life.  And of course you have to do the maze in the garden. 

Within its deer park setting, Knole reveals itself as a complex and beautiful house, much like a small village. A bishop's palace, a royal house and since 1603 the Sackville family home, Knole has remained largely unchanged for 300 years.  The are children's trails & packs for the house.

Leeds Castle is a lovely place for a day out.  In Maidstone Kent, both the castle and the extensive grounds are worth the trip for.

Nesar Dorking, Surrey there are extensive grounds, a walled rose garden, lawns and landscape walks through part of the 560ha (1400 acre) estate, including over the Home Farm

Here there is a house, a collection of  model soldiers, 5 miles of marked park trails, a picnic site, a children's play area and garden shop and a licensed restaurant and tea room

Knebworth is just outside Stevenage.  It has a house, gardens and a brilliant adventure playground for the kids. 

Baron Ferdinand do Rothschild bought this property in 1874 to entertain guests at the weekend.  There are beautiful gardens, an aviary, play area and cafes.  It is about 6 miles North of Aylesbury.  

In Bedfordshire, Wrest Park’s formal gardens provide a fascinating history of gardening styles, laid out over 150 years, inspired by the great gardens of Versailles in France. The park is a mix of open space & sheltered woodland, complemented by reflective expanses of water, while Chinese and classical buildings vie to catch your attention. Wrest has an endless selection of walks, picnic areas and places to explore, relax and dream of days gone by.