London is surrounded by an extraordinary array of historic estates, grand manor houses, and stunning gardens—all lovingly cared for by the National Trust. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can escape the city’s bustle and immerse yourself in centuries of British history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering through romantic castle ruins, exploring richly decorated Victorian mansions, or strolling in expansive Capability Brown landscapes, these properties offer something for every type of explorer. From intimate family homes to majestic palaces, each site tells a unique story that connects past to present, making for unforgettable day trips steeped in culture, heritage, and peaceful countryside charm.
1. Scotney Castle (Kent)
A picture-perfect blend of nature and history, Scotney Castle is one of Kent’s most enchanting hidden gems.Nestled in a wooded valley, this 14th-century moated castle, now partially in ruins, exudes romantic charm. It’s the kind of place that feels lifted from the pages of a storybook. The surrounding gardens bloom with colour through spring and summer, while autumn brings fiery tones reflected in the calm waters of the moat. Above the castle ruins sits a grand Victorian mansion, offering insight into the lives of the Hussey family who once lived here. Woodland walks, riverside trails, and panoramic views make it a haven for photographers and nature lovers alike.
- Ticket: £19 adult / £9.50 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 20 min
2. Chartwell (Kent)
More than a stately home, Chartwell is a powerful glimpse into the private world of one of Britain’s greatest leaders. This tranquil country estate was the beloved home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922 until his death in 1965. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Kent, the house still contains many of Churchill’s personal belongings—from his books and uniforms to his paintings and writing desk. The gardens, which Churchill designed and maintained himself, include a walled rose garden, golden fish ponds, and sweeping views of the Weald. It’s a deeply moving place to explore, reflecting both his statesmanship and his human side.
- Ticket: £17 adult / £8.50 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 15 min
3. Ightham Mote (Kent)
Step back over 700 years at Ightham Mote, a rare and magical medieval manor house set within a secluded Kent valley. Surrounded by a peaceful moat, this timber-framed building is one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in the UK. Built around 1320, the house has been continuously adapted over the centuries, with original features including a Great Hall, chapel, and an impressive Grade I listed dog kennel. Ightham Mote offers a rare window into medieval domestic life, with each room reflecting the tastes and stories of its past residents, from knights to courtiers to wealthy Victorians.
- Ticket: £16 adult / £8 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 10 min
4. Cliveden (Buckinghamshire)
Grand, glamorous, and steeped in scandal, Cliveden is a riverside estate that combines aristocratic elegance with political history. Perched high above the River Thames, this Italianate mansion has hosted everyone from Queen Victoria to Meghan Markle (who stayed the night before her wedding). The formal gardens are among the most spectacular in England—think water terraces, a rose garden, a maze, and hidden glades. During its Edwardian heyday, Cliveden was the scene of high society gatherings, while in the 1960s it became infamous for its links to the Profumo Affair. Today, it’s a captivating mix of beauty and intrigue, with woodland walks, boating, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Ticket: £17 adult / £8.50 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 30 min
5. Waddesdon Manor (Buckinghamshire)
An opulent palace in the countryside, Waddesdon Manor feels more like Versailles than rural England. Built in the 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to impress and entertain, this Neo-Renaissance château dazzles with lavish interiors, world-class art collections, and ornate gardens. Inside, you’ll find priceless furniture, tapestries, portraits, and clocks, while outside, the estate unfolds into landscaped gardens, aviaries, and fountains. It’s the ultimate day out for lovers of art, architecture, and high society glamour. Seasonal events, exhibitions, and a wine cellar featuring Rothschild wines add to the allure.
- Ticket: From £13.20 (price varies)
- Drive time: ~1 hr 40 min
6. Bateman’s (East Sussex)
Bateman’s is where words and nature meet—a peaceful country retreat that was once the creative sanctuary of Rudyard Kipling. Set amid the wooded hills of the Sussex Weald, this beautiful 17th-century sandstone house is preserved almost exactly as Kipling left it. You can sense his presence in the study, where his Nobel Prize for Literature is displayed, and in the gardens he so loved. Walk the grounds and you’ll find a working watermill, wildflower meadows, and Kipling’s poem-inscribed sundial. It’s a haven for readers, writers, and anyone who cherishes the poetry of English landscapes.
- Ticket: £12 adult / £6 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 30 min
7. Standen House and Garden (West Sussex)
An Arts & Crafts masterpiece, Standen is a rare glimpse into a stylish Victorian family home filled with beauty, light, and nature. Designed in the 1890s by architect Philip Webb and decorated with Morris & Co. textiles and wallpapers, the house feels as fresh and thoughtful today as it did over a century ago. Set on a hillside with sweeping views, the gardens are filled with colour and structure, and the woodland walks are serene. Standen is a quiet, creative retreat—a celebration of craftsmanship, domestic life, and the movement that shaped British design.
- Ticket: £14 adult / £7 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 20 min
8. Sheffield Park and Garden (East Sussex)
A symphony of trees, lakes, and colour, Sheffield Park is one of the most awe-inspiring gardens in southern England. Originally laid out by Capability Brown in the 18th century and further enhanced in Victorian times, this landscape garden is a painter’s dream. Dramatic reflections shimmer across four linked lakes, while giant redwoods, rare acers, and rhododendrons bring bursts of colour throughout the year—especially in autumn. The nearby Bluebell Railway adds a nostalgic twist for families. Bring your camera, walking shoes, and a picnic—this is a place to breathe deeply and linger.
- Ticket: £14 adult / £7 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 30 min
9. Mottisfont (Hampshire)
Where ancient history meets romantic elegance, Mottisfont is a former medieval priory transformed into an idyllic country estate. Inside the house, medieval stone walls meet 20th-century charm, with grand drawing rooms and a rolling programme of contemporary art. But it’s the walled rose garden that draws visitors in June—bursting with scent and colour, it’s home to the National Collection of pre-1900 heritage roses. Beyond, there are wild meadows, a bubbling river walk, and woodland perfect for families. Mottisfont is both peaceful and vibrant, with history blooming in every corner.
- Ticket: £15 adult / £7.50 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 50 min
10. Greys Court (Oxfordshire)
Tucked away in the rolling Chiltern Hills, Greys Court is a charming Tudor manor with centuries of domestic warmth and noble heritage. This family home feels intimate and lived-in, with cosy rooms, exposed beams, and a rich story that stretches from medieval times to the 20th century. The gardens are a delight—wisteria-draped walls, a restored Tudor wheelhouse, and a turf maze for kids (and adults!) to enjoy. Featured in several period dramas, it’s also a great place to spot red kites and soak up the Oxfordshire countryside.
- Ticket: £12 adult / £6 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 40 min
11. The Vyne (Hampshire)
With its red-brick Tudor façade and tranquil lakeside setting, The Vyne is an atmospheric estate full of hidden treasures and royal connections. Built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to Henry VIII, it’s seen visits from Tudor monarchs and been transformed through the Georgian and Victorian eras. Don’t miss the beautiful chapel with its Tudor stained glass or the long gallery lined with portraits and secrets. The grounds include a wetland boardwalk, natural play areas for kids, and peaceful woodland trails.
- Ticket: £13 adult / £6.50 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 50 min
12. Petworth House and Park (West Sussex)
Majestic and full of grandeur, Petworth House is a celebration of British art and aristocratic heritage on an epic scale. Home to the Percy family for over 800 years, it houses one of the finest National Trust art collections, with works by Turner, Gainsborough, and Van Dyck. The interiors are breathtaking—ornate ceilings, gold-framed paintings, and marble sculptures. Outside, the 700-acre deer park was landscaped by Capability Brown, with rolling hills, ancient trees, and serene lakes. A dream for art lovers, history buffs, and countryside seekers alike.
- Ticket: £15 adult / £7.50 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 50 min
13. Hughenden Manor (Buckinghamshire)
At Hughenden, political legacy meets Victorian elegance in the country home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.The manor is filled with rich interiors, portraits of Queen Victoria, and personal mementos that reflect Disraeli’s life and work. But there’s a secret twist—during WWII, Hughenden was a secret base for map-making operations, and visitors can explore the reconstructed map room underground. With formal gardens, orchards, and scenic Chiltern walks, it’s a place of layered stories and quiet grandeur.
- Ticket: £12 adult / £6 child
- Drive time: ~1 hr 30 min
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a picturesque retreat from London, these National Trust properties offer an inspiring blend of heritage and tranquility. Perfect for leisurely walks, cultural discovery, and family adventures, each destination invites you to step back in time and experience the grandeur and stories that shaped the English countryside. So pack a picnic, set your GPS, and get ready to uncover the timeless treasures waiting just beyond the city limits.
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