If you’re flushed with royal fever like the rest of the world, then no visit to England would be complete without experiencing the treasure houses of England. A unique collection of ten of the finest castles, palaces and grand historic houses, they are an absolute must-see with hundred years of history and royal heritage that are so prolific, everyone’s vying for a taste.

1. Beaulieu

Beaulieu, ancestral home of the Montagu family since 1538, ranked highly among Britain’s favourite attractions. Delightfully situated in the former grounds of the Abbey on the banks of the Beaulieu River, Palace House, the family seat, built around the former Abbey Gatehouse is a fine example of a Victorian country house.

By Road: M27 exit junction 2, Follow the Brown Signs for National Motor Museum. Sat Nav: SO42 7ZN

By Train: The nearest Station is Brockenhurst (approx. 7 miles)

By Bus/Coach: There is ample free coach parking on site close to Visitor Reception. Sat Nav: SO42 7ZN. M27 Junction 2 – follow Brown Signs for National Motor Museum. A limited bus service runs between Lymington and Hythe. Click here for details.

2. Blenheim Palace

Receive a warm welcome into the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Wonder at this masterpiece of 18th century baroque architecture. Explore our World Heritage Site with over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Discover the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Secret Garden. Delight in our family friendly Pleasure Gardens, reached by miniature train, with a giant hedge maze, a butterfly house and an adventure playground.

Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with a wealth of sporting and cultural events, themed exhibitions and tours throughout the year.

By Road: Eight miles north-west of Oxford, on the A44 Evesham Road, Blenheim Palace is easily accessible from London and Birmingham. The Palace is signposted from junction 9 of the M40. If you are using Sat Nav, please use the postcode OX20 1PP. When visiting Blenheim Palace by car, please be aware that a 20mph speed limit applies in all parts of the Estate.

By Train: Our nearby train stations include Oxford and Bicester. Trains run regularly to these stations from London Paddington and Marylebone respectively. Call 08457 484950 for up to date train information, or visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or www.chilternrailways.co.uk

By Bus/Coach: Regular services run from Victoria Coach station in London to Gloucester Green, Oxford. Visit www.oxfordtube.com for times and prices.

3. Burghley House

England’s Greatest Elizabethan House – Home to William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer and Chief Minister to Queen Elizabeth I, Burghley is a true treasure house. Building works started in 1555 and stretched over 32 years before completion in 1587 and still remains a Tudor house at its heart. So much more than a building, Burghley offers a unique glimpse in to the way great houses have been lived in from the time of Queen Elizabeth I to the present day.

By Train: Burghley’s nearest station is Stamford, approximately 1 mile from the entrance. This is either a pleasant 30 minute walk taking you through the park or a short taxi ride. Stamford is a cross country link from the mainline from London to Edinburgh via Peterborough. For more information please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

By Bus/Coach: There is an hourly bus service run by Delaine which serves the outlying villages and links Peterborough to Stamford, for more information please visit www.delainebuses.com.

4. Castle Howard

Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just outside York.

Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, the stunning interiors of Castle Howard are the perfect backdrop to world-famous collections; from frescos and furniture to paintings and porcelain, all brought to life by friendly and knowlegeable guides.

By Road: Castle Howard is just 15 miles north east of York and easily accessible from the A64 which connects Leeds, York and the Yorkshire Coast. Clearly sign posted from all routes, follow the brown tourist signs and road signs to avoid narrow gateways where necessary.

By Train: Regular trains run between York and Malton and take around 30 minutes, Castle Howard is approximately 15 miles from York and 6 miles from Malton.Taxis are available from both stations.

By Bus/Coach: A scheduled bus service between York and Castle Howard, and Malton and Castle Howard runs every day, except Sunday and Bank Holidays. A discounted admission to the House & Grounds applies on production of a production of a valid ticket for Stephenson’s services, on the day of travel only.

5. Chatsworth

Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent. Home of the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations.

Chatsworth House has over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, to the family-used chapel, regal State Rooms and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. Chatsworth also houses the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe’s most significant art collections, which is continually added to, encompassing Old Masters to contemporary ceramics and artefacts from Ancient Egypt to cutting edge modern sculpture.

By Road: From the M1 take Junction 29, Chesterfield, and follow the brown signs, 16 miles. From Matlock, take the A6, then the B6012, 8 miles. We are 30 minutes drive from Chesterfield railway station and 40 minutes from Sheffield railway station. If travelling through Baslow, you will see the Golden Gates into Chatsworth. These are for authorised access only, except in the case of some special events. Please follow the brown signs for the public entrance to Chatsworth on the B6012.

By Train: The closest train station to Chatsworth is Chesterfield. However buses from Chesterfield do not come all the way into to Chatsworth, the closest bus stop is Baslow (2km by foot). It is possible to take the train to Sheffield then take a bus from the Sheffield Interchange (across the road) directly to Chatsworth. Buses run approximately every hour. East Midlands Trains operate regular trains to and from Chesterfield and Sheffield via Derby. Chesterfield station is approximately 2 hours journey from London St Pancras.

By Bus/Coach: A number of buses to Chatsworth stop close to the house just a short walk from the house, garden and farmyard entrances. Passengers arriving by bus into Baslow village are able to access the park via a public footpath. From the bus stop at Goose Green, walk over the bridge and follow the path to your right. It is then a pleasant 2km walk to the House and attractions from here.