Explore country houses and gardens this summer
Art historian Jacky Klein visits five country houses and shares the backstories of these grand venues, all perfect for exploring over summer.
In this film, broadcaster and art historian Jacky Klein travels across the UK to reveal five of her favourite country houses to visit during the summer. And even better – they're all free or half-price entry with a National Art Pass or Teacher Art Pass.
From Queen Victoria's holiday getaway on the Isle of Wight to a Georgian mansion set within a 300-acre deer park, the Romantic home of Sir Walter Scott to the Elizabethan grandeur that inspired Jane Austen, explore this selection of palatial residences. And once you've toured the interior of these historic houses, take a stroll and unwind in their picturesque grounds and gardens.
Discover historic houses this summer with an Art Pass
Abbotsford, The Home of Sir Walter Scott
Located on the banks of the River Tweed, explore the former home of poet and novelist Walter Scott. Now a grand structure, it originally started out as a small farmhouse with few intentions of grandeur – Scott was more concerned with extending the acreage and planting trees.
Wander through the property which evolved and grew alongside Scott's literary success, allowing him to add to the house over time, including an ornately decorated library that houses hundreds of books, telling the stories of his life, career, and inspirations.
Chatsworth
Marvel at the artworks that this magnificent building houses, with a collection spanning 4000 years, from Ancient Roman sculpture to newly commissioned contemporary art.
Stroll through the perfectly manicured grounds, where you'll also encounter a working farmyard, set up in 1973 to help educate young people about farming and the land. Get up close with the rare breeds of horse, pigs, goats and cattle that live there.
Are you a Jane Austen fan? Rumour has it that Chatsworth was the inspiration for Pemberly in 'Pride and Prejudice' and it even doubled as Mr Darcy's house in the 2005 film adaptation with Keira Knightley.
Osborne House
Intrigued to discover where Queen Victoria went to unwind on her days off? Osborne House became a coastal retreat for the royal family where they spent their summers and even entertained some special visitors.
Wander through the private apartments, paddle on the bathing beach and stroll across the terraced gardens with views across The Solent to get a real feel for how the Queen spent her vacation days here.
Dunham Massey
Explore the gardens of this historic house that have been restored to their former glory after being neglected for many years. Did you know that they were used to grow potatoes during the First World War, when this Georgian house was transformed into a military hospital to care for wounded soldiers? Don't miss the Orangery and Rose Garden on your stroll through the grounds.
Inside, discover Dunham Massey's large collections of furniture, paintings, textiles and ceramics. Plus, be dazzled by their extensive display of handcrafted Huguenot silverware.
Waddesdon
Be dazzled by this overwhelmingly opulent house, created to resemble a French Renaissance-style chateaux, inspired by the lavish style of Louis XIV. Today, the house aims to be an internationally-recognised centre for art and heritage.
Explore the building and grounds and discover their extensive art collection and immaculate furnishings.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.