stately homes to visit in cheshire

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The Best Castles & Stately Homes in Cheshire

Cheshire is a rural county located in the north west of England bordering Wales. The county is dotted with charming villaged with half timbered houses. And the southwestern part of the Peak District National Park is also located in this county.

There is plenty to see in Cheshire including beautiful country estates. One of England’s most famous country house is located in Cheshire. As the filming location for Pride & Prejudice’s Pemberley, Lyme Park became world famous when Colin Firth strolled through its gardens. But there are plenty of historic houses, castles, and gardens to visit in Cheshire.

And with major cities as Liverpool and Manchester nearby, you can easily visit these historic houses as a day trip from these towns.

Lyme Park is a grand country estate and the house is the largest in the county of Cheshire. The estate was granted to Sir Thomas Danyers in 1346 and in 1388 it passed to the Leghs of Lyme family. The Legh family would own the estate until  1946 when it transferred to the National Trust.

The country house dates from the late 16th century with remodels in the 1720s and the 19th century. The house now shows a mixture of architecture styles, mainly Elizabethan, Palladian, and Baroque. Surrounding the house are formal gardens that were designed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lyme Park has been used as the filming location for Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice .

Where: Disley

Built: 16th century

Style: Elizabethan, Palladian, Baroque

Visitor information: the house and gardens are open to visitors. Visit the website for more information.

Cholmondeley Castle

Cholmondeley Castle stands on the site which has been the family seat of the Cholmondeley family 12th century. In the early 19th century, the previous timber-framed hall was replaced with the current crenelated castle by George Cholmondeley, 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley.

The formal gardens were first laid out in the 17th century but they were redesigned by William Emes a century later into a landscape park. Lavinia, the widow of the sixth Marquess, further developed the gardens in the 20th century.  

Where: Cholmondeley

Built: 1801–04

Visitor information: the castle is not open to visitors. But the gardens are open in the Summer season. Visit the website for more information.

Arley Hall is a country house and home of the Viscount Ashbrook and his family. The house was built between 1832 and 1845 for Rowland Egerton–Warburton in Jacobethan style. Next to the hall stands a Gothic chapel designed by Anthony Salvin. The interiors of Arley Hall have elaborate ceilings and oak panelling, impressive fireplaces, stained glass, and beautiful furnishings.   

The eight acres of formal gardens have been developed since the 18th century and have the first Herbaceous Border planted in England.

Where: Arley

Built: 1832–45

Style: Jacobethan

Adlington Hall

Adlington Hall is a historic house in the heart of county Cheshire. The Great Hall is the oldest part of the house which dates back to 1480–1505, it is a great example of Medieval craftsmanship. Since the early 14th century the Legh family has lived at this site and they still live in the current country house.

Surrounding the house lies beautiful gardens that were probably first designed in the 18th century in the style of Capability Brown.

Where: Adlington

Built: 1480, partly rebuilt in the 18th century

Visitor information : the house and gardens are open to visitors on selected days. Visit the website for more information.

Capesthorne Hall

Capesthorne Hall is a family-owned stately home in Cheshire. The house and private chapel were built in the early 18th century for John Ward and is currently still owned by his ancestors the Bromley-Davenport family. In the 1830s the house was remodeled and this is when it got its present Jacobethan exterior.   

Surrounding the house lies a park with formal gardens that include rare 18th century plants, maples , and cherry trees.

Where: Siddington

Built: 1719–32

Visitor information: the hall and gardens are open to visitors on selected days. The hall can also be hired for weddings and events. Visit the website for more information.

Gawsworth Old Hall

Gawsworth Old Hall is a Tudor manor house that replaced an earlier Norman house. The current house was built between 1480 and 1600 and since Norman times the house has only been owned by five families.

Famous residents of Gawsworth Old Hall are Mary Fitton (who may be the “Dark Lady” in William Shakespeare’s sonnets and who was also Queen Elizabeth’s maid of honour.) and the playwright Samuel Johnson.

Surrounding the house are formal gardens and parkland.

Where: Gawsworth

Built: 1480

Style: Tudor

Visitor information: the house and gardens are open on selected days. Visit the website for more information.

Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall (or Old Moreton Hall) is a half-timbered moated manor house in Cheshire. The house was built in the early 16th century by William Moreton and it was extended until 1610. The house has a top-heavy appearance thanks to the Long Gallery that runs the length of the south range’s upper floor.

The Moreton family owned the house for almost 450 until it was transferred to the National Trust. In the 20th century the garden were recreated after a 17th century design.

Where: Congleton

Built: 1504

Visitor information: the house is open to visitors. Visit the website for more information.

Peover Hall

Peover Hall is a 16th century Elizabethan country house that was built for Sir Randle Mainwaring. The interiors of the hall have richly decorated oak paneling, a long gallery, and furnishings from other country houses and with a connection to Peover and the Mainwaring family. Surrounding the hall are beautiful gardens.

During the Second World War, the house was used as the HQ for General George Patton of the United States 3 rd Army to rain for the D-Day landings. It was also used as a prisoners of war camp.    

Where: Peover Superior

Style: Elizabethan

Tatton Hall

Tatton Hall is a Neoclassical country house that was built in the 1770s for the Egerton family. Wilbraham Egerton, 1st Earl Egerton hosted lavish parties at the house which guests that included the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Shah or Persia.

Surrounding the house lie 50 acres of landscaped gardens and 1000 acres of deep Park.

Where: Knutsford

Built: 1770s

Style: Neoclassical

Visitor information: the hall and gardens are open to the public. Visit the website for more information.

Walton Hall

Walton Hall is a 19th century country house and former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury. Surrounding the house are acres of parkland that include a Zoo, adventure golf and a playground.

The hall with antique furnishings, Victorian paintings, an oak-panelled hall, grand staircase and high gilded ceilings can be rented for weddings.

Where: Walton

Built: 19th century

Burton Manor

Burton Manor is a former manor house in Cheshire. The early 19th-century home was built for Richard Congreve and later remodeled by Sir Charles Nicholson for Henry Neville Gladstone. The house is no longer a private residence and it’s not open to the public. The early 20th century garden is open to the public. The garden is maintained by Friends of Burton Manor Gardens, a group of volunteers who conserve original Victorian and Edwardian gardens.

Where: Burton

Built: 1805

Visitor information: the gardens are open to visitors. Visit the website for more information.  

Crewe Hall is a Jacobean manor house near Crewe Green in Cheshire. The house was built in the early 17th century for Sir Randolph Crewe and remained in the Crewe family until 1936. After a fire in 1866, the hall was restored by architect E.M. Barry and it’s considered one of his finest works.  

Crewe Hall is currently a four star country house hotel and spa. Book your stay .

Peckforton Castle

Peckforton Castle is not actually a castle. Instead, it is a Victorian country house that was built in the style of a medieval castle. The house was built in the 19th century for John Tollemach after a Gothic design by Anthony Salvin.  

The house is now a luxury country house hotel and wedding venue.

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Nine incredible Cheshire country estates you MUST visit for a great day out

Cheshire is full of enchanting properties.

• 08:00, 6 APR 2019
• Updated 09:27, 6 APR 2019

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Sometimes there's just nothing nicer than a nice stroll through a country estate on a summer's day.

Luckily for us, Cheshire is full of some of the most historic and beautiful properties for miles around, set within acres of stunning rolling countryside.

And with our helpful guide to some of the best ones to visit in the county, there's no excuse not to take a visit the next time you have a free afternoon.

So grab your walking shoes because there are our pick of the best:

Dunham Massey

Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

The impressive stately home is a National Trust Property and stands in the grounds of a stunning garden with interesting features from history.

As well as its obvious aesthetic beauty, there's also lots to do for families all year round - from walking in the park, climbing on fallen trees and spotting the herd of fallow deer.

Here you'll find one of the finest collections of veteran trees in England and learn the stories of women from Dunham's past in the house.

And make your day complete with a cream tea or a slice of cake at the Stamford café which is set in an 18th century stable block.

Gawsworth Hall

Church Lane, Gawsworth, Macclesfield, SK11 9RN

This Grade I listed country house consists of a timber-framed house in beautiful Tudor black-and-white style.

The present house was built between 1480 and 1600, replacing an earlier Norman house and has been held by only five families since.

On a tour of this ancient Tudor manor house you will see fine paintings, furniture, sculpture and stained glass and the grounds are no less impressive, with a rookery, tilting ground and Elizabethan pleasure garden.

Adlington Hall

Mill Lane, Adlington, Macclesfield

Situated in the rural East Cheshire countryside, Adlington Hall is one of the most popular places in Cheshire to get married.

Renowned for its stunning and immaculately kept public gardens, all ages will enjoy a day trip here.

You can see the tranquil spring bluebells, summer roses and take part in a fun yew tree maze.

The Hall itself is a tribute to the changing architectural styles on Britain with the North front reflecting the Restoration period, the East being built in Tudor times and the South and West fronts showcasing Georgian grandeur.

Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, this stunning mansion house, the largest in Cheshire, was once a great sporting estate.

These days it's a magnificent location that was once used as a location for the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth.

Visitors can step back to Edwardian times by dressing up in period costumes and exploring the dozens of rooms. or wander the 1,400 acre estate that features a medieval herd of red and fallow deer that the kids will definitely be impressed by.

Lyme Park's gardens are so vast there's no end of things you could do, from classic garden games to a game of chase.

• Tatton Park

Mereheath Drive, Knutsford WA16 6QN

Home to 50 acres of amazing gardens, including a spectacular fernery and the tranquil Japanese Garden, Tatton Park certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the county's most beautifully elegant venues.

You can also learn some fascinating history about the rooms, collections and people who lived in the early 19th century home, or head down to the farm to make friends with pigs, goats, donkeys and a range of other adorable animals.

And there is a woodland play trail and den building area.

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Capesthorne Hall

Capesthorne, Siddington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9JY

This majestic with its stunning Jacobean style architecture is set in 100 acres of picturesque countryside, complete with exquisite gardens and three serene lakes.

Inside the Hall is a fascinating collection of fine art; marble sculptures; porcelains; tapestries and English, European, Far Eastern and American antique furniture collected by family members.

It's one of the county's most popular wedding venues - and it's not hard to see why!

Arley Hall and Gardens

Arley, Northwich, CW9 6NA

Arley Hall is one of the most fascinating and attractive stately homes in the North West with its ornate and elaborate ceilings & oak panelling, impressive fireplaces and intricate features.

Be enthralled by entering a piece of living history which gives an intimate insight into life in the Hall and the history of a family that has cherished Arley as their home for over 500 years.

Little Moreton Hall

This iconic timber framed Tudor manor house features a moat and manicured knot garden.

The National Trust describes it as a 'gingerbread' house lifted straight from a 'fairy story', and with its scenic moat which curls around it, not to mention its higgledy-piggledy stance, that certainly rings true.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent house, which features a long gallery, Great Hall, Chapel and Parlour, and explore what daily life was like as a Tudor.

Dorfold Hall

Chester Rd, Nantwich CW5 8LD

This stunning grade 1 listed Jacobean house built between 1616-1621 is nestled on a historic estate set in an oasis of rural calm near Nantwich.

Discover the stunning architecture and go on a journey through captivating gardens, tumbling rose arches and lush green lawns.

It's a quintessentially English landscape that is definitely worth a trip.

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• Visiting the Stately Homes of Cheshire: Exploring the Grand Houses and Gardens
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• January 1, 2020

Cheshire is home to some of the UK’s most impressive stately homes, with a fascinating history and beautiful gardens. You won’t miss these must-visit destinations if you enjoy grand architecture and stunning gardens. Here are our experiences exploring some of Cheshire’s grand houses and gardens.

Tatton Park

Tatton Park is one of the most famous stately homes in Cheshire and for good reason. The grand mansion was built in the late 18th century and is surrounded by 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. We enjoyed exploring the rooms of the mansion, which are filled with antique furniture, paintings, and other treasures. The gardens are also a highlight, with a Japanese garden, rose garden, and maze, among other features.

Arley Hall is another stunning stately home that is worth a visit. The house was built in the 15th century and has been owned by the same family for over 500 years. We loved exploring the rooms of the mansion, which are filled with antique furniture and artwork. The breathtaking gardens have a walled garden, herbaceous border, and woodland walk.

Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall is a unique and charming stately home unlike any other. The house was built in the 16th century and is known for its distinctive black-and-white Tudor architecture. We enjoyed exploring the rooms of the house, which are filled with antique furniture and fascinating historical artefacts. The gardens are also beautiful, with a knot, orchard, and vegetable garden.

Dunham Massey

Dunham Massey is a grand Georgian house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. The house was built in the early 18th century and is filled with stunning artwork and antique furniture. We enjoyed exploring the extensive deer park, home to over 500 fallow deer.

Capesthorne Hall

Capesthorne Hall is a magnificent Victorian mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes. The house was built in the 18th century and is filled with beautiful artwork, antiques, and historical artefacts. We particularly enjoyed exploring the gardens, filled with rare and exotic plants, and the Japanese garden and lake.

Cheshire is a beautiful destination for anyone who loves grand architecture and stunning gardens. The county’s stately homes offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the region and are sure to leave you in awe. We hope this guide has inspired you for your next visit to Cheshire ‘s beautiful stately homes and gardens.

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