If, like many all over the country you are mourning the end of Downton Abbey, why not fill the Downton shaped hole by visiting one of these beautiful country houses…
Berkeley Castle If it’s romance you are after, Berkeley Castle is the place for you. The Castle seems to bathe in the light, the stone glowing a soft pink. As you can imagine it is a very popular wedding venue. Originally built to keep the Welsh out, Berkeley castle is full of stories and the records are still kept within the castle, which date back all the way to the 12th Century! One of the castles ancient treasures is Queen Elizabeth I bedspread, so it is literally a place fit for a Queen!
Burghley House If it’s the outdoors you are love, visit Burghley House. Its gardens were designed by ‘Britain’s greatest gardener’ Capability Brown and are amazing whatever season you visit. The house itself isn’t too bad either! It dates back to the time of Elizabeth I and was designed by her Lord High Treasurer William Cecil. The Old Kitchen is one of the oldest surviving Tudor interiors – if the trip leaves you feeling that you need a Downton Style kitchen, try http://www.rgcole.co.uk/, take Downton style as far as the kitchens of Essex!
Chatsworth House The kids as well as adults will love this place. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, it is nestled in the heart of the Peak District. There are daily tours of the house itself, and also a farmyard. You can even tour the gardens on a trailer ride! Visit the house after November 5th and it will be dressed for Christmas!
Lyme Park Famous for being the location which stood in for ‘Pemberley’ in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and of course where Mr Darcy (Colin Firth) famously emerged from a lake delighting ladies all over the country, Lyme Park is also amazing for families in and outside, and has an adventure playground for younger children. See the lavish Edwardian decoration indoors and take a stroll around the beautiful rose garden.