6 HeritageXplore Houses in the Midlands You Can Visit in a Weekend
Introduction
The Midlands is home to some of England’s most breathtaking heritage houses, each with a unique story to tell. From grand castles with royal connections to historic estates filled with art and curiosities, these six HeritageXplore properties offer the perfect weekend getaway. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic escape, these remarkable sites provide a fascinating journey through centuries of British heritage.
1. Lamport Hall
History
Home to the Isham family from the 1560s to 1976, Lamport Hall was built in 1568 by wool merchant John Isham. The house underwent extensions during Charles I’s reign, and in 1655, Sir Justinian Isham commissioned John Webb—Inigo Jones’ pupil and son-in-law—to build the grand house that stands today. Further enhancements took place by 1741, with a major rebuild completed in 1862.
One of Lamport’s most eccentric figures was Sir Charles Isham, 10th Baronet, who, in the 1850s, introduced the first garden gnomes to Britain. He imported porcelain figures from Germany and placed them in the house’s crescent-shaped rockery, a feature he built himself. Today, the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust maintains the house and gardens.
Best Known For
Its historic collection of gnomes, introduced by Sir Charles Isham in the 1850s.
As Seen In
The Crown, standing in for Clarence House.
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
Charles Isham’s collection of gnomes, still hard at work in the gardens.
Drop By
The Swan at Lamport for delicious food and drink.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Cottesbrooke Hall, thought to be the inspiration for Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, is just six miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“It is important not to take Lamport Hall or its gardens too seriously even though, from a literary viewpoint, they have been hugely influential in an extremely light-hearted vein of creativity.” – Timothy Mowl and Clare Hickman, 2008
2. Grimsthorpe Castle
History
Grimsthorpe Castle dates back to the early 13th century and has been owned by the Willoughby de Eresby family since 1516. In 1715, Robert Bertie, the 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, employed Sir John Vanbrugh—famed for Blenheim Palace—to design the castle’s dramatic Baroque façade. The estate also boasts gardens influenced by Capability Brown.
Best Known For
Its royal collection of thrones and furnishings, due to the family’s historic role as joint Lord Great Chamberlain.
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
Vanbrugh’s magnificent Great Hall, described by art historian Nikolaus Pevsner as “unquestionably Vanbrugh’s finest room.”
Drop By
The Griffin Inn in Irnham, a charming country pub.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Easton Walled Gardens, just 11 miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“[Grimsthorpe is] very special indeed: a serene and gracious facade, with corner towers and Doric columns, which gloriously express the joys of architecture.” – Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd, 1994
3. Boughton House
History
Dubbed ‘The English Versailles,’ Boughton House was originally a monastery before being transformed into a grand manor in 1528 by Edward Montagu. Later, the 1st Duke of Montagu introduced French architectural influences, creating an opulent estate reminiscent of the French court.
Best Known For
Its extraordinary art collection, featuring works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Sèvres porcelain.
As Seen In
Ridley Scott’s Napoleon (2023) and Les Misérables (2012).
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
The striking landform Orpheus, a modern inverted pyramid designed by landscape architect Kim Wilkie.
Drop By
The Star Inn in Geddington.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Rockingham Castle, just 10 miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“It is the stillness, the curious quiet of Boughton, for the place is half asleep, that impresses the most.” – Sir Henry ‘Chips’ Channon, 1948
4. Doddington Hall & Gardens
History
Built in 1600 by Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall has been home to the same family for over 400 years. The estate is famous for its farm shop and rewilding project, Wilder Doddington.
Best Known For
Its farm shop, which sells estate-grown produce, beef, and baked goods.
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
The Doddington Pyramid, a 2014 folly designed by Antony Jarvis.
Drop By
The Pyewipe Inn on the canal, just a short walk away.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Lincoln’s Norman Castle and Cathedral, just nine miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“An architect’s dream in Lincolnshire.” – Caroline Seebohm, 1987
5.Rockingham Castle
History
Built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century, Rockingham Castle was transformed into a Tudor home by the Watson family in the 16th century. Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, reportedly using Rockingham as inspiration for Bleak House.
Best Known For
Its well-preserved medieval features.
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
The Elephant Hedge, a 400-year-old yew hedge shaped to follow the castle’s original motte and bailey walls.
Drop By
The Sondes Arms in Rockingham village.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Deene Park, home to the Brudenell family, six miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“Of all the country-houses and estates I have yet seen in England, I think this is by far the best.” – Charles Dickens, 1849
6. Belvoir Castle
History
Belvoir Castle, pronounced ‘Beaver’, was built in the early 19th century, but the site has housed a castle since the Norman Conquest. Today, it remains the seat of the Duke of Rutland and was recently restored to reflect Capability Brown’s lost landscape designs.
Best Known For
Its name, which means ‘beautiful view’ in Norman French.
As Seen In
The Crown, doubling as Windsor Castle.
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
The opulent Elizabeth Saloon, designed in the style of Louis XIV.
Drop By
The Chequers Inn at Woolsthorpe.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Easton Walled Gardens, 12 miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“A neo-Norman, neo-Gothic, neo-everything.” – Lady Diana Cooper, 1958
4. Doddington Hall & Gardens
History
Built in 1600 by Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall has been home to the same family for over 400 years. The estate is famous for its farm shop and rewilding project, Wilder Doddington.
Best Known For
Its farm shop, which sells estate-grown produce, beef, and baked goods.
Don’t Go Home Without Seeing
The Doddington Pyramid, a 2014 folly designed by Antony Jarvis.
Drop By
The Pyewipe Inn on the canal, just a short walk away.
Need Another Local Heritage Fix?
Lincoln’s Norman Castle and Cathedral, just nine miles away.
Our Favourite Line
“An architect’s dream in Lincolnshire.” – Caroline Seebohm, 1987
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