Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is a more intimate take on a typical stately home visit. It’s quite pricey but children get in free which makes it better value for families.

The house is really atmospheric. You’re walking through 900 years of history and because the house was unoccupied from Queen Anne’s reign until relatively recently, it escaped the renovations and redecorations of the Georgians and the Victorians. Gargoyles and ancient graffiti are two things to look out for.

There is always someone on hand to fill you in on the historic details of the rooms and the personal stories of its inhabitants. These tales really bring it to life. It’s the private residence of Lord and Lady Edward Manners and has been in the same family for its entire existence – only of the only historic houses in England to be able to make this claim.

Film buffs may recognise it. The Princess Bride, Pride & Prejudice (the one with Keira Knightley), Elizabeth, The Other Boleyn Girl and more than one adaptation of Jane Eyre have all been filmed here.

It’s not on as grand a scale as many National Trust properties but that does mean you can see everything. The gardens are pretty but not extensive so a visit won’t take all day. However, there is a medieval deer park which can be visited separately by booking a guided walk.