It’s time to dust off your hamper and dig out your cricket set – summer has begun! From gorgeous gardens to awesome architecture, we’ve hand-picked our favourite country houses for the perfect day out...

The best thing about our top ten is that all venues are either free or reduced price with your National Art Pass!

1. Nostell Priory: Elegant architecture and an unparalleled collection of Chippendale furnitureImage 1 of 10

2. Powis Castle: From medieval fortress to grand country home, follow the fate of the Welsh PrincesImage 2 of 10

3. Shakespeare Houses and Gardens: Five properties that map the famous playwright's lifeImage 3 of 10

4. Charleston: Country retreat of the Bloomsbury Group, follow in the footsteps of the Woolfs and EM ForsterImage 4 of 10

5. Compton Verney: A Grade 1 listed Robert Adam mansion set in 120 acres of lanscaped blissImage 5 of 10

6. Osbourne House: Queen Victoria's beloved seaside retreat on the Isle of WightImage 6 of 10

7. Ickworth House, Park and Gardens: Landscapes designed by Capability Brown no lessImage 7 of 10

8. Dumfries House: See the superb work of Edinburgh's leading 18th-century cabinetmakersImage 8 of 10

9. Audley End House and Gardens: Paintings by Holbein and Canaletto in a spectacular settingImage 9 of 10

10. Ham House and Garden: Built to impress by the charismatic Duchess of LauderdaleImage 10 of 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire – Free entry with National Art Pass

From bedrooms to the butler’s pantry, most of this 18th-century Palladian mansion is open for you to explore, don't miss the extraordinarily detailed 18th-century doll’s house and Robert Adam library.

2. Powis Castle and Garden, Powys – Free entry with National Art Pass

The impressive castle started life as medieval fortress and was transformed into the home of the rich and powerful Herbert family. Don't miss the treasures from India in the Clive Museum including the Tent of Tipu Sahib, Sultan of Mysore.

3. Shakespeare Houses and Gardens, Warwickshire – Free entry with National Art Pass

Including five properties that map the author’s journey from birth to death: Mary Arden’s Farm, the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother; Shakespeare’s Birthplace; Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the home of the playwright’s wife; Hall’s Croft, where Shakespeare’s daughter lived; and Nash’s House and New Place, where Shakespeare died in 1616.

4. Charleston, East Sussex – Free entry with National Art Pass

Indulge your literary side and enjoy the Bloomsbury Group vibes emanating from this gorgeous 17th-century farmhouse. Clive Bell and John Maynard Keynes both lived at Charleston for a time, while the Woolfs, EM Forster and Lytton Strachey were all frequent visitors.

5. Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Reduced price entry with National Art Pass

Displaying a marvellous collection of works including 16th-century German painting, 17th-century Neapolitan art and British portraiture, featuring work by Sir Joshua Reynolds, one for lovers of the canvas indeed!

6. Osborne House, Isle of Wight – Free entry with National Art Pass

Thomas Cubitt, who built the façade of Buckingham Palace, was charged with creating a holiday home for Queen Victoria. The interior is a mixture of the opulent and homely and gives a unique insight into the lives of the Royal family at that time.

7. Ickworth House, Park and Gardens, Suffolk – Free entry with National Art Pass

With over 1,800 acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown, the house and its grounds were created as an homage to Italy – and you can tell. There's also a fantastic painting collection including works by Velázquez, Titian and Poussin.

8. Dumfries House, Ayrshire – Free entry with National Art Pass

A house close to our hearts! When in 2007 the home was threatened with sale, the Art Fund gave its highest ever grant to secure it. Home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of works by Thomas Chippendale, and superb examples by Edinburgh’s leading 18th-century cabinetmakers: Alexander Peter, William Mathie and Francis Brodie.

9. Audley End House and Gardens, Essex – Free entry with National Art Pass

More than 30 lavishly decorated rooms are open to the public, with paintings by Holbein and Canaletto and an outstanding series of 16th–19th-century British portraits.

10. Ham House and Garden, London – Free entry with National Art Pass

We're possibly cheating by including this impressive mansion on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond, but it's too striking to miss out....