Sudley House in South Liverpool is a hidden gem. Known for its aesthetic interior designs, it celebrated its 200th birthday last year. It also houses Britain’s only surviving Victorian commercial art collection which still hangs in its original location. It is decorated in a Victorian style, and still retains many original features. (Image: liverpoolmuseums.org)
Merseyside and its surrounding areas are home to some beautiful country houses and stately homes that have been standing for centuries.
Ideal for a day out, many of these impressive buildings are surrounded by stunning gardens and acres of green space, and also feature cafés and restaurants.
– Liverpool and Merseyside’s hidden gems
Croxteth Hall was built in 1575, and additional wings have since been added. The Grade II* listed hall and the collection of Grade II listed outbuildings are set amid 500 acres of woodland, pastures, ponds and streams which can be visited by the public. (Photo: Tony Davies Photogra – Stock.ado)
– The oldest buildings in Liverpool
Many have original Victorian or Tudor designs, and appear frozen in time, with décor and furniture dating back to humans centuries ago. The picturesque grounds are well worth a visit, and are perfect for exploring in all seasons.
Here are 11 historic homes just a short drive from Liverpool.
Rufford Old Hall was built in about 1530 for Sir Robert Hesketh and only the Great Hall remains of the original structure. The Tudor building is now a National Trust property, surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian gardens. There is a cozy team room and forests to explore. (Image: Michael D. Beckwith, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Inglewood Manor is an Edwardian country house surrounded by 38 acres of magnificent grounds. The Grade II listed hotel is a popular venue for weddings, but you can also visit the restaurant or book an afternoon tea. (Photo: Derrick Henry/Englewood Manor Hotel)
Erddig is a Grade I listed manor house, in Wrexham, Wales. The formal rooms feature original 18th and 19th century furniture, and the large garden features a Victorian portico. The 17th-century building was saved from dereliction in the 1970s and is owned by the National Trust. (Image: Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Speke Hall is a Grade I listed building, constructed in 1530. Visitors can see the Victorian kitchen and servants’ quarters. The gardens of this Tudor country house are usually filled with colorful flowers during the spring. It’s surrounded by a green oasis, perfect for a family day out. (Image: David Dixon CC 2.0)
Capeshorne Hall is a stately, family-owned home, set in 100 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside. It is a popular venue for weddings and visitors can also explore the hall and the surrounding gardens. The Lakeside Café is the perfect place for a drink in the sunshine. (Image: Simon Harrod CC-2.0 via Wikimedia)
Walton Hall is the former home and gardens of Lord and Lady Daresbury. The beautiful grounds now include a children’s zoo, an orchard and a playground, as well as greenhouses and stunning flowers. The hall is full of history and features unique antique furniture, Victorian paintings, an oak-paneled hall, a grand staircase and high gilded ceilings. (Image: Walton Hall and Gardens)
Arley Hall is a beautiful mansion that is over 550 years old. The gardens at Arley are open daily, however the hall is only open twice a month. It features intricate fireplaces and stunning features, as well as beautiful green spaces and a café/restaurant. (Photo: Jeff Buck)
Meols Hall is a 17th-century manor house, owned by the Hesketh family. The beautiful home is popular for weddings and special events. Not only can you come to visit, there are guided tours of the house available, as well as afternoon tea for groups in the 400-year-old Tithe Barn. (Image: Wikimedia – Public Domain)
Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan mansion surrounded by gardens and woodland, located in the heart of Lancashire. There is an ornately terraced garden overlooking the River Calder and over 40 acres of woodland to explore. Ideal for children, there is a natural play area for building a den. The beautiful building and grounds are managed by the council and the National Trust. (Photo: Michael D. Beckwith, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons)
