HISTORIC HOUSES - STATELY HOMES - GARDENS

Brockenhurst Hampshire. Tel 01590 612345 Formerly the 14th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House has been home to the Montagu family and their ancestors since 1538. You can still see the monastic origins of the building and talk to Victorian characters from the house as you explore.

Chichester West Sussex. Tel 01243 755000 The Dukes of Richmond are the proud possessors of one of the finest and most representative of English art collections, admire French furniture, plus a beautiful collections of porcelain. Also you can view the Gobelins tapestries which show delightful scenes.

Cobham Surrey. Tel 01932 868 113 One of the 18th century’s great landscape parks. Here history, art and landscape design come together spectacularly to offer visitors an enlightening, breath-taking and tranquil day out. The perfect place to spend the day with its walking trails and varied programme of events.

Whitehall Greater London. Tel 0870 751 5178 Set in the heart of historic Whitehall, the Banqueting House is one of London's hidden treasures. The house is all that remains of Whitehall Palace, when it was destroyed by fire. Renowned for its architecture and painting and the scene of Charles I's execution.

East Molesey Surrey. Tel 0870 751 5175 A magical history tour inside and out, with stunning state apartments, a choice of six individual tours, costumed guides and 60 acres of spectacular riverside gardens including the world famous maze. Discover the magnificent state apartments of Henry VII and William III

Greater London. Tel 0870 751 5170 A royal residence since 1689, today's visitors can explore the magnificent state apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Visit the King's apartment, the Queen's apartment, the Victorian rooms, plus the Orangery and sunken gardens. Sound guide available.

Richmond Surrey. Tel 0870 751 5179 The palace was George lll's family home and the cottage was used by the King and his family as a summerhouse. The cottage is open to the public in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew for certain special events. The cottage has been preserved as a nature reserve.

Knebworth Hertfordshire. Tel 01438 812661 Knebworth House is unique, originally a red-brick Tudor manor house, it was transformed in 1843 into the gothic fantasy we see today, with turrets, griffins and gargoyles. Come inside and you will find it retains the warmth and atmosphere of its mediaeval origins.

Hatfield Hertfordshire. Tel 01707 287010 The State Rooms of this celebrated Jacobean House are rich in paintings, furniture, fine tapestries and historic armour. In the gardens can be found the Great Hall, the surviving wing of the Royal Palace of Hatfield (1485) where queen Elizabeth I spent some her childhood.

Sandwich Kent. Tel 01304 619919 Nestled in the ancient town of Sandwich amongst the sumptuous surroundings, visitors will discover some rather unique Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll designed gardens. Stroll through 3.5 acres of ornamental gardens or enjoy light refreshments in the lovely tea rooms.