5 Atmospheric Historic Houses and Castles to visit this Autumn
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness" - Keats captured autumn's essence perfectly, and nowhere is this more beautifully realised than at Britain's great historic houses. As orchards heavy with fruit meet morning mists and ancient walls are framed by trees ablaze with colour, these are the perfect places to witness autumn's transformation.
Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire
This dramatic 19th-century castle revival sits majestically against the Malvern Hills. In autumn, the extensive parkland creates a golden backdrop to the castle's imposing towers and turrets. The interiors, with their soaring halls and medieval-inspired motifs, feel particularly atmospheric as the days grow shorter. Learn more about Eastnor here.
Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
Perched on its clifftop above the North Sea, Dunnottar becomes even more dramatic in autumn's moody light. The ruined walls and chambers echo with centuries of Scottish history, while the coastal setting offers spectacular views as autumn storms roll in from the sea. Fancy blowing the cob webs off at Dunnoattar?
Glamis Castle, Scotland
Home to the legendary Grey Lady - said to be the ghost of Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, who was burned as a witch in 1537. This fairy-tale castle, childhood home of the Queen Mother, takes on an especially haunting quality in autumn. The castle's many towers and chambers seem purpose-built for ghostly encounters as the evenings draw in... visit if you dare.
Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, Sudeley's romantic ruins and restored rooms are framed beautifully by autumn foliage. The final resting place of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife, the castle gardens offer a peaceful retreat as they transition into their autumn colours. Plan you visit here.
Mannington Estate, Norfolk
This moated medieval manor house, surrounded by woodland and heritage gardens, becomes particularly enchanting as autumn mists rise from the water. The romantic ruins in the gardens and the house's intimate scale create an atmosphere of timeless tranquillity. Explore Mannington for yourself here.
These houses prove that autumn isn't about retreating indoors - it's about discovering how the season transforms familiar places into something extraordinary. Pack your warmest coat and prepare to see history through autumn's golden lens.
