From Stately Homes to Sandy Beaches
There are few pleasures more quintessentially British than spending the morning wandering through magnificent historic houses before ending the day beside the sea.
Whether it's clifftop castles looking out across crashing waves, elegant estates just moments from golden beaches, or hidden country houses within easy reach of the coast, these are the places where heritage and summer go hand in hand.
Here are some of our favourite HeritageXplore destinations for combining remarkable history with a dose of sea air.
Beaulieu
Hampshire
Nestled on the edge of the New Forest and just a stone's throw from the Solent, Beaulieu offers the best of both worlds.
Spend the morning exploring Palace House, the Abbey and the world-famous National Motor Museum before venturing down to the coast at Lepe or Calshot. It's an easy combination of woodland, history and sea views that makes for a brilliant family day out.
Don't miss: An evening stroll along Lepe Beach, watching ferries glide across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
Stansted Park
West Sussex
Although often overlooked, Stansted Park enjoys an enviable location close to Chichester Harbour.
After touring the house and gardens, it's only a short drive to the harbour's sailing villages, waterside walks and peaceful creeks. If your perfect summer day involves history followed by a long pub lunch overlooking the water, this is hard to beat.
Don't miss: West Wittering Beach or a walk around East Head, one of Sussex's loveliest stretches of coastline.
Holkham Hall
Norfolk
Holkham Beach regularly appears on lists of Britain's finest beaches - and for good reason.
Miles of golden sand, rolling dunes and big Norfolk skies sit just beyond one of England's grandest Palladian houses. After exploring Holkham Hall and its beautiful parkland, hire a bike, wander throughout the pine woods or simply spend an afternoon on the beach with fish and chips.
Few places capture the feeling of an English summer quite so perfectly.
Don't miss: The spectacular walk through the pine woods to Holkham Beach, finishing with fish and chips in Wells-next-the-Sea.
Caerhays Castle
Cornwall
Where else can you admire one of Cornwall's great castles before strolling down to a secluded sandy cove?
Caerhays sits just above Porthluney Beach, allowing visitors to combine spectacular gardens, Victorian architecture and the sparkling Cornish coastline in a single afternoon. Bring a picnic, spend time among the famous rhododendrons and camellias, then head straight for the beach.
While the estate is best known for its spectacular spring opening, private group tours of the castle and gardens can also be arranged throughout the year, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience this remarkable Cornish estate beyond the main season.
It's Cornwall at its very best.
Don't miss: A swim or paddle at Porthluney Beach, just below the castle.
Mount Stuart House
Isle of Bute
The Isle of Bute has long been one of Scotland's hidden gems, and Mount Stuart is one of its greatest treasures.
After exploring the extraordinary Gothic Revival interiors and beautifully landscaped grounds, you're never far from quiet beaches, sheltered bays and sweeping views across the Firth of Clyde. It feels wonderfully removed from everyday life - perfect for a slower summer escape.
Don't miss: A visit to Ettrick Bay, one of Scotland's finest island beaches.
Dunnottar Castle
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
If ever a castle was made for dramatic coastal views, it's Dunnottar.
Perched on a rugged headland above the North Sea, the ruined medieval fortress is surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides, making it one of Britain's most breathtaking historic sites. Wander through centuries of Scottish history before following the coastal path, where seabirds wheel overhead and the waves crash far below.
There may not be a better place to end a summer road trip around Scotland.
Don't miss: The spectacular Dunnottar cliff walk between Stonehaven and the castle.
Also Worth Discovering...
Some of our favourite houses may not sit directly on the coastline, but they're close enough to make an ideal addition to a summer itinerary.
Wolterton
Pair your visit with Cley-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, Wells-next-the-Sea or Cromer, all within an easy drive.
Mannington
A wonderful base for exploring the quieter side of the North Norfolk coast, from salt marshes to hidden beaches.
Sennowe Park
Perfectly placed for a day combining elegant parkland with Burnham Market, Holkham or Wells.
Layer Marney Tower
Just a short drive from Mersea Island and the Blackwater Estuary, where oysters, sailing boats and waterside pubs await.
Mapperton House and Gardens
Combine Dorset's finest manor house with a trip to Lyme Regis, West Bay or Chesil Beach.
Trewithen House and Gardens
An ideal stop before exploring St Mawes, Falmouth or the tranquil creeks of the Roseland Peninsula.
Knowsley Hall
Within easy reach of Crosby Beach, Formby and Liverpool's revitalised waterfront.
Glamis Castle
Round off your visit with a drive to Lunan Bay or Arbroath, where sweeping beaches meet dramatic cliffs and Scotland's famous smokies.
A Summer Worth Exploring
One of the joys of Britain's historic houses is that they rarely exist in isolation. Beyond the gardens, portraits and drawing rooms lie coastlines, harbours, hidden coves and seaside towns waiting to be discovered.
This summer, why choose between history and the beach? Visit somewhere that offers both, and make a day - or even a weekend - of it.
