From sturdy castles to lavish manor houses, the world is filled with fine stately homes – and many are open to visitors. To celebrate the release of the new Downton Abbey movie, we reveal the glorious stately homes you can actually explore. Go ahead, be our guest…

This extravagant 70-room country home in Newport, Rhode Island, belonged to the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt’s grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, commissioned the renovation of this once-wooden ‘cottage’ and transformed it into an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. Its lavishly decorated rooms (think platinum, marble and intricate stonework) are now open to the public throughout the year.

This striking Baroque-style palace was the official residence of the Russian Tsars from 1732 to 1917. Today, visitors can take a look around the expansive palace which now forms part of the Hermitage Museum (the largest art gallery in Russia). The lavish pile boasts a whopping 1,945 windows, 1,786 doors and 1,057 ornately decorated rooms, many of which are open to the public.

Tipped as America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate is modelled on the elegant chateaux of France's Loire Valley. Built by George Vanderbilt, the impressive mansion took six years to complete (1889–1895) and boasts 250 exquisitely decorated rooms. The estate is also home to six restaurants, a winery and guest accommodation. Best of all, it’s open to the public 365 days a year.

The Queen’s official London residence opens its doors to the public every summer. On top of being able to take a sneak peek behind the scenes of a working palace, it’s also an opportunity to explore the property’s lavish interiors and 19 state rooms. Visitors can feast their eyes on paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Poussin too.

This Gothic Revival-style mansion should be on any Toronto must-visit list. Constructed between 1911 and 1914 (it took 300 workers to build), it was the former residence of financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Inside you'll find the pillared Great Hall, the library and Sir Pellatt's plush walnut and mahogany suite. Today, it’s open to the public and has also served as a filming location for TV shows and movies, including X-Men.

Set within a series of lush gardens, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Guided tours take place here throughout the year, and while no buildings are entered, it's a great opportunity to explore pockets of the grounds, and get a closer look at the main palace, or Kyuden. The Imperial Family also makes a balcony appearance on 2 January each year.

Also known as the castle “in love with the wind”, this fairy-tale home was built by champion wrestler Georgi Tumpalov, and it’s a sight to behold. While it may look like a medieval relic, construction only started in the 1990s. Boasting impressive gardens, an art gallery, summer cinema, horse riding centre and even a small zoo, this eye-catching castle is definitely worth a visit.

From open-air concerts to garden festivals and weddings, King Henry VIII’s former residence is no stranger to hosting elaborate events. But regular daytime tours of the estate are also highly recommended. Aside from exploring the grand palace and its artefacts, day-trippers can also visit the stunning gardens and maze. Sweet-toothed visitors shouldn't miss the palace's Chocolate Kitchen, where master chocolate makers would whip up treats for the royals.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home was built by Robert Lincoln, the son of former president Abraham Lincoln, at the turn of the 20th century. It was primarily used as a summer home and today you can discover it on a guided tour. As well as exploring the main residence, you can take a look around the well-kept gardens, a dairy farm and a 1903 Pullman car.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill needs little introduction. On top of learning all about the former Prime Minister’s early years here, visitors can explore the palace’s many state rooms (and portrait, tapestry and furniture collections), roam the tranquil pleasure gardens and lose themselves in the Marlborough Maze. There’s also a miniature train for children, organ recitals and forest schools – you may need more than a day for this one...

Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic landmark, set atop a hill in San Simeon, was the home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. It's a majestic estate influenced by European architecture and comes complete with ornate swimming pools, manicured grounds and a series of grand rooms in the main residence, Casa Grande. It’s open to the public with all manner of tours including art-focused explorations and evening trips.

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Leeds Castle sits just five miles southeast of Maidstone and celebrates its 900th anniversary in 2019. Open year round, the castle is dripping in history, with King Henry VIII known to have frequented the estate regularly. Once you've heard tales of the castle's past, you can also punt on the moat, enjoy falconry displays, and explore the manicured gardens and maze.

This Elizabethan gem has a busy year coming up: 2020 marks 500 years since the birth of its founder, William Cecil, who was Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. Expect plenty of celebrations including festivals, concerts, an outdoor cinema and food markets. The house and gardens are open daily, plus there’s even the opportunity to stay overnight in the estate’s dairy.

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A masterpiece of French architecture, Château de Chambord is one of the most recognised castles in the world and it exemplifies classical Renaissance style. It’s even thought that Leonardo da Vinci could have been involved in its design. Chambord celebrates its 500th anniversary this year, making it the perfect time to explore. On-site activities include horse and bird-of-prey shows, boat tours, trail hiking and carriage rides.

This pretty tidal island has been home to the St Aubyn family since the 17th century. Accessible by foot via a cobbled causeway at low tide, the castle is open to the public daily (except Saturdays). It wows visitors with its centuries-old rooms and its exotic-plant-filled gardens, and there are all manner of activities to get involved in, including foraging, picnics and rock-pooling at low tide.

This impressive castle and stately home has been owned by the Percy family for more than 700 years. It’s also famed for being one of the film locations for Harry Potter, so expect plenty of wizard-related activities including dragon quests and broomstick training. It also made an appearance as Brancaster Castle in two Downton Abbey Christmas specials. 

The principal royal residence of France between 1682 and 1789, Versailles is every bit as splendid as you’d imagine. Located 12 miles southwest of Paris, this glittering palace warrants a whole day's exploration – its collection holds more than 60,000 works and its incredible gardens are filled with statues, fountains and the famous orangery. Don't miss the Hall of Mirrors, the most opulent room of all.

The largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia, Frederiksborg Castle is situated to the north of Copenhagen. It was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV. Today, it’s home to the Museum of National History which is well worth exploring. What’s more, the castle’s old wine cellar has been converted into an area geared up for kids, with child-friendly displays and a picture trail.

An unexpected find in New York's Thousand Islands, this European-style castle is a stone's throw from Alexandria Bay. It was built from 1900 for affluent hotelier George C. Boldt and remains an impressive confection of conical towers, turrets and stonework today. The stately building was actually intended for Boldt's beloved wife, though she sadly died before its completion. Now visitors come for self-guided tours of the impressive 120-room property and its surrounds.

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Holkham Hall, one of England’s finest stately halls, is located just minutes from the scenic Norfolk coast, and has opened a number of never-seen-before rooms to the public this year. Book a historical tour before October 2019 to see stately rooms such as the Venetian Bedroom and the Old Servants’ Hall, plus a number of hidden passages, attics and cellars.

One of London's lesser-known historic properties, Kenwood House sits to the north of Hampstead Heath and is well worth a wander. The building also houses an impressive collection of artwork, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Gainsborough. Don’t miss the fantastic library, either – it’s adorned with marble and heaving with antique books.

Shaped like the bow of a ship, this medieval castle-palace is a sight to behold. While it was originally built as a fortress, it has also served as a state palace and a military academy in its time. It’s been touted as the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle, and served as a location for cult TV series Game of Thrones too.

One of China’s most visited tourist attractions, The Forbidden City is popular for a reason. It has been home to more than 20 emperors in its time, and this imposing network of palaces boasts upwards of 90 palace compounds, 900-plus buildings and upwards of 8,000 rooms. Take a whole day to marvel at the medieval wooden structures and keep your eyes peeled for the many animal statues.

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This ornate 15th-century palace served as the political headquarters – and residence – of many sultans for almost 400 years. Each sultan added a different element to the palace, which opened to the public in 1924, meaning you can explore a curious maze of buildings today. Don’t miss the Sacred Relics Department on your visit – it’s home to all manner of treasures.

In 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle opened its doors to visitors and people have been coming in their droves ever since. This majestic castle was the brainchild of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, who used it to hide away from the public eye. While heavy restoration work is ongoing, all rooms are still open to look around – and, like Spain’s Alcázar of Segovia, the fairy-tale building is said to have inspired Walt Disney too.

One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace was completed as it stands today in 1912, though it's thought a fortress could have existed here since the 14th century. With its striking domes and ornate archways, the exterior is breathtaking and the interiors are just as impressive. There’s a lot to pack into a day, but be sure to check out the colourful Public Durbar Hall and the curious Doll’s Pavilion. Visit in the evening (except on Sundays or public holidays) to see the palace illuminated by 97,000 lights.

Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe, with a facade even longer than that of Buckingham Palace. Boasting five miles (8km) of corridors and 80 acres of pleasure gardens, the property has plenty to explore. There are oodles of tours to choose from – from conservation-themed tours to those focused on the grounds – and you can reward yourself with afternoon tea at the end. 

 

Located just outside of Lisbon, Pena Palace sits regally atop Sintra’s verdant hills and could be pulled straight from a storybook. Pastel-hued and boasting various domes and turrets, this striking palace has housed a number of Portuguese royals throughout the ages. Its architecture typifies 19th-century Romanticism.

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This ornate Jacobethan-style country house, located five miles south of Newbury in Berkshire, has an impressive history. The first written records of the Highclere estate date to 749, but it’s most well-known as the filming location for award-winning TV series and film, Downton Abbey. Selected events take place throughout the year for the public and the estate’s castle, gardens and Egyptian exhibition can be visited during summer.

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