Step back in time: Historical British holiday houses to rent this summer

Historical houses you can rent, such as The Manor Luxury Country House in Somerset. (VRBO/The Manor Luxury Country House)
Historical houses you can rent, such as The Manor Luxury Country House in Somerset. (VRBO/The Manor Luxury Country House)

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When it comes to our next staycation, we're definitely looked forward to some downtime, but that doesn't mean we can't look back, too.

The UK is threaded with rich narratives and for a long weekend or even a week, you can stitch yourself into the fabric of the past at one of the incredible historical houses on offer.

From the family home of Scott of Antarctica to the domed Temple of Diana within 1000 acres of parkland on the Weston Park Estate, whether you're looking to blow the budget or keep it conservative, there's a piece of history with your name on it.

8 historical houses you can rent for your next holiday

Kinley Tower

(VRBO)
(VRBO)

Perched on the top of Kinley Hill with breathtaking views across East Durham, this recently renovated Grade II listed folly still retains many of its historical features - (including low ceilings, so this is not one for very tall families).

Outside the property there's gated access to a private drive and an enclosed garden, so you can soak up the past in total privacy.

Price: From £198 per night | Book now

The Manor at Holcombe | From £1,632 per night

(VRBO)
(VRBO)

Within easy reach of Bath, Frome and Glastonbury, the Manor at Holcombe is the former family home of Scott of Antarctica and retains its historical, grand gallery and staircase.

Today though, it has been lovingly restored to offer guests the luxury of modern amenities like a heated swimming pool, hot tub and pool table, within its honey-hued Georgian walls.

Price: From £1,632 per night | Book now

Little Peach Gatehouse

(Plum Guide)
(Plum Guide)

This historic gatehouse at the entrance to the grounds of Shaftesbury Estate in Dorset has been a passion project for the owner, Lady Shaftesbury herself.

A cosy bolthole for two, the cottage abounds with charm and country character, both inside and out.

Price: From £177 per night | Book now

The Temple of Diana

(VRBO)
(VRBO)

Built in the 1760's for Sir Henry Bridgeman, The Temple of Diana on the Weston Park Estate in Shifnal is an enchanting property, originally designed by 18th century architect James Paine.

The centrepiece is the three-bay glazed Orangery with its unbroken views out across the parkland, and the rainforest shower and comfy snug mean you won't miss out on any hotel amenities.

Price: From £582 per night | Book now

Manorbier Castle

(VRBO)
(VRBO)

Head back in time into the enchanting surroundings of your very own twelfth century Norman castle nestled in the picturesque village of Manorbier in Pembrokeshire.

Immerse yourself in the romance and mystery of ancient Welsh folklore and crusading knights, all while perched on the cliffs at the head of the valley looking out across the waters of Manorbier bay.

Price: From £486 per night | Book now

The Dairy at Burghley

(Rural Retreats)
(Rural Retreats)

Within the grounds of Burghley House (the 16th century country house in Stamford that has been a setting for Netflix's The Crown, amongst other notable films), the great Gothic turrets of the main pile can be seen from the floor-to-ceiling windows of this converted dairy.

With many original features now turned into quirky fixtures, the Dairy at Burghley can work as two separate holiday homes or as one large one for the entire family to enjoy.

With a garden that offers a front row seat for the famed Burghley Horse trials, guests of the Dairy get a key to the historic Lion Bridge that takes them from the private part of the estate into the main grounds.

Price: From £1,000 per night | Book now

Fisherman's Cottage

(VRBO)
(VRBO)

Penygrisiau is one of Barmouths original buildings, it is also one of the oldest vernacular buildings in the country. In fact, the surrounding town has developed around this 600-year-old fisherman's cottage.

Sleeping four, this seaside property boasts oodles of charm and character without one straight line or even floor throughout.

Price: From £75 per night| Book now

Fenton Tower

(Host Unusual)
(Host Unusual)

Fenton Tower has hosted many notable visitors in its distinguished history, including King James VI of Scotland himself.

This magnificent 16th century tower feels remote, yet is perfectly situated near the coastal town of North Berwick, just 18 miles east of Edinburgh.

Price: From £1,875 per night | Book now

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