Travel - Historic Stays

Sara Whatley
21 hours ago
3 min read

Step into the past with a stay at a historic property, where architecture, atmosphere and storytelling combine to create a truly memorable experience

Aerial view of a historic castle surrounded by a moat, lush gardens, and a maze. Verdant landscape and clear blue skies enhance the serene mood.

A historic stay is a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the timeless charm of a bygone era while escaping the relentless pace of modern life. From Art Deco decadence and medieval Gothic grandeur to mid-century modern elegance, there is a style to suit every taste and interest. Here we explore the benefits of choosing a historic stay and share some ideas to inspire your next travel adventure.

An immersive experience

Choosing to stay in a historic property is a wonderful way to fully immerse yourself in the past. These buildings provide an authentic insight into how people once lived, worked and travelled, alongside deepening our understanding of the location and how it has evolved. Period architecture, carefully curated interiors and vintage décor enrich the overall experience, elevating your stay beyond the ordinary. What’s more, many historic properties have also been thoughtfully restored, seamlessly blending heritage features with contemporary comforts and modern conveniences, providing a refined sense of luxury.

A tangible link to the past

Historic properties offer a rare opportunity to engage directly with local history, significant events, notable characters and long-held legends. Often deeply connected to their surrounding communities, these places serve as living records of the past and bring history vividly to life. Reflecting on how people once lived and the hardships, resilience and ingenuity required to endure across the centuries can offer a fresh perspective on the present day. In times of personal change or wider global uncertainty, connecting with the past can provide the space for reflection and a renewed frame of reference on the world and your place within it.

A sprawling English manor house beside a narrow canal under a partly cloudy sky. The architecture of the manor house is mixed, featuring both stone and brick facades and prominent timber framing. The stone part of the building is in the foreground, with windows and a large chimney stack. Behind it, a timber-framed section with patterned white and brown wood is visible. Further back, another part of the building is made of stone and brick with numerous red brick chimneys of varying shapes and sizes. The roof is a complex arrangement of gables and pitches, made of dark red tiles. The manor is situated on the far side of a quiet canal, which reflects the house and trees on its calm water. A green, slightly sloping grassy bank lines the foreground, separated from the canal by a wooden retaining wall. Behind the manor, large deciduous trees form a dense, green backdrop. The overall lighting is diffuse, suggesting a late afternoon or overcast day. The manor house and canal are the primary subjects, presented in a horizontal composition. The perspective is from the opposite side of the canal, looking towards the house.

Prime locations

Many historic properties were built in strategic or prestigious locations, which continue to benefit travellers today. Some sit in the heart of historic cities, making a base which is ideal for exploring cultural landmarks and attractions. Others occupy dramatic riverside, coastal or elevated positions, originally chosen for defence or simply to showcase breathtaking scenery.

A unique & memorable experience

Rich in character and individuality, historic stays offer experiences that linger long after you return home. Often smaller and more intimate than modern hotels, they tend to provide a quieter, more personal atmosphere. Many are run by passionate owners and teams who are keen to share stories, anecdotes and insights connected to the property’s past, adding depth and meaning to your stay. Choosing a historic property also supports heritage preservation, helping to protect and conserve these remarkable buildings so they can be enjoyed by future generations.

Elegant room with red velvet furniture, ornate chandelier, stained glass ceiling, floral arrangements, and wooden panels. Luxurious ambiance.

Historic holiday destinations and homes in the UK

With its long and layered history, the UK is home to some of the world’s finest historic destinations. Cities such as Bath, York, London, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast showcase exceptional properties spanning multiple eras. Beyond the cities, towns, villages and countryside across the UK are all steeped in history. Whether you’re dreaming of a castle, stately home, historic inn, medieval cottage, converted watermill, gatehouse, hunting lodge or lighthouse, there is something to suit every preference. Closer to home, places such as Arundel, Chichester, Rye, Hastings and Lewes are rich in historic charm and character, with accommodation to match.

Historic holiday destinations and homes in Europe

History-rich Europe offers endless inspiration for a historic stay. In France, choose from grand châteaux and castles, elegant maison de maître (manor houses), palace hotels, ancient vineyard estates and landmark historic hotels. Italy boasts an exceptional selection of Renaissance palazzi, medieval towers, heritage farmhouses, converted monasteries and convents, as well as traditional whitewashed stone dwellings with conical roofs, known as trulli houses, in Puglia.

Spain is renowned for its paradores: state-run historic properties that include converted Moorish castles, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, as well as monasteries and former fortresses. Traditional fincas (rustic farmhouses) found throughout rural Spain and especially in the Balearic Islands, also offer an authentic heritage escape.

These examples offer just a glimpse of the historic stays available in France, Italy and Spain, while the rest of Europe boasts an equally impressive wealth of heritage properties.

Grand mansion with columns surrounded by lush greenery, a symmetrical garden path leading to its entrance, sunny and tranquil setting.

Historic holiday destinations further afield

Beyond Europe, an exciting and diverse range of historic properties awaits. Options include elegant antebellum mansions in the southern United States, 19th-century colonial bungalows and hill stations in Asia, atmospheric haciendas and estancias in South America, traditional ryokan inns in Japan, legendary safari camps and ancient kasbahs in Africa, as well as beautifully restored heritage souk hotels across the Middle East.