Built and mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587, the main part of the House has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors. There are more than 80 lesser rooms and numerous halls, corridors, bathrooms and service areas. The lead roof extends to three quarters of an acre, restoration and rebuilding of which began in 1983 and took nearly ten years to complete. Visitor facilities include the Orangery Restaurant, Gift Shop, Gardens of Surprise and beautiful walks around the historic parkland laid out by Capability Brown and still occupied by a herd of fallow deer.

History can come alive in a single trip whether it is to enjoy a guided tour, take a dog for a walk in the park, take the children to paddle, see the Teddy Bear’s picnic in the Gardens of Surprise or take time over lunch in the Orangery.