Stately STAYS

Have you ever visited a stately home, lingered in its sumptuous rooms, strolled the sprawling grounds, and imagined yourself lord or lady of the manor? Those in the know prolong the experience with an overnight stay on the surrounding estate, enjoying the magnificent setting once the crowds have gone home.

The so-called “Downton Effect” – a renewed passion for historic homes generated by the enormously popular TV drama – is surely to thank for the fact that stately homes are increasingly offering accommodation in their grounds. And it’s perhaps no surprise that the “real Downton Abbey”, Highclere Castle in Hampshire, is one of them.

After a tour of Highclere’s sumptuous state rooms you can