I wish we had time to see all of them, but that’s just not possible. If I had to choose one, which would be the winner? I’m also open to other recommendations—as long as they’re along the route: areas around London, near Bath north to Oxford, the Cotswolds, up to the Peak District or Yorkshire.
Posted by
Chicago
1478 posts
My order (not necessarily the preference of others): Blenheim, Chatsworth, Howard.
You probably can’t lose with any choice.
I like knowing something of family histories so Blenheim with the Churchill connection and Chatsworth with the Kennedy (Kathleen “Kick”) story sparked additional interest for me. Not necessary to enjoy the properties, however.
I would probably check the itinerary and see what works best time and distance wise.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
'I would probably check the itinerary and see what works best time and distance wise.'
-- that's exactly what I am trying to optimize for: I originally have Chatsworth planned out, but I now realize that in order to make it, it would take a lot of extra driving and I would have limited time to visit other parts of the Peak District. So I started to question if it's worth the effort and time, and if it's better to replace it with Blenheim or Howard (if yes, which one). But then I read that Chatsworth is so replaceable and the quintessential English that can't be missed. Hence the original question here.
Posted by
Chicago
1478 posts
Chatsworth is more out of the way. We detoured to get there like you are considering. Worth the detour to us. (But we could also include Blenheim in the same trip!).
Blenheim is my favorite because of the Churchill, Dukes of Marlborough connection. That will not resonate with all, but was an important factor in my visit.
If you would enjoy extensive grounds, Chatsworth would be a good bet.
Hard decisions- and rather personal. I’m curious what others think. I hope there is helpful commentary for you. One this trip and another on a return??
Posted by
Lake District, England
9403 posts
What is your route, to and from where, if you say that Chatsworth is well out of your way?
Chatsworth is in the Peak District, or minutes out of it depending on definition. Yorkshire is a huge county. If you are going through the Yorkshire Dales you are not near Castle Howard, but if the North Yorkshire Moors then you are.
London, Bath, Oxford is already a dog leg of a journey.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
I am still working on the route, roughly start from either Oxford or Bath, or vice versa. drive through 1 or 2 cotswolds villages (avoiding those popular ones though), either to Peak District (mainly for Chatsworth), or skipping it, to arrive York (or depending on the earlier route change, I might return the car earlier and take a train ride to York).
Posted by
London
342 posts
With the caveat that I haven't yet been to Castle Howard (tho am planning a trip there for July as it has just reopened), I would definitely vote for Chatsworth. It really is spectacular and the gardens are amazing. Blenheim is very nice as well but I think people may rate it more highly due to the Churchill connection. Visiting stately homes across the UK is one of my favourite weekend activities so I have seen many, and Chatsworth has been the best. However, I am sure you will have a good time whichever of these you choose.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2594 posts
Castle Howard would be bottom of my list - there isn't as much to see there compared with the other two and it lacks the WOW factor.
Both Blenheim and Chatsworth are stunning and are surrounded by large and very grounds . Both deserve a full day. deserve a full day. To be honest it probably doesn't make a lot of difference which one you choose if you can only 'do' one - chose the one that best fits in with your itinerary.
Posted by
Preston UK
1452 posts
Purely on the basis of the building and grounds it has to be Chatsworth. If you are going between Oxford and the Cotswolds to Yorkshire then it is really not out of the way, other than a need to come off the motorway to get to it. Were it me I would go to Bath, then Oxford and Blenheim and then Chatsworth and spend what time you planned for the Cotswolds in the Peak District - much better in my view.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
9193 posts
I have not been to Blenheim Palace, but I have been both to Castle Howard and Chatsworth, and my vote would be for Chatsworth. For one thing, the scenery around there is just beautiful. I love the Peak District. And Chatsworth itself was so gorgeous. The grounds were not just beautiful but also really creative and unusual in some respects. And the house was phenomenal. I could’ve stayed there forever.
I really enjoyed the grounds of Castle Howard, but I think Chatsworth is just much more appealing and well worth a visit. And, when it’s over, you can stop in Bakewell and get a Bakewell tart! That’s a win-win!!! :-)