Houghton Hall

Houghton Hall built in the 1720s by Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister, is one of the grandest surviving Palladian Houses in England, and is now owned by the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. The spectacular 5-acre walled garden has been divided into areas for fruit and vegetables, spacious herbaceous borders, and formal rose gardens with over 150 varieties. A collection of Model Soldiers contains over 20,000 models laid out in various battle formations. Look out for the herd of white fallow deer that live in the grounds, and contemporary sculptures in the garden. There are musical events in the summer, and the Houghton International Horse Trials in May.