One of England's great historic houses will be opening its doors for guests to enjoy five nights immersed in the elegance of Old England.

Inspired by the Grand Tours of the 18th century, Grand Historic Tours will provide guests with privileged access to Mapperton, which is near Beaminster, where they will be welcomed by hosts Luke and Julie Montagu, Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke says: “Julie and I are delighted to invite guests into our home to experience the many joys of Mapperton. There’s always lots going on; we look forward to making new friends and giving them behind-the-scenes access to life on an English country estate.”

The first Grand Historic Tour takes place in October 2023 and is limited to 12 people. Guests will have the opportunity to dress up for formal dinners, sleep in one of the grand bedrooms, take afternoon tea in the drawing room and even take a dip in the wild swimming pool!  

Guests will also enjoy a private house tour with the Earl of Sandwich, who will share his various stories including the origin of his title as well as his family’s contribution to Britain’s naval history.

The Countess of Sandwich will give a private tour of the award-winning gardens, and there will be tours led by Luke of the wider estate and its approach to farming and rewilding.

Julie, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, will also lead optional well-being and yoga activities, and guests will be invited for private lunches and tours at two other Dorset stately homes and exclusive visits to local attractions, including one of Dorset’s finest restaurants.

Mapperton House & Gardens are located two miles from Beaminster in the heart of the Dorset countryside.

Mapperton House was voted ‘the Nation’s Finest Manor House’ by Country Life magazine while the gardens recently won the ‘Historic Houses Garden of the Year’ award. 

Julie, who also hosts the popular YouTube channel American Viscountess, says: “I’m very excited to host a quintessentially English country house party, where we will dress up, eat delicious food and celebrate our wonderful surroundings and the Dorset countryside. 

"I promise that guests will leave with stories that will last a lifetime!”