Wentworth Woodhouse: the Rotherham stately home with the UK's longest frontage

Nothing quite prepares you for the first sight of Wentworth Woodhouse. The East Front of this Grade I listed house near Rotherham stretches 618 feet, the longest of any country house in the UK, and behind it lie more than 300 rooms.

The house grew in the 18th century under Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham, who began rebuilding in 1725, with Henry Flitcroft designing the East Front from around 1734. The 2nd Marquess, who twice served as Prime Minister, expanded the house further. The estate later passed to the Fitzwilliam family, and during the Second World War it was the training depot and headquarters of the Intelligence Corps.

Its modern chapter is a story of rescue. In 2016 the house was bought by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust for £7 million, and later that year the government announced a £7.6 million grant towards restoration. The trust describes itself as being at the beginning of an ambitious regeneration project, and progress is already visible: the Camellia House, restored from dereliction, reopened as a teahouse in 2024.

Visitors are coming in growing numbers. In 2024 the house welcomed 126,000 visitors, and volunteers gave 41,000 hours of their time. Film fans may recognise it too, as scenes from Darkest Hour, Victoria, Gentleman Jack and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell were shot here.

There is plenty planned for the months ahead. The WILD THINGS half-term programme runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, with WILD: The Drone Light Show on 30 and 31 October. Then, from 1 December to 3 January, the house transforms for Alice in Wentworth Wonderland. Afternoon tea is served in the Long Gallery from Friday to Sunday.

Make time for the wider estate, too. Nearby stands Hoober Stand, a 30-metre monument built between 1746 and 1748 to designs by Henry Flitcroft, one of several follies around the park, with a spiral staircase of 150 steps leading to a viewing platform.

Wentworth Woodhouse is open Tuesday to Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays, from 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3.15pm. Tickets, tours and event details are on the Wentworth Woodhouse website.