Historic Houses member sites see 14% surge to 21.3 million visitors – Blenheim Palace takes top spot 

New figures from Historic Houses member places show an increase in visits compared to 2024, but have still not reached pre-pandemic levels.

A new survey from Historic Houses has found there was a 14% increase in the number of visitors at its member places last year. Over 21.3 million visits were made in 2025, with nearly a million (980,678) of those to number one attraction, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

In second place was Chatsworth House, Derbyshire (with 679,232 visits) followed by Hever Castle, Kent (recording 389,928 visits).

Full breakdown of top 10, based on paid visitor numbers only:
House 2025 Visitor Numbers 1. Blenheim Palace* 980,678 2. Chatsworth House* 679,232 3. Hever Castle 389,928 4. Beaulieu* 310,384 5. Waddesdon Manor 306,061 6. Castle Howard* 289,000 7. Bamburgh Castle 255,479 8. Alnwick Castle 255,047 9. Arundel Castle Gardens 192,000 10. Painshill Park 178,094

However, despite growing by more than 10%, total visitor numbers are yet to return to pre pandemic levels of 26 million in 2019. Nearly a third (31%) of respondents reported that revenue has also yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Historic Houses member places have a huge economic impact. Our data estimates the total economic benefit of our member places to be £1 billion in 2025, despite the currently challenging economic circumstances.

Historic Houses member places make a vital contribution to rural communities as a consequence of the jobs that they provide. Our analysis estimates that in 2025, member places directly employed over 12,000 FTE staff. But the cost of doing business continues to increase, with member houses reporting a staggering 72% increase in the cost of their insurance policies.

Ben Cowell, Director-General of Historic Houses said: “Historic Houses member properties currently face some of the most challenging trading conditions for decades. Increased costs of doing business compound the problems of ever-increasing levels of taxation and a slow and cumbersome planning system. A supportive fiscal and regulatory framework has never been more essential to ensure historic house businesses can deliver their full public value.”

Heather Carter, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction, Blenheim Palace, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Blenheim Palace topped the list of Historic Houses member attractions, attracting nearly one million visitors in 2025. It reflects the continued dedication of our team and the enduring appeal of Britain’s greatest palace for visitors from across the UK and around the world. We recognise the ongoing economic challenges facing heritage attractions and remain committed to investing in our visitor experience and preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.”

ENDS