Merseyside and its surrounding areas are home to some beautiful manor houses and stately homes, that have been standing for centuries.
Perfect for a day out, many of these incredible buildings are surrounded by stunning gardens and acres of greenery, and feature cafes and restaurants too.
Many feature original Victorian or Tudor designs, and appear frozen in time, with decor and furniture being that of man centuries ago. The breathtaking grounds are well worth a visit, and are perfect for exploring in all seasons.
Here are 11 historic houses that are a short drive away from Liverpool.
9. Arley Hall, Cheshire
Arley Hall is a beautiful manor that is over 550 years old. The gardens at Arley are open daily, however, the hall is only open a couple of times a month. It features intricate fireplaces and stunning features, as well as beautiful greenery and a cafe/restaurant. | Jeff Buck Photo: Jeff Buck
10. Meols Hall, Southport
Meols Hall is a 17th-century Manor House, owned by the Hesketh family. The beautiful house is popular for weddings and private events. You can’t just show up for a visit but, guided tours of the house are available, as well as afternoon teas for groups in the 400-year-old Tithe Barn. | Wikimedia - Public Domain Photo: Wikimedia - Public Domain
11. Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire
Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan mansion surrounded by gardens and woodlands, in the heart of Lancashire. There is an ornamental terraced garden overlooking the River Calder and over 40 acres of woodland to explore. Perfect for kids, there is a natural play area for den building. The beautiful building and grounds are ran by the council and National Trust. | Michael D Beckwith, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Michael D Beckwith, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons