Supporting Britain's privately-owned historic houses, castles and gardens.

The HHA represents 1500 privately-owned historic houses, castles and gardens throughout the UK. These are listed buildings or designated gardens, usually Grade I or II*, and are often outstanding. Many are considered to be iconic symbols of Britain's unique heritage.

Around 300 HHA houses open to the public for day visitors, attracting between them about 13 million visitors each year. Others open for special visits, weddings, corporate events or short breaks.

How we help

The HHA:

• works for the future of these 1500 houses, the heritage they conserve and the businesses, families and employees they support, by lobbying on their behalf at national, regional and local level. Whenever possible, we work in partnership with other heritage organisations;


• provides technical and specialist advice, support, seminars, networks and information to property owners (Full Members);


• offers a Friends' Membership for people wishing to support the HHA's aims and enjoy free visits to HHA houses;


• supports a network of Successor Members;


• provides a Corporate Membership scheme for associated businesses to meet and work with owners and the association;


• holds an AGM with invited speakers and guests from the heritage sector, together with the largest heritage and conservation trade show in Britain organised by Hall-McCartney;


• provides policy makers, the media and others with information about the role and public value of privately-owned heritage;


• supports the work of the Heritage Conservation Trust, to aid restoration of art in historic houses;


• supports sector wide campaigns, working with partners such as The National Trust and English Heritage;


• works closely with the the Union of European Historic Houses Associations, in Brussels and Strasbourg.