With its 550 acres of sprawling grounds, encompassing gardens, lakes and stables, it’s no wonder that 19 generations of the Spencer family have grown-up loving Althorp. The family seat was built in 1508 and has since seen politicians, courtiers, admirals and society beauties living in its halls, with each leaving their mark on the country house.

Perhaps none are more famous than Princess Diana, who grew up here alongside her siblings, the ninth Earl Spencer (currently in residence), Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes. Now, Diana’s childhood home is opening its doors to the public for the summer season, granting access to its storied rooms from 1st July to 31st August.

As well as being the place where Diana grew up, it is also her final resting place, with her grave on an island in the middle of a lake in the grounds. This is the one area that is completely off-limits to the public still, in keeping with the family’s wishes for privacy. Those wishing to pay their respects can visit a memorial site on the grounds instead. Announcing plans to bury his sister there in 1998, Earl Spencer said it would: ‘Act as a buffer against the interventions of the insane and ghoulish, the thick mud presenting a further line of defence.’