The Hudson’s Guide of historic houses, gardens, castles and heritage sites is the definitive guide to heritage in the UK. It has been in continuous production since 1987 when it was founded by Norman Hudson OBE and published under his company, Norman Hudson and Co. Mr Hudson produced 20 editions of Hudson’s before selling the title to the Heritage House Group Ltd, which then rebranded as Hudson’s Media Group. It was sold again a few years later and became part of the Visit Heritage brand, in 2021, it was purchased by Ignyte Ltd, who took on both the Visit Heritage and Hudson’s brands.

Speaking in an article published in the 20^th anniversary edition of Hudson’s, Mr Hudson wrote: “…The first edition of Hudson’s was produced to provide better information for the travel trade. Some of the great houses were well known, but few people knew of the hundreds of other open properties. While some are comparatively small, they nearly all have a story to tell, much to admire and can provide as much delight for visitors as the great ‘treasure houses’.”

Over those first twenty years, Hudson’s has grown from a black and white publication designed for the travel trade to a best seller that is often referred to as the ‘bible’ by those with an interest in Britain’s exceptional heritage of historic houses. More recent editions have been published both physically and digitally, something that Mr Hudson may not have even thought possible on publishing the first ever edition. The most recent edition is available to read online here.

Despite selling the publication in 2007, Mr Hudson’s name has been synonymous with heritage and heritage publications for decades and has remained on the judging panel for the annual Hudson’s Heritage Awards, known as the UK Heritage Awards.

Mr Hudson continues to be involved with UK Heritage and the Hudson’s brand. He continues to act as a consultant to historic houses and tourism management, working as the Chair as the Historic Houses Foundation and as Patron of the Sulgrave Manor Trust, as well as being involved with a number of other heritage organisations. He was awarded an OBE for services to the heritage tourism industry in 2003.

Buy your copy here.