Dripping with grandeur and nestled amid stunning gardens, it has been dubbed as one of England's finest Elizabethan houses, been used as a Hollywood backdrop and was named as the country's number one wedding venue in February.

And now, it can add another title to its ornate mantelpiece, after travel experts named it as one of the top 20 must-see buildings in the UK.

It made the distinguished list alongside other examples of inspiring architecture, such as London's Gherkin, Edinburgh Castle and the Houses of Parliament.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, the world's best-selling guidebook series, has published guides to both the UK's and the world's best buildings, to coincide with its 15th anniversary.

The eclectic list includes buildings famed for their iconic status, beauty, architectural brilliance or cultural importance.

These range from skyscrapers in Japan and pickle-shaped towers in London to ancient mosques in Damascus.

In its description of Burghley House, which was built in 1587, it said: "Showcasing the architecture of William Cecil amid gardens designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown and with a stunning collection of art, Burghley is one of England's largest and most magnificent Elizabethan houses."

The main part of the house has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors.

There are more than 80 lesser rooms and numerous halls, corridors, bathrooms and service areas.

Visitor facilities include the Orangery Restaurant, Gift Shop, Gardens of Surprise and beautiful walks around the historic parkland and still occupied by a herd of fallow deer.

However, the interior of Burghley is far from that of the Elizabethan house that might be expected – with treasures from all eras and all corners of the globe.

The grounds are used for the acclaimed Burghley Horse Trials each year, as well as the occasional concert or firework display.

Visitor Nigel George (23) from Canada, who was visiting his aunt in Peterborough, said: "I went to Cambridge, Chester and all manner of places, but the visit to Burghley House was by far the best experience of my visit.

"We had lunch in the gardens of the Orangery, and the views there were just spectacular and the lunch was scrumptious, too.

"The grounds, the house, the exhibition were all marvellous. I've taken lots of photographs to show my friends in Canada."