Castles and historic properties
Peacocks strut across manicured lawns, children shriek with delight as they try to find their way out of fiendishly difficult mazes, and well-kept gardens dazzle year-round at England’s many historic houses and well-preserved castles. Once inside, enthusiastic curators bring history to life with their expert knowledge and often funny insights into the lives, loves, and artefacts of generations of inhabitants. Castle breaks give you more chances of bumping into the present owners of an English castle, many of whom still live in wings of the properties. Just don’t forget to retrieve your children from that maze before you head home.
Spend a day exploring the sights of Tisbury
With art and beauty steeped in history, Tisbury is an excellent base from which to explore Wiltshire’s countryside.
Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire
Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort
Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Go picnicing at Rye House Gatehouse
The medieval Rye House Gatehouse makes an imposing background to any picnic.
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
Picnic within the walls of Portchester Castle
Surround yourself with thousands of years of history as you enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Portchester Castle.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Marvel at Liverpool’s architectural heritage
Stroll along the waterfront for some of Liverpool's many architectural treasures.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales
A walking architectural history lesson.
Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales
Explore Nymans estate
Commanding great views from atop the rolling hills of Sussex, Nymans stands proud as one of Britain’s top gardens.
Location: Haywards Heath, Sussex
Majestic views at a Corfe Castle picnic
Enjoy breathtaking views at the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle in the perfect idyllic picnic spot.
Location: Corfe, Dorset
Be crowned king of the castle in glorious Skipton
Exercise your princely skills at North Yorkshire’s marvelous Norman keep.
Location: Skipton, North Yorkshire
Head to St Michael's Mount
It’s not often you get to follow in a giant’s footsteps...
Location: Marazion, Cornwall
Feel like a duke or duchess for the day but without the price tag
You don’t have to be as rich as a lord to visit East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley, former home of the 17th century cloth merchant James Murgatroyd.
Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire
Journey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
A visit to history-rich and beautiful Lindisfarne, cut off twice daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides, is an adventure not to miss.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Discover the history of Hertford Castle
As part of National Heritage Weekend, Hertford Castle will open its doors to the public free of charge.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire