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.

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Explore the tranquil gardens at Tatton Park

Spread across the grounds of a historic estate in Cheshire, Tatton Park have been carefully expanded and cultivated since Edwardian times.

Location: Knutsford, Cheshire

 

Enjoy a picnic, zoo & make pottery at Walton Hall & Gardens

Spend the day enjoying the gardens, testing your golf skills and entertaining the kids at Walton Hall and Gardens.

Location: Warrington, Cheshire

 

Step into the Industrial Revolution at Quarry Bank

This fascinating industrial heritage site transports visitors back to 18th century Northern England and the life of a thriving cotton mill community.

Location: Styal, Cheshire

 

Experience 19th Century living at Waddesdon Manor

Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, this impressive 19th century estate combines one man’s grand vision of architecture, art and gardens.

Location: Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire

 

Visit Derby's three National Trust treasures

Derby has a trio of National Trust treasures all within a 10 mile radius, so use the city as your base to explore Calke, Sudbury and Kedleston.

Location: Derby, Derbyshire

 

Visit England's oldest Smock Windmill at Lacey Green

Restored to working order by The Chiltern Society, Lacey Green Windmill is England's oldest smock mill with wooden machinery dating from around 1650.

Location: Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire

 

Fall in love with your loved one again…but don’t lose your head

Sneak away to Hever Castle, where one of history’s greatest love affairs blossomed when Henry VIII courted the young Anne Boleyn.

Location: Hever, Kent

 

See treasures from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace

Every August and September, Buckingham Palace opens its doors, giving you a chance to explore the amazing art, décor and history within.

Location: Victoria, Greater London

 

Explore the Houses of Parliament's medieval Westminster Hall

Explore 1,000 years of British history on a tour of the Houses of Parliament, from the Westminster Palace to the Commons Chamber.

Location: Westminster, Greater London

 

Stay in a cottage built by an amazing Victorian inventor

Experience Cragside in Northumberland as many have never seen it before – by staying in the spectacular and dramatic grounds of the Cragside Estate.

Location: Rothbury, Northumberland

 

See the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

See the stunning Crown Jewels on display at the historic Tower of London, and learn about their profound religious and cultural importance.

Location: Tower Hill, Greater London

 

Visit the remains of the grandest house on the Isle of Wight

Take a trip round Appuldurcombe House which was bombed during the Second World War.

Location: Wroxall, Isle of Wight

 

Be enchanted on a tour of Witley Court & Gardens

Enjoy a great day out in Worcestershire at Witley Court and Gardens with its interesting history and landscaped gardens.

Location: Great Witley, Worcestershire

 

Peace and quiet at Belgrave Hall and Gardens

Belgrave Hall was built in the early 18th century, in what was then a small village three miles from the town of Leicester.

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire

 

Explore the ruins of Ashby Castle

Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel of 1819, Ivanhoe featured Ashby Castle as the backdrop to the famous jousting scenes.

Location: Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

 

Step back in time in a 17th century merchant's house

A rare opportunity to view a 17th century house of the type many of us might have lived in.

Location: Marlborough, 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

 

Uncover history and heritage at Blenheim Palace

Home to the 12th Duke Marlborough & birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim is a super family day out.

Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire

 

Take a tour round Stokesay Court

Stokesay Court was the setting for the mansions scenes in the film version of Ian McEwan's best selling novel, “Atonement”.

Location: Craven Arms, Shropshire

 

Take an audio tour around Stokesay Castle

Stokesay Castle is simply the most romantic castle in Shropshire, even though it isn’t technically a castle.

Location: Craven Arms, Shropshire

 

Discover Lowther Castle & Gardens

Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem.

Location: Penrith, Cumbria

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