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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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
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
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
Visit a cinematic favourite at Eastnor
Eastnor’s typical castle architecture has made it the star of many a movie and TV programme over the years.
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire
Explore the beautiful and curious Rushton Triangular Lodge
This place is proof that in England you'll find architectural treasures in the most unlikely places.
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Tour the decadent rooms and gardens of Renishaw Hall
Wander round immaculate gardens and artistic rooms at this historic family home.
Location: Renishaw, North Derbyshire
Tour the 18th century Walled Gardens at the Apley Estate
Take a guided tour of the Walled Gardens on the Apley Estate, sample its produce at The Creamery Café or buy your own from Apley Farm Shop.
Location: Apley, Shropshire
Enjoy a winter family break in a historical coach house
Enjoy a family get together with a difference this Christmas at the historic Brackenborough Hall Coach House.
Location: Brackenborough, Lincolnshire