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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Encounter an Elizabethan legacy in Warwickshire
Discover 900 years of English history at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, a vast medieval fortress and spectacular castle ruins.
Location: Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Discover the secret garden of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s family home - the place William Shakespeare courted his future wife.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Explore the quintessential English garden of Pashley Manor
Pashley Manor is the very essence of an English garden, and is set in a well-wooded park with superb views over the surrounding countryside.
Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex
How did the leopard get his spots? Visit Rudyard Kipling’s home
Explore Bateman's, the 17th century home of the Jungle Book and The Just So Stories author, nestled in the leafy Sussex Weald.
Location: Burwash, East Sussex
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
Explore world-famous gardens at Levens Hall
Discover the Elizabethan house and world-famous gardens, a place of discovery, a place to drink in its rich history, a place that all ages enjoy.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Wander a tranquil 1920s garden
The 10-acre gardens of Coton Manor sit in peaceful Northamptonshire countryside.
Location: Coton, Northamptonshire
Explore the picturesque Mottisfont House and Garden
What’s better than a summer’s stroll amid ancient trees and rolling lawns? Enjoy the splendour of one of Hampshire’s greatest country houses –Mottisfont.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Have a medieval sleepover at Warwick Castle
For a family holiday with a difference, grab your sleeping bag and head to Warwick Castle to spend the night within the castle's historic grounds.
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Discover a secluded fortified manor house at Aydon Castle
Over 900 years old and pretty much unaltered since then, Aydon Castle sits proudly upon its crag; a true survivor of some rough times and visitors.
Location: Corbridge, Northumberland
Immerse yourself in Byron's Nottinghamshire
Discover why notorious romantic poet Lord Byron was 'mad, bad and dangerous to know', with a sumptuous stay at his former home.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Spot Poldark at Chavenage House
Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family home, actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury and you may spot Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark!
Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Journey back to the 1920s at Coleton Fishacre
A 1920s Art Deco house and garden in the beautiful Devon countryside.
Location: Kingswear, Devon
Plan an extravagant getaway to Bovey Castle
Indulge in a extravagant getaway to a chic and welcoming castle perfectly positioned in Dartmoor National Park.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Alice in Wonderland at Antony House
Just over the Tamar, Antony House was the location for the hit 'Alice in Wonderland' 2010. Here you can explore its formal gardens, sculptures and the National Collection of Daylilies.
Location: Torpoint, Cornwall
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
Discover a medieval house at a Cumbrian gateway
An imposing Cumbrian castle boasting an award-winning rock garden.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
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
Make yourself at home at Harewood House
This 18th century home is filled with fine art and surrounded by gardens and parkland that is home to many animals including flamingos and penguins.
Location: Harewood, West Yorkshire
Find romance in the depths of Thomas Hardy Country
Enjoy woodland walks and cosy inns, and immerse yourself in the romantic landscape that this renowned writer called home.
Location: Dorset
Have yourself a Famous Five adventure
Follow in the footsteps of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five with some castle capers and a seaside adventure by steam railway.
Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset