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

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