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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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

 

Coast to countryside views from Arundel Castle

Explore Arundel’s rich history and heritage with re-enactments and family fun-days at Arundel Castle.

Location: Arundel, West Sussex

 

Be King or Queen of the Castle at Hylands Park

Whether it’s a short stroll or a long walk there are many routes to choose from at 574-acre Hylands Park.

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

 

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

 

Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard

The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.

Location: York, North Yorkshire

 

Gastro glamping at the foot of Belvoir Castle

Pronounced ‘beaver’ by locals and literally meaning ‘beautiful view’, the Vale of Belvoir offers the perfect place to hideaway.

Location: Near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

 

Live a day in the life of a Tudor at St Nicholas Priory

Originally part of Exeter’s first medieval monastery, this splendid Grade I-listed building later became the Tudor home of a wealthy merchant family.

Location: Exeter, Devon

 

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

 

Discover the majestic Warwick Castle

Explore the spooky towers and frightening dungeons at Warwick Castle, and uncover its gruesome past spanning over 1100 years.

Location: Warwick, Warwickshire

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Explore the UK's first safari park at Longleat

Feed giraffes by hand and walk on the wildside with lemurs at this popular safari park, found in the picturesque grounds of historic Longleat House.

Location: Longleat, Wiltshire

 

Head to St Michael's Mount

It’s not often you get to follow in a giant’s footsteps...

Location: Marazion, Cornwall

 

Go camping in the grounds of one of England’s finest stately homes

Take the kids camping on a child friendly holiday at Castle Howard near York, where a thousand breath-taking acres await for you to explore.

Location: Malton, North Yorkshire

 

Enjoy a family day out at Wentworth Castle & Gardens

Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park houses some of the earliest gothic follies in the country.

Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire

 

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

 

Have a close encounter with Daleks and medieval peasants in Essex

Choose to travel back in time to medieval England in 1066, the toys of your childhood or even WWII (though chances are you’ll want to do all three).

Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex

 

Travel back through the centuries on a coastal break in Dorset

Explore Dorset’s eclectic range of castles, country houses and forts and journey back in time on a steam train.

Location: Dorset

 

Live like a mediaeval knight at Warwick Castle

Experience an exclusive sleepover in your very own themed Lodge, set in a picturesque woodland grove on the river bank within the Knight's Village of Warwick Castle.

Location: Warwick, Warwickshire

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