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.
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
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
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
Explore the stately rooms of Powderham Castle
Step inside Powderham Castle; home to the 18th Earl of Devon, built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391 and one of England's finest stately homes.
Location: Kenton, Exeter, Devon