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.

7 Experience Results

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Take part in a 900-year-old tradition

Walk along Winchester’s water meadows to a beautiful medieval almshouse and you are following in the footsteps of weary travellers through the ages.

Location: Winchester, Hampshire

 

Paranormal experiences at Tudor House and Garden

Wonder what life was like during Henry VIII’s reign? Step in to the past in an ancient Southampton home.

Location: Southampton, Hampshire

 

Discover spooky tunnels at the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson

Hear the echoes as you head deep into the dark tunnels of this unique Victorian Fort, poised for attack from a French invasion.

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

 

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

 

Take a step back in time in Southsea

From the Tudor ramparts of Henry VIII's Southsea Castle, to The D-Day Story, there's plenty of Portsmouth’s heritage for you to explore in the seaside town of Southsea.

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

 

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

 

Discover the real Downton Abbey

Re-enact your favourite scenes from the much-loved period drama at Highclere Castle before retiring to London Lodge, a Georgian Grade II-listed gatehouse on-site.

Location: Highclere, Hampshire

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