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.
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
Stay in John Betjeman’s old home
If you’re planning a weekend in London why not swap the same old hotel for something with a bit more history?
Location: London
5 gruesome murders in historical English homes
Some of England's historic houses and castles have played witness to some unsavoury tales of murder, deception and revenge.