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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Experience 19th Century living at Waddesdon Manor
Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, this impressive 19th century estate combines one man’s grand vision of architecture, art and gardens.
Location: Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
Visit England's oldest Smock Windmill at Lacey Green
Restored to working order by The Chiltern Society, Lacey Green Windmill is England's oldest smock mill with wooden machinery dating from around 1650.
Location: Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire
Fall in love with your loved one again…but don’t lose your head
Sneak away to Hever Castle, where one of history’s greatest love affairs blossomed when Henry VIII courted the young Anne Boleyn.
Location: Hever, Kent
See treasures from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace
Every August and September, Buckingham Palace opens its doors, giving you a chance to explore the amazing art, décor and history within.
Location: Victoria, Greater London
Explore the Houses of Parliament's medieval Westminster Hall
Explore 1,000 years of British history on a tour of the Houses of Parliament, from the Westminster Palace to the Commons Chamber.
Location: Westminster, Greater London
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
Visit the remains of the grandest house on the Isle of Wight
Take a trip round Appuldurcombe House which was bombed during the Second World War.
Location: Wroxall, Isle of Wight
Uncover history and heritage at Blenheim Palace
Home to the 12th Duke Marlborough & birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim is a super family day out.
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
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
Be a real knight or princess for the day at Bodiam Castle
Take a glimpse of medieval splendour where brooding walls rise majestically from a moat, and let the magic of Bodiam Castle capture your imagination.
Location: Robertsbridge, East Sussex
Discover the history of Hertford Castle
As part of National Heritage Weekend, Hertford Castle will open its doors to the public free of charge.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire