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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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
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
Explore the quintessential English garden of Pashley Manor
Pashley Manor is the very essence of an English garden, and is set in a well-wooded park with superb views over the surrounding countryside.
Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex
How did the leopard get his spots? Visit Rudyard Kipling’s home
Explore Bateman's, the 17th century home of the Jungle Book and The Just So Stories author, nestled in the leafy Sussex Weald.
Location: Burwash, East Sussex
Visit the "most popular filming location in the world" in Greenwich, London
Explore the magnificent buildings of the Old Royal Naval College - a film set for major blockbusters including Les Misérables and Cinderella.
Location: Greenwich, London
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
Stand astride the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Stand with one foot in the east and one in the west and feel on top of the world at this historic observatory.
Location: Greenwich, London
Go picnicing at Rye House Gatehouse
The medieval Rye House Gatehouse makes an imposing background to any picnic.
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
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
Go on a tour of Oxford University
A host of famous alumni and one... Harry Potter?
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Amberley Castle
A romantic castle filled with four-poster beds, open fireplaces and Whirlpool bathrooms.
Location: Amberley, West Sussex
Experience England at its most glorious
Enjoy a quintessential English break exploring the grounds of the grand Goodwood Estate and grounds.
Location: Goodwood, Sussex
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
Discover Woburn Abbey
The home of the Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years.
Location: Woburn, Bedfordshire
Audley End House
An atmospheric portrait of daily life in Victorian times.
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex
Explore Nymans estate
Commanding great views from atop the rolling hills of Sussex, Nymans stands proud as one of Britain’s top gardens.
Location: Haywards Heath, Sussex
Explore the former holiday home of Queen Victoria
Spend a summer’s day strolling through the Italianate gardens and exploring the stunning rooms of Osborne House.
Location: Isle of Wight
Visit the tranquil Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Sissinghurst is known to green-fingered enthusiasts the world-over as the epitome of an English country garden.
Location: Sissinghurst, Kent
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
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