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

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