Museums, galleries and libraries
Immerse yourself in other worlds and cultures, become an expert for a day on the Egyptians or vintage aeroplanes, and stare amazed at art exhibitions the world comes to see. Museums and art galleries in England take you to faraway places. You get to peek into distant lives by travelling just a few footsteps. At the last count there were around 1,600 museums in England, catering to almost every interest you can imagine. Many of them are housed in buildings as impressive as the collections within.
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
Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort
Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Discover a tale of forbidden love at Bessie Surtees' house
A tale of forbidden love to rival Romeo and Juliet is immortalised in Bessie Surtees’ 16th century house, tucked behind NewcastleGateshead's quayside
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
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
Explore the resting place of the last of Henry VIII’s six wives
Sudeley Castle’s magnificent gardens are world-renowned, providing variety and colour from spring through to autumn and the grounds are the final resting place of Katherine Parr.
Location: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales
A walking architectural history lesson.
Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales
Explore the home of William Wilberforce
Nestled in Hull’s Historic High Street is the family home of William Wilberforce waiting to be explored.
Location: Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Discover 400 years of Warwick’s great history
Explore the wonders of a Jacobean mansion, and learn about the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers.
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Explore the rooms and grounds of Snowshill Manor
From suits of Samurai armour to antique bicycles of all shapes and sizes, there are about 22,000 reasons to take a nose round Snowshill Manor.
Location: Snowshill, Gloucestershire
Delve into Durham’s historic treasure troves
Step back in time and admire world-class art at captivating castles and manor houses across the county.
Location: Vale of Durham / Durham Dales
Have a close encounter with Daleks and medieval peasants in Essex
Choose to travel back in time to medieval England in 1066, the toys of your childhood or even WWII (though chances are you’ll want to do all three).
Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
See Harry Potter and Downton Abbey sets in Alnwick
Relive scenes from hit TV shows and movies in the magnificent setting of Alnwick Castle, a popular destination for film crews.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Take a tour of the Devonshire Collection at Chatsworth
Admire historical artworks in a grand setting at Chatsworth.
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire