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London and the south-east

Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and battlefield
Battle Abbey, built on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, is an unmissable visit for history buffs keen to see the site where William the Conqueror’s Norman invaders met King Harold’s English army. Found in the town of Battle in East Sussex, today it’s possible to walk the 1066 battlefield with your very own audio guide, picturing the dramatic events that unfolded on that famous day in history (there’s an adapted children’s version too, plus a shorter route in case of wet weather).

Explore the atmospheric ruins of William the Conqueror’s famed Battle Abbey (you can stand on the very spot King Harold is said to have died) and take some time out to reflect in the Duchess of Cleveland’s impressive Victorian walled garden, where you’ll find historic varieties of fruit trees and seasonal flowers. Don’t forget to climb to the gatehouse rooftop for spectacular views across the site. A spring or summer visit means you can really make the most of the outdoor activities available, too.

Dover Castle
A combination of epic views, history and family-friendly exploration makes Dover Castle (once known as the “key to England”) a no-brainer for those visiting Kent. Standing watch over the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, Dover Castle has had a long and eventful history, with the fortress playing a crucial role in the defence of the realm for more than nine centuries.

Today, the clifftop setting and surrounding grounds make it the perfect pitstop from spring to early autumn, allowing visitors to explore everything from the medieval Great Tower to the Secret Wartime Tunnels where Operation Dynamo (codename for the Dunkirk evacuation) was directed.

Those with time to spare should book in for the fully immersive escape room adventure deep within the wartime tunnels. There, you’ll solve intricate puzzles and crack tough codes against the clock in the Bunker (each slot lasts 1.5 hours).

Down House
As the former home of Charles Darwin (it’s where he developed his groundbreaking theory of evolution and wrote On the Origin of Species), Down House promises to be a fascinating day out for all. Nestled in the quiet village of Downe, about 40 minutes from London, its setting nonetheless feels wonderfully rural.

You’ll see Darwin’s work and personality reflected throughout the house and grounds (don’t miss the David Attenborough-narrated handheld tour). Enjoy exploring the house’s extensive gardens, too (AKA Darwin’s “outdoor laboratory”, where many of his famous discoveries came to life). Summer visits mean the gardens will be in full bloom and the tranquil Sandwalk (the “thinking path” where he took his daily walks) is at its very best.

Eltham Palace and Gardens
Leafy Eltham in Greenwich is home to Eltham Palace and Gardens, where you’ll find a delightful mix of historic grandeur and glamorous design. With a great medieval hall (part of the royal palace of Eltham, where Henry VIII spent his childhood) and a magnificent art deco mansion built in 1936 by eccentric millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, it’s a heady mix of two completely different eras in one. The gardens themselves – all 19 acres of them – are worth a visit alone (be sure to cross the moat on London’s oldest working bridge and smell the roses in Virginia Courtauld’s beautiful sunken rose garden).

Leave enough time to learn about life with the Courtaulds, as well as exploring the medieval great hall itself and the glorious gardens, if the weather allows. The Orchid House Cafe makes the perfect pitstop once you’ve exhausted the grounds (don’t leave without a trip to the charming second-hand bookshop).

Kenwood
Found on the edge of London’s Hampstead Heath, Kenwood is something of a hidden gem. A stately home on the northern boundary of the heath, it’s thought to have been built in the early 17th century. Between 1764 and 1779, Scottish architect Robert Adam transformed it into a neoclassical villa for William Murray, the first Earl of Mansfield, with many of the interiors still including some of his finest schemes. (The star attraction is the Great Library which was returned to its original colour scheme in a huge refurbishment completed in 2013).

Visitors can take specialised tours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11.30am and 2.30pm, where experts will give you an overview of the house itself, as well as its prized collection (it’s now home to the first Earl of Iveagh’s British and old master paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer). Once you’ve seen everything the house itself has to offer, be sure to soak up some of the 112 acres of glorious parkland surrounding it, too.

Osborne
Located on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, Osborne promises a wonderfully regal day out, (this was the much-loved seaside home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, designed as an escape from London).

With everything to enjoy from delightful interiors and art collections to heavenly manicured gardens and vast grounds, there’s little chance of getting bored. Children will particularly appreciate the interactive tree trail and discovering Swiss Cottage, where the royal children themselves played, gardened and cooked.

Visiting in spring and summer means the gardens and terraces will be full of life and you can make the most of a visit to the royal family’s private beach, too (“We have quite a charming beach to ourselves,” Victoria wrote in 1845 of Osborne beach). It also means Swiss Cottage will be open (in the winter months it’s closed and only the ground floor of the main house remains open).

Walmer Castle and Gardens
For a relaxed day out that blends coastal history with beautifully kept gardens, Walmer Castle and Gardens is almost unbeatable. In the seaside village of Walmer, next to Deal in Kent, the castle was originally designed as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences and became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (post holders have included the Duke of Wellington and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) thanks to its key position on the coast.

More than eight acres of award-winning gardens surround the Tudor fortress turned country house (visitors can visit the queen mother’s dedicated garden) making it a glorious place to head with families – you’ll find an excellent play trail through the woods. Inside, you can view the fine castle interiors, including the private rooms of the Lord Warden.

Carisbrooke
A classic medieval fortress with royal connections and imposing views, Carisbrooke Castle delivers not just history but plenty of family-friendly charm all year round (though it’s particularly special in the summer months). Near the town of Newport on the Isle of Wight, the fortress began life as an Anglo-Saxon earthwork defence against Viking raids. The Normans raised the shell keep on its towering mound, which visitors can climb up today for spectacular views of the island.

Perhaps the castle’s most famous resident was Charles I, who was imprisoned here after his civil war defeat (there’s plenty of Charles I memorabilia in the Carisbrooke Castle Museum). Later, Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s daughter, made Carisbrooke Castle her summer home (you’ll find the award-winning Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden there, created in 2009).

But the best-loved residents are arguably the charismatic Carisbrooke donkeys, which still turn the traditional well-house treadwheel, used to raise water from the castle well. Young visitors will love meeting them in their stables and hearing their story in a charming film hosted by “Jupiter” the cartoon donkey.

Apsley House
Located opposite London’s Hyde Park Corner, Apsley House is a grand 18th and 19th-century palace turned historic museum. Once the London home of the Duke of Wellington, it promises a tantalising glimpse of aristocratic and military life. The duke – whose victories over Napoleon brought him fame and wealth – remodelled the house between 1819 and 1829. Today, visitors can enjoy the magnificent Waterloo Gallery and the richly decorated dining room. The latter houses diplomatic gifts presented to Wellington by monarchs and admirers, as well as an outstanding collection of art.

Five of Wellington’s military dress uniforms are also on display in Apsley House’s striped drawing room. These elaborate outfits were reserved for formal occasions (in battle, he was renowned for wearing “plain” civilian clothing). A visit to Apsley House is the ideal way to learn about this almost mythic figure of British history and it stands as something of a national shrine to the Iron Duke.

The south-west

Stonehenge
World Heritage Site Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous and enigmatic monuments. On Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, it’s a huge stone circle made up of massive upright stones thought to have been built in stages over many years, with work beginning about 5,000 years ago (the circle dates back to about 2500BC, in the late neolithic period). Some of these upright stones are paired and capped by lintels, forming the “trilithons” (three stones).

There’s still a huge amount of mystery around how the stones actually arrived at Stonehenge and its purpose, but the fact that the sun rises over what’s known as the Heel Stone on the longest day of the year (summer solstice) and sets behind the tallest stone at the heart of the circle on the shortest (winter solstice) suggests it could have been created as a prehistoric temple aligned with the sun’s movements.

There’s so much more to do at Stonehenge beyond admiring the iconic stones. Visitors can uncover the secrets of the neolithic masterpiece in the exhibition, come face to face with a 5,500-year-old man and explore reconstructed neolithic houses that offer a glimpse into prehistoric daily life. For an even more memorable visit, the Stone Circle Experience offers rare access inside the ancient monument, allowing guests to get up close to the giant sarsen stones during a special hour-long tour outside normal opening hours.

Old Sarum
An ancient hilltop ruin just outside Salisbury, Old Sarum is one of the most historically important sites in southern England. It began as an Iron Age fort before being transformed into a Norman city, with a cathedral and many houses (now demolished), by William the Conqueror.

Crossing Old Sarum’s wooden bridge and stepping into what was once a bustling medieval castle (where William the Conqueror gathered all the powerful men of England for a ceremony to assert his authority in 1086) is a must for history fans. Don’t forget to stand in the footprint of Salisbury’s original (1075) cathedral in the outer bailey of Old Sarum – you’ll also be able to see the outline of the extended cathedral.

Visit in the warmer months and bring hiking boots to really make the most of its 29 acres of beautiful grass chalkland, along with breathtaking views across the Wiltshire countryside.

Pendennis Castle
On a headland with spectacular sea views, Pendennis Castle in Cornwall is one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses. It has withstood two world wars, a lengthy siege and centuries of cliffside drama. Today, visitors to the castle can buff up on all things military history – discovering historic guns, looking out for enemies on the horizon and even meeting important figures from Pendennis’s dramatic past (a volunteer-led tour features costumed characters from the history books).

Once you’ve climbed the spiral stairs to the roof of Pendennis Castle, 360-degree panoramas await. Not to mention the chance to spot seabirds, seals and dolphins, or simply soak up the sun. Be sure to time your visit for the warmer weather to make the most of the views over Falmouth and the nearby beaches. End your trip at the cheerful Number 6 Cafe in the Royal Artillery barracks where you’ll find everything from local and seasonal Cornish dishes to family favourites.

Tintagel Castle
A Cornish castle with literary links to the legend of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle is one of the most dramatic and legendary historic sites in Britain, perched high on rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The striking setting (on the north coast of Cornwall) is at its best from late spring to early autumn, when those already incredible views are all the more spectacular.

Begin by taking the medieval gateway to Tintagel, climbing the path up to the mainland courtyard, before following in the footsteps of Tintagel’s medieval inhabitants and crossing the footbridge to the island. The castle’s ruins stand partly on the mainland and partly on the island (in the Middle Ages, the two halves of the castle met in the middle. But one or more collapses destroyed the land bridge, probably in the first half of the 15th century).

Check tidal timings to enjoy a trip to the small sandy beach and Merlin’s Cave (only accessible when the tide’s out) before refuelling at the delightful Beach Cafe.

The north-east

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Just outside the village of Belsay in Northumberland, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is made up of three parts: a medieval castle, a grand Greek Revival Hall and one of the most unusual gardens in Britain (all 30 acres of it). The hall itself was built in the early 19th century by Sir Charles Monck and is thought to be the first British country house to be built entirely in the new Greek revival style.

Once you’ve explored the hall and its maze of rooms, be sure to leave time for a stroll around the gardens. The magical Quarry Garden was created from a former stone quarry and is now filled with exotic plants and winding paths. It even boasts its own microclimate, meaning a huge array of exotic plants now grow there. Don’t forget to visit the ruins of the medieval castle, complete with medieval wall paintings, old cooking range and fireplaces.

Chesters Roman Fort and Museum
As the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain, Chesters Roman Fort is a standout of the Hadrian’s Wall trail. Once upon a time it was home to 500 cavalry troops, now it offers visitors the chance to stroll leisurely around the fort and grounds straddling Hadrian’s Wall.

Visitors can still see all four principal gates of the fort, the headquarters building and courtyard, hall and regimental shrine, as well as taking a peek at the ruins of the luxurious commandant’s house and the finest military bathhouse in Britain. But it’s the museum where you’ll find the real treasures, discovered by wealthy Victorian landowner John Clayton, who excavated many sites along Hadrian’s Wall, finding everything from altars, jewellery and religious artefacts, all of which can be found in the museum.

Go for the heritage, stay for the scenery – Chesters is located in the valley of the River Tyne, about six miles from the pretty market town of Hexham.

Dunstanburgh Castle
For wild coastal scenery and atmospheric ruins, a stroll around Dunstanburgh Castle is tough to beat. Built in the 14th century by Earl Thomas of Lancaster as a symbol of power and rebellion against King Edward II, the imposing castle defends a headland on the rugged Northumberland coast. Explore the entire castle headland – complete with its towered walls and sheer drops to the sea to the north – before soaking up the rugged coastal scenery.

Set between the villages of Craster and Embleton, you can reach it on foot from the former (cars can’t access the site itself) with a delightful 1.3-mile walk along the rugged coast. Birdlovers will appreciate the seabirds nesting on the cliffs in spring and summer and the grassland hosting ground-nesting birds like skylarks, too.

Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads Roman Fort is one of the most impressive Roman sites in Britain, combining substantial ruins with incredible scenery along Hadrian’s Wall. In Northumberland national park, it’s known as Britain’s most complete Roman fort, standing on the dramatic Whin Sill escarpment and flanked by stretches of Hadrian’s Wall.

After a trip to Housesteads, you’ll know all about what life was like for the 800 soldiers who lived and worked there in Roman times. The five-acre fort displays the remains of gateways and a turreted wall where you’ll see clearly traceable buildings, including the commandant’s house, hospital and the famous communal loos. The view from the barrack blocks overlooking Hadrian’s Wall Country is a must-see too, with amazing views all year round.

Lindisfarne Priory
If you’ve heard of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (or just Holy Island), you’ll likely already know its historic importance. But what about its abundant wildlife and wonderful coastal views? On an island off the north-east coast of England, Lindisfarne Priory is only reachable across a causeway at low tide. It was originally home to a monastery, which was destroyed during the Viking invasions and later reestablished as a priory following the Norman conquest.

Today, visitors can explore the priory – which was once one of the most important centres of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. The ruins visible are from the early 12th century, when Norman monks from Durham cathedral founded a new community there. Wander through and take in views of the “rainbow arch”, one of Lindisfarne Priory’s most dramatic features, and keep your eyes peeled for doorway carvings and remains of defensive features from times gone by. There’s also a museum with rare artefacts including an Anglo-Saxon gaming counter and the earliest-known prayer bead necklace in Britain.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tynemouth Priory and Castle in the seaside town of Tynemouth, near Newcastle upon Tyne, was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. A natural stronghold with all-round sea views, Tynemouth Priory and Castle’s impressive headland commands the entrance to the River Tyne.

If sweeping sea views and a lively seaside atmosphere sound appealing, a visit is a must, particularly in late spring to early autumn when both the historic site itself and the surrounding beaches really come into their own. Start by exploring the striking priory ruins and wander the castle remains, taking in the panoramic views over the North Sea.

Interactive displays bring the headland to life with characters from Tynemouth’s long history, like the voice of a second world war gunner describing air raids, sinking ships and the primitive living conditions. And be sure to venture down into the underground gun batteries to imagine what life during the two world wars was really like for those stationed there.

Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
One of the most formidable castles in northern England, Warkworth Castle in Northumberland was once the residence of the powerful Percy family, Earls of Northumberland (among the greatest landowners in northern England) and is thought to have been laid out in its present form in about 1200. The nearby hermitage – the remains of a chapel carved directly out of the cliff rock – was created in the 14th century. As well as its aristocratic pedigree, the castle is known for the exceptional architectural quality of its late-14th-century Great Tower.

A wander around the nearly intact circuit of towered walls at the medieval castle offers unrivalled views over the River Coquet and Northumberland countryside. A stroll around the bailey uncovers striking sculptures on a series of interactive trails, where you’ll hear the stories of those who lived in or around the castle in the early 15th century. Then take a peaceful boat trip to see the hermitage (open Sundays and Mondays in spring and summer) in all its glory.

Corbridge Roman town
This fascinating Roman settlement and archaeological site in the village of Corbridge near Hexham, offers a different perspective on life at the edge of the Roman empire. Unlike nearby forts, Corbridge Roman town was once a bustling supply town for soldiers on Hadrian’s Wall. Founded before the emperor Hadrian began building his wall, it became the most northerly town in the Roman empire. You can still walk the original surface of its Roman main street today, flanked by the remains of town buildings.

Visitors should be sure to stop by the museum, which showcases an important collection of site finds, bringing the town and its people to life. From weapons and jewellery to ceramics and grave objects, you can uncover the stories of the town’s Roman residents through the things they left behind. There’s the Corbridge hoard too, a Roman time capsule buried in the second century AD, which includes well-preserved items from a Roman workshop, including armour and the Roman soldier’s answer to stationery (a wax writing tablet and papyrus).

Barnard Castle
Set above the River Tees in the market town of the same name, Barnard Castle is a picturesque medieval castle ruin. The castle was founded in the 12th century by Bernard de Balliol who gave it its name (bar a small spelling discrepancy). His successors went on to raise the mighty round tower, before losing the castle in a failed attempt to become kings of Scotland. It was later owned by Richard of Gloucester (who was to become Richard III), whose white boar emblem is still on display.

Exploring the ruin itself makes for a great day out – wander around its towers, walls and open spaces, taking in the expansive views across the Tees gorge. Then make a beeline for the Bowes Museum, a 10-minute walk away, where you’ll find one of the most important fine and decorative art collections in northern England.

The north-west

Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Children and adults alike will marvel at a visit to the atmospheric fairytale-like Beeston Castle ruins in Cheshire, a site with activity dating back to prehistoric times. Known to locals as the Castle of the Rock, the site boasts more than 40 acres of fantastic woodland trails and features an exhilarating climb and impressive views (from the top you can gaze across a whopping eight counties).

Once at the summit, check out the majestic double-towered gatehouse and cast your eye into one of the deepest castle wells in England (said to be the hiding place of Richard II’s lost treasure) before heading back down to peruse the impressive visitor’s centre, which houses many artefacts from the neolithic period to the civil war.

Birdoswald Roman Fort
To visit Birdoswald Roman Fort is to stand on the very same ground as Roman soldiers. In Cumbria, roughly 30 minutes north-east of Carlisle, it’s one of the best preserved forts on Hadrian’s Wall and a chance to see an incredible feat of Roman engineering up close.

The interactive displays at Birdoswald Roman fort have been set up to help people of all ages explore Hadrian’s Wall together. Discover how and why it was built and the kind of people who once lived there, before taking a walk around the fort’s impressive surroundings.

Start by soaking up the view over the Irthing valley before heading out into the countryside beyond Birdoswald, taking in the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall and its defining features. The nearby Harrows Scar milecastle (a type of small fort), a turret and the Roman bridge abutment at Willowford are close enough to tick off your list while you’re there, before an obligatory pit stop at the delightful Birdoswald Cafe.

Carlisle Castle
Built in the 11th century by William II and strengthened by Henry II, Carlisle Castle is a formidable medieval border fortress in the city of Carlisle. It has played a crucial role in defending England’s northern border over the centuries. Often described as one of the most besieged castles in England, it survived seven sieges by the Scots in the Middle Ages alone.

The castle was operational well into the 20th century and today houses Cumbria’s Museum of Military, which tells the story of the local infantry regiment and its soldiers, past and present. As well as the museum, visitors can visit the site where Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive in 1568, on the orders of her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. And don’t forget to peek at the mysterious stone carvings found in the castle keep, most likely the work of bored prison guards in the 15th century …

Yorkshire and the Humber

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
If big country houses are your thing, add a visit to Brodsworth Hall and Gardens to your summer to-do list. The Victorian mansion in Doncaster is a true time capsule – perfectly conserved as it was found after the death of its last owner, Sylvia Grant-Dalton, in 1988. Once you’ve enjoyed the interiors, there are 15 acres of glorious restored gardens to explore, making this a seriously grand day out.

Visit in the summer to make the most of the floral delights (the rose garden is a must-see), archery green and target house (once used to store bows and arrows). Take a picnic and visit the lively children’s play area, based on the history of the family who once lived there. From a sailing boat for mini seafarers to climbing frames and slides, there’s more than enough to wear out little adventurers.

Flower fans will particularly enjoy the new exhibition celebrating all things floral. A Season of Flowers, spread across the whole ground floor, features historic photographs and new floral object displays.

Clifford’s Tower, York
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle, northern England’s greatest medieval fortress. Built by Henry III on the site of William the Conqueror’s wooden construction, it was also the setting for one of the most notorious events in English history – the massacre of York’s Jewish community in March 1190, making it an essential stop for anyone keen to get a sense of York’s dramatic and tragic history.

As well as the tower itself, remains of the curtain wall and several mural towers can be seen along the southern parts of the site. Views of both Clifford’s Tower itself on its mound and 360-degree views over York once you’ve climbed to the top (kids will enjoy the elevated walkway after a quick picnic) are spectacular, making it an exceptionally popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

Mount Grace Priory
As the last of the great Yorkshire monasteries (founded in 1398), Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire, offers a rare glimpse into medieval religious life. It is the best-preserved British monastery of the Carthusian order – whose monks lived as solitary hermits in their individual cells, only meeting for services in the church. Visit in spring to early autumn when the reconstructed gardens and orchard are in bloom (there’s even a special evening gardening tour on 1 July for the green-fingered).

Five centuries after it was built, its ruins were bought by wealthy industrialist Sir Lowthian Bell. He refurbished a 17th-century mansion within the priory buildings and created the magical terraced gardens you’ll see today (including the treasured walk through a wildflower meadow to the monks’ pond). Visitors can wander around the church and see its surviving tower, explore the great cloister (a central, enclosed courtyard around which the monastery and each monk’s cottage-like “cell” were arranged) and even see a recreated monk’s cell, too.

Rievaulx Abbey
Described as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric abbey ruins in England, Rievaulx Abbey is hidden in the deep River Rye valley, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire. It was one of the first Cistercian abbeys to be founded in England, in 1132, growing into one of the most powerful religious communities in the north before King Henry VIII’s dramatic dissolution of the monasteries.

The dissolution was by no means the end of Rievaulx’s story; it went on to become a centre of commercial activity (the abbey forge was used to set up an ironworks) and then a haven for poets, painters and scholars during its famed Romantic period. Visitors today can enjoy the peaceful site, exploring the extensive ruins and tuning in to an audio tour to learn more about the monks who once lived there.

Finish your trip off with a stop at the wonderful museum, which tells the story of the abbey’s fascinating history through medieval stone carvings, chess pieces and gold coins.

Scarborough Castle
A former medieval fortress on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, Scarborough Castle offers layers of history in a striking setting. Its 12th-century Great Tower is the centrepiece of a royal castle begun by Henry II, which became one of the greatest royal fortresses in England and figured prominently in national events of the Middle Ages.

Alongside spectacular views (the castle is a great vantage point to look across the north and south bays of Scarborough), enjoy exploring the 16-acre site, which is now maintained as a gigantic wildflower meadow. It’s wonderful for picnics or just relaxing in the sunshine. The ruined castle offers various viewing platforms for those following the long curtain wall and a free audio tour to really get to grips with the majestic ruin and its history (followed by a stop at the ice-cream van, of course).

Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey was a seventh-century Christian monastery that became a Benedictine abbey. Today its ruins crown a clifftop over the historic fishing port of Whitby on the coastal edge of the North York Moors. The striking abbey ruin is perched high above the sea and is famously said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula (visit in early autumn to enjoy the scene at its most atmospheric).

What has since become the “Goth capital” of England boasts plenty to see and do, from discovering the gothic abbey ruins to exploring the history of those who’ve found themselves inspired by the site, from religious leaders and artists to writers and poets. The visitor centre, housed in a 17th-century mansion, is home to a museum where you’ll find Anglo-Saxon objects, medieval manuscripts and, of course, a rare, signed copy of Dracula.

Richmond Castle
An impressive Norman castle with a towering keep and sweeping countryside views, Richmond Castle is one of the finest and most complete 11th-century fortresses in the country. Nestled in the market town of Richmond on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, it was founded shortly after the Norman conquest by Alan Rufus, who fought at the Battle of Hastings alongside William the Conqueror.

During the first world war, it served as the HQ of the Northern non-combatant corps, a military unit allowing conscientious objectors to contribute to the war effort in “support” roles instead. Learn about those principled men and the castle’s rich history in the museum space. Children will enjoy stopping by the interactive area to hear stories from some of the castle’s best-loved characters, too. The contemporary “cockpit” garden, designed in 2000 by landscape architect Neil Swanson, features a grassy amphitheatre, perfect for summer picnics and slow afternoons with loved ones.

East of England

Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle is a striking castle in the market town of Framlingham in Suffolk, perhaps best known as the place where Mary I of England was crowned queen in 1553. Those keen to soak up history one of England’s finest baronial fortresses won’t be disappointed – from a breathtaking walk around the magnificent curtain wall (which has, remarkably, stood for more than 800 years) to interactive displays inside Framlingham’s workhouse (try on everything from a Norman helmet to a workhouse cap in the Hats Through the Ages dressing up section).

Spend the day discovering the stories of medieval aristocrats, a Tudor queen and Georgian poorhouse children, before enjoying a stroll around the picturesque mere (lake), complete with sheep grazing on its edges.

Wrest Park
A country estate located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, Wrest Park boasts impressive formal gardens – inspired by the landscapes of France and Italy, no less – and a French-style 19th-century mansion. Bridgerton fans might recognise some of the rooms as belonging to the hit Netflix show’s Fuller family.

As well as visiting the mansion’s unfurnished but opulently decorated state rooms, the gardens offer plenty of space to roam and reflect – and a huge number of surprising hidden gems, too. From an ornate marble fountain and 18th-century bowling green house to a Chinese temple and bridge, as well as the spectacular baroque Archer pavilion (the centrepiece of the site), you could easily find yourself wandering for hours.

Audley End House and Gardens
Step back in time with a trip to Audley End House and Gardens, just outside Saffron Walden, Essex. An imposing Jacobean stately home with spectacular gardens and award-winning parkland, the early 17th-century country house is ripe for exploring – from its vast great hall and state rooms to the private apartments and 1830s nursery suite.

Animal-loving little ones should book in to say hello to the resident horses in the Victorian stable block and watch them in action during one of their renowned riding displays, happening throughout the day. The warmer months are particularly lovely to visit, since on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from mid April until the end of July, guided tours of the stables (11.15am and 2.30pm) are available (no booking or additional payment required) – a definite must for budding equestrians.

The Midlands

Bolsover Castle
Perched on a ridge high above the Vale of Scarsdale in Derbyshire, you’ll find the striking 17th-century Bolsover Castle. Built on the site of a medieval fortress and featuring lavish interiors and dramatic hilltop views, it promises a historic and theatrical day out. It was built in part by courtier and playwright William Cavendish after inheriting it partially built from his father. Designed for entertaining and displaying wealth, the ornate Little Castle is packed full of richly decorated rooms.

Visit in spring or summer to enjoy the terraces and sweeping countryside views. Don’t miss the Riding House (the earliest indoor riding school in England to survive complete); Cavendish was known for being horse-obsessed and pioneered the art of dressage from this very building. In celebration of this legacy, 17th-century-inspired dressage displays take place at Bolsover every weekend from April to September – a fascinating spectacle for visitors of all ages.

Goodrich Castle
For dramatic ruins and hands-on exploring, you can’t go wrong with Goodrich Castle. Set high above the River Wye in Herefordshire, it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, giving it a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track feel.

The Norman medieval castle (described by William Wordsworth as the “noblest ruin in Herefordshire”) is one of the most splendid in the country and played a significant role in 1646 in the English civil war when it was besieged and bombarded with the large Roaring Meg mortar.

Families will enjoy climbing towers, exploring passageways and following the audio guide around the dry moat, bringing the castle’s fascinating stories to life. (Ask to pick up the “As I was saying” family game from the visitor centre, which features cartoons of characters who lived at Goodrich in the 13th century, giving you a peek into their lives). Early autumn is particularly lovely for lush views of the Wye valley and the surrounding countryside.

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden in Warwickshire is a brilliant family day out thanks to its sheer scale and beautifully recreated gardens. Its story spans more than nine centuries, dating from the 1120s with the fortress enduring one of the longest sieges (172 days) in medieval English history in 1266.

Perhaps its greatest period began when Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, the first Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley took possession in 1563, spending fortunes turning the castle into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen (in 1575, she spent 19 memorable days there as his guest, with the earl hoping to win her hand in marriage).

Today, as well as admiring Kenilworth’s mighty Norman keep and taking in John of Gaunt’s great hall, you can climb up to the queen’s apartments for fantastic views over the castle and surrounding countryside. Enjoying the majestic garden Dudley created is another must, with its Renaissance aviary, beautiful plant beds full of scent and colour and an imposing fountain carved from Carrara marble – it’s a real haven of peace and tranquillity.

Stokesay Castle
Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is England’s finest – and perhaps most picturesque – medieval manor house, complete with its own moat, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church. With estimates dating it back to 1291, there’s plenty of history to soak up – pick up a free audio tour to really immerse yourself (or take little ones on the new family trail).

From gazing through the huge shuttered gable windows of the great hall (unchanged for more than 700 years) to climbing the original 13th-century staircase to the three-storey North Tower, you can imagine what life could have been like for those living there. Look out for original medieval tiled floors and the remnants of a wall painting inside.

The beautiful walled garden is a must, planted in cottage style and designed to enhance the Edwardian feel of the space. You can also take a walk around the moat to soak it all in.

Witley Court and Gardens
A striking ruined 19th-century country house with carefully restored formal gardens, Witley Court has plenty to keep visitors busy. Built in the village of Great Witley near Worcester, it was once one of England’s grandest stately homes and was transformed into a lavish mansion, before a fire in 1937 left behind the dramatic roofless shell of today.

Visit in spring to enjoy the gardens at their most colourful and explore the vast ruins, elegant terraces and Perseus and Andromeda fountain which “fires” every day from April until October. On warmer days, the surrounding lawns make the perfect picnic location and young families will enjoy the wilderness play area, with plenty to swing from and climb on. Follow the lake path to spot the rustic Victorian boathouse and plenty of lively birds, squirrels and rabbits, too.

Plan your visit today – book early online and save 15%