There is an abundance of beautiful sites to see, all over the world. But how about looking closer to home and exploring the many English Heritage sites here? From up north, to the deep south, there’s more than what you can count on your fingers, that’s for sure!
It’s the perfect activity for a summer day out, that encourages getting outdoors, breathing in that fresh air and physical activity!
Top 10 English Heritage Sites
Now let’s start with a bit of history before looking at some cool things you can do while visiting Dover. From the Norman Conquest through to modern times our story has been written here.
With the longest dry-stone walls in Britain, it was actually used a lot during WWII, especially in Dunkirk’s evacuation, when facing invasion from Hitler. You’ll be able to explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels within the White Cliffs of Dover, as well as 80 acres of castle grounds to discover! Walk through the battlements, learn about the history and step back in awe at one of England’s greatest fortresses.
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Discover one of England’s historic sites, where the Battle of Hastings took place between King Harold’s and William the Conqueror’s armies. You can even stand on the very spot where the battle was fought, find where King Harold fell and wander along the battlefield trail.
Here you can discover wooden sculptures of Norman and Saxon soldiers and reach higher ground to find absolutely stunning views of the battlefield and the Sussex landscape.
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Framlingham Castle is a beautiful English Heritage site to visit. With its picturesque lake and gorgeous parkland, you’ll find there’s so much to discover as you wander around.
You can walk within the towering walls that were once where Mary Tudor was crowned Queen of England. And view the breath-taking surroundings of the Suffolk landscape, as you look back at the 500 years of the castle’s history.
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Eltham Palace and Gardens, Greenwich
You and your family can explore an incredible 19 acres of award-winning gardens at this medieval castle! It has a rich history of millionaires living an extravagant lifestyle in their stylish homes. With art deco surrounding you, as well as herbaceous borders, and a Rock Garden to explore. With its ethereal pools and water cascades along a picturesque moat and much more!
You can cross London’s oldest working bridge to get there and discover the beautiful gardens and wide-open spaces. The ideal location to enjoy your family summer day, to relax, play and enjoy a picnic! And some days you can chill out while a band plays classical music right in front of you. Ahhh…
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Another beautiful English Heritage site to visit that will blow your mind. Alongside the fantastic medieval fortress, you can explore 900 years of history! Climb the medieval towers in the historic building, as well as admire the outside views.
With vast gardens that are decadent and pretty, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a fairytale world. Discover the ruins of the Kenilworth Castle too and walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I.
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Along with beautiful grounds, you’ll find yourself admiring the surrounding panoramic views. And here, you’ll fall in love with the views of the Peak District.
As well as that, you can explore the ruins of Peveril Castle, which still stands high above Castleton in Derbyshire. Did you know it was one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses?
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If ever there was a wonder of the ancient world it is the remains of the once fortified border of Emperor Hadrian’s empire. Situated around 20 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne within Northumberland National Park, the site consists of an impressive wall that was erected across Northern Britain for the express purpose of keeping the locals under control. Standing nearly 200 feet high and covering almost 18 square miles, it reputedly housed anywhere between 5,000 to 8,000 soldiers!
With spectacular views and rugged landscapes, your family day out will be adventurous as well as memorable!
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After the Romans left Britain, the area had long remained deserted until 1150AD when settlers began arriving in force. Within 50 years, kingdoms and city-states started appearing such as Caerleon upon Usk, Gwent, Ceredigion, Powys, Deheubarth, and Strathclyde. These early nations gave rise to an amazing range of stone structures marking this period, including hillforts, palaces, temples, forts, watchtowers, dolmens, cromlechs, and even an entire kingdom dedicated to the worship of God, Anglesey.
No one knows whether the stones mean anything, or why they’re there. But Stonehenge is still an important piece of British history.
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Dive into a glimpse of Victorian history at this estate, built in the 19th century during the 1860s. With newly restored gardens and the worn-out interiors of the Hall have been conserved.
Here, you can learn about a time long gone, and the changing fortunes of the people who resided here or worked here in their day to day life. Then after, wander around the beautiful grounds to soak in some more English history.
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Lindisfarne Priory, Northumberland
Ever wanted to visit an island? At this marvellous English Heritage site, you can cross the dramatic causeway to reach it! A family day out that will forever be engrained in your memory.
Walk in the steps of the ancient monks who built the Priory, nearly 1,400 years ago! Just think about all that interesting history.
Then explore Holy Island, its museum and find out about the gruesome Viking raid. A unique but fantastic family day out!
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So, if you’ve been struggling to come up with outdoor adventures for you and the family to enjoy, check out what English Heritage sites are around you. Pack some food, waterproof clothing, your walking boots, and cameras and set off! Breathe in that fresh air, get some exercise and best of all, it gets the kids out and about!
Looking for more outdoor adventures? How about archery, swimming in a lido near you or heading to a bluebell walk near you!