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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Explore captivating Alnwick Castle
Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle
Visit one of England’s finest medieval castles, and explore the medieval walled gardens and 200 acre deer park.
Location: Durham Dales, Durham
Enjoy dog friendly days out at Belsay Hall
Explore the magnificent gardens of this dog friendly attraction with your four legged friend.
Location: Belsay, Northumberland
Sip Earl Grey where it was created: Howick Hall
Earl Grey tea is enjoyed – usually at around 4pm – all over the world, but few know it was invented in Northumberland for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey.
Location: Howick, Northumberland
Take a tour of the grand Burton Agnes Hall
Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan stately home that has remained in the same family for over 400 years.
Location: Burton Agnes, East Riding of Yorkshire
Make yourself at home at Harewood House
This 18th century home is filled with fine art and surrounded by gardens and parkland that is home to many animals including flamingos and penguins.
Location: Harewood, West Yorkshire
Enjoy a family day out at Wentworth Castle & Gardens
Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park houses some of the earliest gothic follies in the country.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Feel like a duke or duchess for the day but without the price tag
You don’t have to be as rich as a lord to visit East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley, former home of the 17th century cloth merchant James Murgatroyd.
Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire
Climb the grassy hill to iconic Penshaw Monument
Roam picturesque parkland, spy flamingos and otters, admire sculptures and climb the secret staircase of this famous monument for panoramic views.
Location: Penshaw and Washington, Tyne and Wear
Tales of intrigue, love and war at Ripley Castle
Discover over 700 years of English history through one of the country’s oldest families, and the fascinating castle that they call home.
Location: Ripley Village, North Yorkshire
Fall in love with historic houses and gardens
Be warned! After a visit to the splendid historic houses and gardens around Barnsley, you may wish to move in and live the life of a lord or lady.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire