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.
Take part in a 900-year-old tradition
Walk along Winchester’s water meadows to a beautiful medieval almshouse and you are following in the footsteps of weary travellers through the ages.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
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
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