Heritage
Lift history off the pages and explore historic England. With hundreds of award-winning heritage attractions, interactive museums and visitor centres, commemorative memorials and nearly 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites all crammed into one small country, you’ll trip over history at every turn. It’s virtually impossible to ignore this country's mythical and fabled characters, horrible histories, legendary monarchs and influential leaders as you discover Neolithic mounds and Roman ruins, thatched Tudor houses and spacious Victorian squares, prehistoric remains, spooky medieval gaols and historic towns in England. Hire a Blue Badge guide for an in-depth tour of your area of interest.
Discover 1,000 years of history at Chester Cathedral
Journey through hundreds of years of history and discover hidden spaces as you climb to the top of the cathedral tower.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
View Chester from an open-top vintage bus
Ride the open-top vintage bus on a Chester Tour and see the city’s archaeological and architectural heritage.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Watch the changing of the Guards in London
For sheer pomp and ceremony, you can’t beat the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Location: London, Greater London
Murder in the cathedral
Visit one of England's most beautiful cities - and the site of one of its most famous murders
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Tour the tower of Lincoln Cathedral
For 300 years Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world. Take a tour of the iconic building for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
See where Richard III's remains were discovered
The ‘Richard III: Leicester’s Search for a King’ exhibition is a must-see for history fans and provides an opportunity to learn more about the King’s life and death.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Take a moment to relax in St Dunstan in the East
Relax in the grounds of this historic church, and enjoy the gardens growing through the ruins.
Location: London, Greater London
Step into the City's oldest church, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower
Though bombed in the Second World War, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower remains a beautiful Grade I listed building bursting with City history.
Location: London, Greater London
Join the Knights Templar in the original Temple Church
Enter the English headquarters of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century and immerse yourself in its varied history.
Location: London, Greater London
Go back in time and discover the original Roman City walls
Follow in the footsteps of Romans as you explore the history of the walls that protected the original City of London.
Location: London, Greater London
Rainy Day Activities: Explore history at Winchester’s Military Museums
Broaden your knowledge of the British Army and the various battles fought throughout history at Winchester’s six Military Museums.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Visit Europe's largest library
The Library of Birmingham houses a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Fall in love with Exeter Cathedral
Be awed by Exeter Cathedral; a gothic masterpiece and one of the South West's most iconic landmarks, even better when viewed from above.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries
Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Discover 2,000 years of history for free on a guided tour
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England on a free Red Coat Guided Tour.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: See famous works in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
With numerous famous artworks and historical artefacts on display, the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a must-see indoor attraction in the heart of Exeter.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Experience panoramic views on Grey’s Monument
Experience panoramic views and close encounters with a former Prime Minister, followed by a well-earned cup of Earl Grey tea.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Free fun for the family at Monkwearmouth Station Museum
Monkwearmouth Station Museum has received national commendations for work with young children and provides fun and education for the whole family.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum
Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Hunt for ghosts at the National Justice Museum
Named one of the most haunted buildings in Britain, the National Justice Museum was once home to the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Join Nottingham's famous ghost walk
The Original Nottingham Ghost Tours will take you on a spine-tingling walk around a city which is steeped in history.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire