Plan a weekend away or a short break in...
-
Wiltshire
Wiltshire has more prehistoric monuments than any other county in England. In this guide, we'll explore some of these places that shine a light on our ancient past, visit a couple of castles, and point out a few other fascinating places along the way.
-
Isle of Wight
Chosen by Queen Victoria as a holiday retreat and by the Normans for one of their medieval defence forts, the Isle of Wight is an island fit for rulers and royalty. Just two hours from London, the island is rich in history, charm and intrigue.
-
East Midlands
Today the rich, rural landscape of the East Midlands is more or less peaceful. But behind this tranquillity lies a turbulent past. This guide focuses on things to do in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, but there's plenty to do in this underrated region.
-
Derbyshire
Between the M1 and the moors lie the manor houses and market towns which were once the domain of a remarkable Tudor woman, Bess of Hardwick. Stay on her Hardwick estate and explore this diverse county on a history-inspired weekend away.
-
North Yorkshire
Explore the commanding castles which march inland from the coast to the Dales, the wild moors and the tranquil ruins of abbeys and priories that you'll find in 'God's own country' of North Yorkshire.
-
Cumbria
Cumbria's majestic fells are many people's reason for visiting the Lake District. But from Roman legionaries to Victorian craftsmen there's plenty of history to uncover here too.
-
London
At the heart of English history, London is unrivalled for its sheer amount of things to do. We've picked out historical highlights in four areas for you to plan a long weekend or a series of days out in the capital.
-
Kent
Home to some of the most impressive historic sites in the country, the 'Garden of England' offers award-winning beaches, seaside towns, ancient marshes and the famous white chalk cliffs. Perfect to explore on a short break.
-
Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall is now the most famous frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Today, it remains an inspiring and atmospheric monument to this incredible civilisation, with all sorts of places to visit to learn about the Romans.
-
Cornwall
Castles dominate the coastline, isolated settlements and sites steeped in myth and legend are just a small part of what Cornwall has to offer. Plan a long weekend of history in this incredible part of south west England.
-
Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland coast is a place to feel close to nature and to the past. Discover the tranquil islands, wide beaches, marshes and saltflats, coves and cliffs, fishing villages and fortresses of this beautiful coastline.
Scenic road trip stops
If you're planning a long car journey, we've picked out sites near motorways and main roads which make excellent alternatives to stopping at a motorway service station.
Escape the rush of traffic, stretch your legs, and avoid the queues for loos. Stop off to explore England's story instead.
Find out moreCycling Guides
If you’re planning a day out to our historic sites, why not make a cycle ride there, back or between sites part of the fun? The following places have bike racks or somewhere to secure your bike while you explore.
- Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
- Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire
- Birdoswald Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria
- Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
- Boscobel House and The Royal Oak, Shropshire
- Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, Northumberland
- Deal Castle, Kent
- Down House – Home of Charles Darwin, Kent
- Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
- Helmsley Castle, Yorkshire
- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Lullingstone Roman Villa, Kent
- Middleham Castle, Yorkshire
- Old Sarum, Wiltshire
- Osborne, Isle of Wight
- Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire
- Stonehenge, Wiltshire
- Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
- Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
- Whitby Abbey, Northumberland
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
- York Cold War Bunker, Yorkshire
-
Cycling Guide: Dover – Walmer – Deal Castles
Enjoy the sea breeze as you cycle along roads and a national cycle route to take in three castles along England's south coast. An hour's cycle one way or two hours with a return trip.
-
Cycling Guide: Osborne – Carisbrooke Castle
The Isle of Wight is steeped in history and a wonderful place to explore by bike. Almost all of this route is on flat terrain too, which makes it ideal for most skill and fitness levels.
-
Cycling Guide: Old Sarum - Stonehenge - Woodhenge
A combination of roads and the Wiltshire Cycle Way, this route is ideal for those who want a tour through the Wiltshire countryside and 5000 years of history.
-
Cycling Guide: Rievaulx Abbey - Helmsley Castle
A short, simple route between Rievaulx Abbey and Hemlsey Castle. It's ideal for those looking to take in two remarkable sites and the North Yorkshire scenery in one fell swoop.
Members Recommend...
DISCOVER THE BEST PLACES FOR A DAY OUT, AS VOTED FOR BY OUR MEMBERS
-
Best places for kids
Find out which sites are most popular with our younger Members, including ones where you can go many times and still not 'see everything'.
-
Best Gardens
Looking for a day out in nature? Discover which of our historic sites have the best gardens according to our Members.
-
Best Picnic Spots
At which sites do our Members most enjoy munching their lunch? Hint: one of them lets you eat while 'watching the sea birds and the waves’.
Walking Guides
-
Cumbria Walking guide: Stott Park Bobbin Mill to High Dam
The Lake District is renowned for walking - but if you don't fancy tackling a fell, this circular walk around Stott Park Bobbin Mill at the southern end of Windermere is a perfect choice.
-
Derbyshire walking guide: Bolsover Castle to Sutton Scarsdale Hall
Facing each other across a valley, Bolsover Castle and the ruin of Sutton Scarsdale Hall seem very different. Discover the landscape which connects them on the 7 mile countryside walk.
-
Kent coastal walking guide: Dover, Walmer and Deal
This 10 mile walk offers panoramic views of the English Channel. Three mighty coastal forts stand on the route, from the medieval "Key to England" at Dover to Henry VIII's defences of Walmer and Deal.
-
Walks near Hadrian's Wall
There are some fantastic walks to be enjoyed along Hadrian's Wall. Find out a bit more about the trails near Housesteads, Chesters, Corbridge and Birdoswald.
-
Bradford on Avon Tithe Barn to Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Take a delightful walk, passing through some idyllic English countryside to Farleigh Hungerford Castle – an impressive 14th century castle not far from Bath with hidden treasures and sinister past…
-
The Great Stones Way: Avebury, Stonehenge and Old Sarum
Running through the Wiltshire countryside from near Swindon to Stonehenge, the Great Stones Way is one of England’s newer hiking trails. Travel writer Sarah Baxter set off in the footsteps of our ancestors.
More to Explore
-
Days out with Dogs
Enjoy a great day out with your dog at an English Heritage property. There are plenty of dog-friendly sites across the whole of England for your furry friends to enjoy.
-
Top 10 Castles
Want to be a king or queen for the day? We asked our Facebook followers to name their favourite English castle.
-
Holiday Cottages
Immerse yourself in England's colourful past by staying in one of our unique and historical properties - choose from cosy cottages, gatehouse towers, beachside retreats and more.
-
Members do more
Help to keep the story of England's history alive for future generations. Join today and enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic places, for yourself and up to 6 children.
!['step into englands story](gif/storyofengland.gif)