The best English Heritage sites near you

East Midlands

From our Bertone Manor development in Kettering, you can visit historic Kirby Hall – a vast, indulgently decorated 17^th century home with connections to Queen Elizabeth I. There’s also Longthorpe Tower less than an hour’s drive away, which dates back to the 14^th century and features detailed medieval wall paintings with depictions of the Nativity and King David.

East of England

The carefully crafted landscape-gardens of Wrest Park are a beautiful sensory experience. Located near Great Denham Park in Bedford, it has over 92 acres of gardens to stroll in, with an abundance of stunning views and gentle walks through woodlands. Or you can visit the Jacobean mansion house at Audley End House And Gardens, which also has a Victorian stable and a play area for kids.

North East

The holy island of Lindisfarne features outstanding natural beauty and a priory built by monks 1,400 years ago. Within driving distance of Elba Park in Durham and located just off the eastern coast, this ancient isle is accessible during low tide via a modern causeway. Also driveable from the development is Belsay Hall and Gardens with its Grecian architecture, and fantastic views from the top of the castle tower.

South East

The South East of England is filled with some of our most famous historical sites, including Battle Abbey near Dickens Gate in Tonbridge, which is located near the spot where in 1066, William The Conqueror famously defeated King Harold at The Battle Of Hastings. Further into Kent but still within driving distance are the old halls and ramparts of Dover Castle, which also houses the Secret Wartime Tunnels of WW2 under the White Cliffs of Dover.

North West

Still standing defiantly across the North of England is Hadrian’s Wall, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Romans which formed the north-west frontier of their Empire for almost 300 years. In the North West is Woodland Rise in Hexham, which is only 40 minutes away, and from the wall you can also visit Carlisle and the famous Castle that sits within the city.

South West

Believed to be around 5,000 years old and featured in everything from the works of Thomas Hardy to Doctor Who, Stone Henge is one of the most famous landmarks in Britain. You can easily visit this wonder of the world from our Lay Wood development in Devizes, along with the Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum, which is just around the corner.

West Midlands

Near Gilbert’s Lea in Bromsgrove is an excellent day out at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. From the six-month long siege of Kenilworth in 1266, to the Wars of The Roses, the castle has had a major involvement in our turbulent British history. Or if you’re looking for something with a bit more variety, there’s also the impressive ruins of Witley Court and its adventure play area close-by.  

Yorkshire

The imposing architecture of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to conceive many elements of the seminal novel Dracula – and a visit to the town’s public library gave him a name for his monstrous antagonist. You can experience the gothic chills for yourself, with a short trip from Saxon Gate in Stamford Bridge. Or if you plan to visit the city of York and need to get your bearings, you could always take a climb up Clifford’s Tower.