Top five English Heritage sites to visit
With so many historic sites to visit, it can be hard to decide where to start. We asked our members which site is their absolute favourite, and here's your top five - did your favourite make it onto the list?
Honourable mentions go to Witley Court and Gardens in Worcestershire, our Hadrian's Wall sites and 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield in East Sussex.
1: Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Top of our poll was the beautiful Audley End House and Gardens. A noble Jacobean mansion set within a stunning landscape (including gardens remodelled by Capability Brown), Audley End is one of our most delightful treasures.
Visit Audley End House and Gardens2: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
A close second, Wrest Park always offers something new to discover in its vast and infinitely varied gardens. One member says Wrest Park has 'beautiful parkland, superbly presented gardens and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere' – we hope you'll agree!
Visit Wrest Park3: Osborne, Isle of Wight
Get a flavour of royal life at Osborne, the palatial former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. As well as the house itself, you can discover the vast, lavish gardens and seaside grandeur with stunning views across the Solent.
Visit Osborne4: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Enchanted by Belsay's Grecian architecture, medieval castle, and 30 acres of outstanding gardens, one member says 'we usually visit every month and can't wait to see where the gardens are at'. Roam through the unique micro-climate of the Quarry Garden with exotic plants around every twist and turn, and enjoy the quirky open spaces around the hall and the castle.
Visit Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens5: Dover Castle, Kent
Sitting high above the famed White Cliffs, Dover Castle is an iconic English fortress. Roam through centuries of history, from the Romans to the Second World War, in an action-packed day out.
Visit Dover Castle
