Spotlight on

Spotlight On the places we love

There's more to many of our historic places than meets the eye.

Take a closer look at some of our favourite historic places. Discover what we love about them, then plan your own adventure in the places where history happened.

Spotlight On Eltham Palace and Gardens

Few properties can boast such an eclectic combination of history and architecture like Eltham Palace. Wander through a medieval hall that once held court for kings and queens, see glamorous examples of art deco design and explore a basement converted into a Second World War bunker.

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Explore somewhere new in the...

...North of England

  • Spotlight on Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens

    Set into the picturesque landscape of Northumberland, Belsay has three distinct elements: a medieval castle, a Greek Revival mansion and 20 acres of lush gardens which make for a fascinating day out - especially if you're a keen photographer...

  • Spotlight on Hadrian's Wall

    Hadrian's Wall stretches 73 miles across the North of England. With ruined Roman forts and ancient towns, mile castles and museums, there's always somewhere new to explore.

  • Spotlight on Rievaulx Abbey

    Once one of the most important abbeys in England, the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire are a tranquil place to explore. A new visitor centre after a major conservation project, allowing you to understand the lives of the monks like never before.

  • Spotlight on Whitby Abbey

    Whitby Abbey has inspired writers and artists for centuries. From the first named Anglo Saxon poet to the world's most famous Gothic novel, uncover the myths and legends which surround this picturesque ruin.

  • Spotlight On Stott Park Bobbin Mill

    This pocket-sized powerhouse once supplied millions of wooden bobbins to the great factories of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Imagine shavings flying, machines whirring, the chug of a steam engine, sawdust settling at the end of the day.

...London and the East of England

  • Spotlight on Framlingham Castle

    Discover the centre of a vast network of power and influence, and one of the best preserved medieval castles in England. With its towers and curtain walls still standing proudly, it's here that you can explore almost 1000 years of history.

  • Spotlight on Kenwood

    It's home to an internationally significant art collection, is a showcase of innovative design by Robert Adam and is immensely popular with locals too. This free site is open all year round - discover why we think you should pay a visit.

  • Spotlight on Lullingstone Roman Villa

    Visit the place where a Roman family lived and worked, and see for yourself a varied collection of objects and artefacts that tell their story. Discover why Lullingstone Roman Villa is unlike any other Roman site in England.

  • Spotlight on Walmer Castle

    Looking out across the English channel from one of the country's most beautiful coastlines, Walmer Castle was built under instruction of Henry VIII. The castle is the residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports.

...West of England and the South West

  • Spotlight on Carn Euny

    People have lived at Carn Euny since the Iron Age in wooden, then stone, 'courtyard houses' - the remains of which are still visible today. These were the homes of the community who lived in the village during the Romano-British period.

  • Spotlight on Farleigh Hungerford

    This picturesque ruined castle in Wiltshire may be peaceful today, but behind its tranquillity lies a tumultuous past. Over the course of its 700 year history the castle has witnessed immense wealth, scandal, murder, imprisonment, debt and, finally, ruin.

  • Spotlight on Stonehenge

    Over 5,000 years ago, our ancestors built what would become one of the world's most iconic monuments. Stonehenge's mysteries are still the focus of speculation, celebration and intense research today.

  • Spotlight on Tintagel Castle

    "We love crashing waves and mysterious coves, so this is our kind of beach." With atmospheric ruins on the headland, a fascinating museum and a beach to explore, discover why Tintagel Castle in Cornwall should be on your list of places to visit.

  • Spotlight On Goodrich Castle

    Situated in a sheltered woodland area on the River Wye, Goodrich is one of the country's best-preserved medieval castles. Enjoy spectacular views across to Wales from her high battlements and towers.

  • Spotlight on Bolsover Castle

    Bolsover is a place built for entertainment. From the well-preserved wall paintings and a broad views from the terrace and recreated wall walk, to the riding house where the art of dressage was pioneered, explore the home of William Cavendish.

  • Spotlight on Osborne

    Open the doors to the once private world of Queen Victoria and her family at Osborne. Victoria’s holiday home remains largely untouched, providing intimate details of royal life during the 19th century.

  • Spotlight on Stokesay Castle

    Although Stokesay owes its preservation to sympathetic conservation and its surprisingly peaceful history, Stokesay has seen its share of drama. Its first owner drowned and another went bankrupt - discover what else in instore at this unusual castle.

  • Spotlight On The Iron Bridge

    Spanning the River Severn at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, discover why this much-loved icon continues to inspire locals, tourists and engineering enthusiasts today.

  • Spotlight On Old Sarum

    A Norman motte and bailey castle, built by William the Conqueror on the site of an iron age hillfort, Old Sarum is one of our most unusual historic places as it has been almost continuously settled over 5,000 years.

  • Spotlight on Witley Court

    Formerly a place of lavish Victorian parties and royal entertainments, the vast house of Witley Court was gutted by a devastating fire in 1937. Now it's one of England's most spectacular ruins.

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