Travel Guides

9 Historic Places with Outdoor Spaces

Winter is still a great time to visit your favourite castle, abbey, historic house or prehistoric monument. Our historic places are just as enchanting during the colder months and many of our sites have great outdoor spaces to make the most of.

Here are a few of our sites where you can explore history in the open air.

Hadrian's Wall

NORTH OF ENGLAND

When it comes to historic sites in open rural settings, it doesn't get much more remote than Hadrian's Wall. More than twenty sites in our care stand along this northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, which stretched 73 miles from coast to coast. 

Imagine military life on the Wall at Housesteads, Chesters and Birdoswald Roman Forts. Or step foot in what was once a bustling Roman town at Corbridge, site of the Corbridge Hoard. 

The museums at Birdoswald, Housesteads and Corbridge are also open, offering unique collections of finds and fascinating insights into Roman life. But there's plenty to see and interpretation panels to explore in the landscape if you prefer to stay outside.

Visit Hadrian's Wall

Kenwood

NORTH LONDON

When we think of open space, London isn't the first place to come to mind. But the house and large estate of Kenwood on the edge of Hampstead Heath is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The house (free to visit) was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1764 and 1779 and is home to a world-class art collection, including work by Rembrandt and Vermeer. But there's plenty to enjoy outdoors too. 

Broad and peaceful landscaped gardens surround Kenwood, offering a spacious escape for the whole family and social distancing with ease.

Visit Kenwood

Old Sarum

WILTSHIRE

Stand in the footprint of Salisbury's original cathedral, conquer the royal castle which stood high on the motte, and discover the awe-inspiring Iron Age hill fort at Old Sarum in rural Wiltshire. The Romans, Normans and Saxons all left their mark on this amazing place. 

The dramatic remains of this fort stand on a high mound, accessible via a short footbridge. Once inside, you can enjoy the broad hilltop with long views across to modern Salisbury and around in every direction. 

Old Sarum is great for a picnic, or just a family day out in the open air.

Visit Old Sarum

Witley Court and Gardens

WORCESTERSHIRE

Formerly one of England's great country houses, the vast Victorian mansion of Witley Court hosted extravagant parties and social engagements in its turn-of-the-century heyday. The house was tragically devastated in a fire in 1937, transforming it into one of the nation's most impressive ruins. 

Being without windows and a roof since that fateful inferno, the rooms and corridors of Witley Court can be explored comfortably in the open air. Details of the house's lavish interiors, including fragments of decorative plaster, can still be seen on the bare brick walls, hinting at the former opulence of this remarkable building. 

The house is accessed via a lakeside woodland walk, and beyond lie the beautiful pleasure gardens including ornate terraces, vibrant flower beds and intricate parterres. Plus, don't miss the Perseus and Andromeda fountain as it shoots jets of water high into the air in a spectacular display. 

Visit Witley Court

Rievaulx Abbey

NORTH YORKSHIRE

As one of the country's largest expanses of moorland, the tranquility of the North York Moors is a popular escape from urban life. 

At the Moors' southern end, nestled in the peaceful Rye Valley, stands Rievaulx Abbey. The expansive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries, Rievaulx's towering columns and high arches invite you to sense the space and solitude enjoyed by monks almost 900 years ago. 

The recently updated museum shines a light on the lives of these monks who called Rievaulx home. Or if you prefer to stay outside, explore the ruins in the open air at your own pace with interpretation panels dotted around the site.

Visit Rievaulx Abbey

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

WARWICKSHIRE

Originally a Norman castle, Kenilworth was later transformed into a luxurious palace for Elizabeth I. Today you can explore the Norman keep and the Tudor Great Hall, as well as the expansive grounds. 

To the north of the Castle sits the Elizabethan Garden, newly restored and replanted in 2019. Climb the steps to the raised walkway to enjoy views of the perfectly symmetrical parterres. These geometric patterns of flower beds are a recreation of those laid out by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, for Elizabeth I’s visit in 1575. The garden was recreated from an eyewitness account of its appearance, written by Robert Langham, an official who sneaked into the garden one day while the queen was hunting.

Visit Kenilworth Castle

Lindisfarne Priory

NORTHUMBERLAND

A journey to Lindisfarne Priory, set on Holy Island off the Northumbrian coast, is a journey into the mists of history. Follow in the footsteps of the monks who built their monastery here almost 1,400 years ago, and imagine the terror of 8 June 793 when Viking pirates raided the island. 

The priory and the wider island offer an escape to open space and fresh sea air, away from the bustle of the mainland. 

Holy Island is accessed via a tidal causeway, which is only passable at low tide. When booking your timed tickets, remember to check the safe crossing times and plan accordingly.

Visit Lindisfarne Priory

Framlingham Castle

SUFFOLK

Once a highly influential centre of power, the 12th-century castle at Framlingham is a hidden gem. After entering via a bridge over the deep moat, climb the steps to enjoy breathtaking countryside views from the 10.5-metre curtain wall.

Imagine life in the castle where Mary Tudor was proclaimed the Queen of England, and explore the 17th-century workhouse, the only remaining building in the castle's vast central courtyard. 

A one-way system will help you to maintain social distancing on the Wall Walk, and the inner courtyard offers lots of open space for the whole family to enjoy.

Visit Framlingham Castle

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

NORTHUMBERLAND

Belsay Hall is one of the best days out in the north-east. Though the Hall and Castle remain closed for now, Belsay is also home to more than thirty acres of Grade I listed gardens just waiting to be explored. 

Among the many different gardens, the jurassic-feeling Quarry Garden stands out. Wander through the steep-sided rock ravines of this atmospheric space, with its own microclimate that helps to maintain many exotic plants. This almost jungle-like space is totally unique. 

The grounds at Belsay Hall offer a memorable day out in open space. 

Visit Belsay Hall

More to Explore

180+ Free-to-Enter Sites

As well as those places recommended above, most of our free-to-enter sites are outdoors and offer the chance to explore history in the open air. 

From remnants of Roman forts to prehistoric stone circles, Norman earthworks to once-mighty castles, the majority of free-to-enter sites are open at any reasonable time during daylight hours. No need to handle money or tickets: just turn up and enjoy.

Explore Free-to-Enter Sites

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