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.

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. 

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.

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.