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Castell Coch - Cardiff
Late nineteenth-century 'fairytale'-style castle, built on medieval remains, designed for the third marquess of Bute by William Burges. Lavishly decorated and furnished in the Victorian Gothic style; a Romantic vision of the Middle Ages. OS map 171: ST 131826 Site exhibition, audio tour, parking, toilets, cafe, shop, guidebook, baby changing...
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Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of western Europe. Several factors give it this pre-eminence - its immense size (1.2h), making it the largest in Britain after Windsor, its large-scale use of water for defence and the fact that it is the first truly concentric castle in Britain. Of the time of its building in the late 13th...
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Cardiff Castle
C ardiff Castle is one of Wales's leading tourist attractions. Situated in the very heart of the capital, alongside city centre shopping and the magnificent Bute Park, the Castle's enchanting fairytale towers conceal an elaborate and splendid interior. Contained within its mighty walls is a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, dating from...
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National Museum of Wales
Discover art, archaeology and the geological evolution of Wales. With a busy programme of exhibitions and events, we have something to amaze everyone, whatever your interest – and admission is free! Although not the oldest of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’s buildings, this is the first location of the National Museum...
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Museum of Welsh Life - Cardiff
A walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day. St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. Before visiting why not watch our taster video and see the magic of St Fagans for yourself. Open to the public since 1 November 1948, the museum stands in the grounds of...
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Penarth Pier
Built in 1894, and opened a year later, the 658-foot-long Penarth Pier is reminiscent of more gentle times and is one of only two surviving pleasure piers in south Wales, the other being Mumbles. History of the Pier In 1907 a wooden pavilion was built at the seaward end that became a dance hall. In 1929 the existing pavilion entrance was built....
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Fonmon Castle Park and Gardens
Situated on one of Wales' most historical castle and grounds, Fonmon has now opened a fun family attraction that gives your children adventure from Dinosaurs to Dragons, Fairies to Medieval and a whole load of outdoor fun and adventure. Parks, woodlands walks and cafes. This unique 12th century castle is home to an exciting outdoors...
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Cosmeston Medieval Village
One of the most exciting heritage projects in South Wales, Cosmeston Medieval Village lets you step back in time to see, touch, and even smell how life was in 14th century Wales. Meet the villagers, all dressed in period costume, and experience how they lived. Take a tour, book a party or enjoy one of the special events that take place throughout...
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Old Beaupre Castle - Cowbridge
Beaupre Castle near Cowbridge is a Medieval Manor house that was modified during the Tudor period and includes a magnificently carved Renaissance porch. Much of Beaupre is ruined, but the exceptional three-storey gatehouse and porch are well preserved. The cluster of buildings surround an inner courtyard and the 14th Century hall boasts an...
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St Quentin's Castle - Llanblethian
Impressive remains of a large 14th Century castle. The castle includes a massive twin-towered gatehouse. It is believed that the majority of the castle was built by Gilbert de Clare (the Last, d. 1314). Also known as Llanblethian Castle. Parking: Free Open: All year, 10am to 4pm daily. Charges: Free admission
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Newport Museum and Art Gallery
Since 1888 Newport Museum and Art Gallery has been collecting evidence of Newport’s history, culture and environment. Archaeology The archaeology collections span over 100 years of collecting and represent thousands of years of human activity in and around Newport. The oldest objects date to the Prehistoric periods before people could...
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North Somerset Museum - Weston Super Mare
This friendly family museum caters for all ages. The displays range from the archaeology of the earliest inhabitants to the wildlife that you can find today. Other displays cover the local history of the area. The Seaside Holidays Gallery is a speciality of the museum, and the cottage next door is laid out as a landlady's lodging house of...
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Big Pit National Mining Museum
Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings open to the public...
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Caldicot Castle and Country Park
Visit Caldicot Castle in its beautiful setting of tranquil gardens and a wooded country park. Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home, the castle has a romantic and colourful history. Find out about its past with an audio tour, explore the medieval towers and take...
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Abergavenny Museum & Castle
Abergavenny Museum is housed in a Regency hunting lodge set within the ruins of a Norman castle. As the seat of the medieval lords of Abergavenny, the castle was the focus for over three centuries of border warfare. In 1175 it was the scene of the infamous massacre of the Welsh chieftains by the Norman Lord, William de Braose. The museum houses...
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Margam Country Park
Margam Country Park is open all year round so you will always find something to make the visit worthwhile whatever the season. Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone at Margam Country Park. The magnificent Margam Castle, Orangery with ornamental gardens and Deer Park, are set within 1000 acres of...
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Tyntesfield - Wraxall
Spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house with gardens and parkland A fine Victorian country house created by one of England’s richest commoners, William Gibbs, who built his fortune on fertiliser. Spiralling turrets and pinnacles adorn the roof, ornate stone carvings and church-like windows complete the Gothic look, giving...
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DAWS CASTLE
The clifftop fortress of Daws Castle was founded by King Alfred to defend the people of Watchet against Viking attacks. BEFORE YOU GO Access: The walk from Watchet is challenging, so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear. The site is exposed with no shelter. Parking: Paid parking is available in Watchet. How to Find it: From Watchet...
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CLEEVE ABBEY
In Washford lies one of the undiscovered jewels of Somerset, providing an interesting day out for families and budding historians alike. The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Visitors today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago; although the...
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Dunster Castle - Minehead
The red turrets and towers of Dunster Castle rising up from their wooded perch is a dramatic spectacle for any visitor. Drama that is mirrored in the castle's history, more than 1,000 years of turmoil and change. Come and visit to find out more about the families of Dunster Castle, marvell at the beautiful interiors, enjoy the depths of the...
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DUNSTER YARN MARKET
This fine 17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall is a monument to Dunster's once-flourishing cloth trade. Managed by The National Trust. Read more about the history of the Yarn Market. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Charged parking is available within the village (car park postcode TA24 6SE), not managed by English Heritage. ...
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DUNSTER BUTTER CROSS
Set on the outskirts of the charming village of Dunster, this transplanted stump of a medieval stone cross was once a meeting place for butter-sellers. Managed by The National Trust. Read more about the history of the Butter Cross. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Charged parking is available within the village (car park postcode TA24 6SE), not...
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DUNSTER GALLOX BRIDGE
This late medieval stone bridge - originally 'gallows bridge' - across the River Avill once carried packhorses bringing fleeces from Exmoor to the Somerset market town of Dunster. The town had become a centre of the wool trade by the 13th century, when it was the main source of England's wealth. Managed by the National Trust. Read more...
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Cefn Coed Colliery Museum
Located near the village of Crynant in the Dulais Valley five miles north of Neath, the museum tells the story of coal mining at the Cefn Coed Colliery, once the deepest anthracite coal mine in the world. Cefn Coed was one of the most dangerous coalmines in Wales where many men lost their lives in dangerous working conditions gaining the colliery...
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Blaise Castle House Museum - Bristol
Situated in the beautiful parkland of the Blaise Estate at Henbury, the Museum is housed in a late eighteenth century mansion, and contains most of the Museums Service's social history collections. Here you can see all sorts of familiar - and not so familiar - items from homes through history, treasured...
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Cheddar Gorge
A major tourist attraction for over 200 years, with plenty to do above and below ground. Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you'll find many rare species. The Cathedral-like Caves and Britain's biggest Gorge are million-year-old Ice Age river beds. Your ancestors have lived here for 40,000 years, and world-famous...
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The National Showcaves Centre for Wales - Swansea
Created 350 Million years ago, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, is situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park and was recently voted Britain's Finest Natural Wonder. With 10 differnt attractions on the one ticket there is plenty to do and see for all ages! There are ten attractions all included in the one entry ticket, a great...
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The Clifton Observatory - Bristol
The Observatory stands on the site formerly occupied by a snuff grinding mill that was burnt out in 1777 through having been over-driven in a gale. In 1828 the site was rented to Mr. West, an artist. He constructed the Camera Obscura and cut the underground passage to St. Vincents Cave. Both remain and are open to visitors. The cave's visiting...
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Explore-At-Bristol
Explore-At-Bristol is one of the UK's most exciting hands-on science centres! Discover interactive exhibits and special exhibitions, take in a Planetarium show or join our Live science team for fun experiments and activities. A registered charity, Explore runs formal and informal learning programmes and aims to make science accessible to all. ...
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Brunel's SS Great Britain - Bristol
Welcome to Brunel's ss Great Britain Winner of 10 major awards in 2006 including the Gulbenkian Prize for UK Museum of the Year and shortlisted for major awards in 2007. Step back in time on board Brunel’s ss Great Britain – the world’s first great ocean liner. Explore the beautifully recreated First Class Dining Saloon,...
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British Empire & Commonwealth Museum - Bristol
The award-winning galleries of the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum have been created with children firmly in mind. Numerous hands-on and interactive exhibits tell the story of the biggest empire the world has ever known. Sample exotic spices, learn morse code, dress up in period clothes and find out how our lives are shaped by this shared...
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Temple Church
The leaning tower and walls of this large late medieval church in Bristol survived bombing during the Second World War. Temple Church is so called because the original church here was built by the Knights Templar, the medieval military order founded to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land. Their round church was later replaced with a more spacious...
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Kumon Maths and English - Bristol
Kumon works to improve your child's skill set, unlocking their potential, inspiring a passion for lifelong learning and building self-confidence to achieve both in and outside the classroom. For more information please contact Kate to book an enrolment meeting.
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National Waterfront Museum
The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. Our vast industrial and maritime heritage is ready to explore via cutting-edge, interactive technology married with traditional displays. It means a unique, captivating and involved visitor experience lies in wait at...
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St Briavels Castle
Opening Times
30 April 2017 - 24 March 2018
Exterior: any reasonable daylight hours. Bailey: 25 March - 31 October daily, 11am - 4pm. No access to the interior as the castle is an operating Youth Hostel.
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Stanton Drew Circles and Cove
Although this is the third largest complex of prehistoric standing stones in England, the three circles and three-stone ‘cove’ of Stanton Drew in Somerset are surprisingly little known. The Great Circle, 113 metres in diameter, is one of the largest stone circles in the country and has 26 surviving upright stones. Yet recent surveys...
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Bishops Lydeard Mill - Taunton
Located in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Bishops Lydeard is a small village near the market town of Taunton. There were originally two mills in the village, Higher and Lower, supplying the area with flour. Higher mill has been subsequently demolished, leaving this excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at the lower mill. The Mill is open on : ...
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Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral welcomes visitors every day of the year and it is really only by coming in person that you can properly experience this wonderful and holy place. While admission to the Cathedral is free, donations are very welcome. We receive no direct state aid and need over £4,000 per day for the maintenance, upkeep and running...
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The Bishops Palace
Admission: Second price is non Gift Aid Option Adult £7.99 £7.25 Concession (senior, unemployed, disabled, student) £6.90 £6.25 Children (Under 5 years) Free Children (5 to 18 years) £3.35 £3.05 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) £19.25 £17.45 Opening Times: Open...
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Glastonbury Abbey
Visitor Attraction, Scheduled Ancient Monument and Church Romantic Ruins - Once the grandest and richest Abbey in England. A great Glastonbury experience awaits you here! Peaceful parkland - Such a special atmosphere within our 36 acres of Somerset parkland, ponds, orchard and wildlife areas. History brought to life by our...
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MEARE FISH HOUSE
The only surviving monastic fishery building in England, Meare Fish House was the residence of Glastonbury Abbey's official in charge of the nearby lake and its fishery, and it provided facilities for fish-salting and drying. Read more about the history of Meare Fish House. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: There is free street parking available in...
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GLASTONBURY TRIBUNAL
Glastonbury Tribunal is a fine, late 15th-century stone town house with an early Tudor façade and panelled interiors, once thought to have been the courtroom of Glastonbury Abbey. The Tribunal now houses a Tourist Information Centre and the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum, which contains dramatic finds from one of Europe’s most famous...
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Somerset Rural Life Museum - Glastonbury
The Somerset Rural Life Museum is based in Glastonbury. In the Abbey Farmhouse the social and domestic life of Victorian Somerset is described in reconstructed rooms and there is a lively events programme as well as regular temporary exhibitions. There is also a tea room and museum shop. The magnificent...
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Berkeley Castle
The most remarkable thing of all about the Castle is the long survival together - spanning nine centuries - of the building itself, the Berkeley family, the archives (which go back to 1117), the contents, the estate and the town. Its place in history is significant, not just because it is still intact, but because the Berkeley family...
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Edward Jenner Museum - Berkeley
The museum celebrates the life and work of Dr Edward Jenner, whose discovery of vaccination has saved more lives than the work of any other man. Housed in the beautiful Queen Anne house where Jenner lived, worked and died, the museum details Jenner's many other interests in the natural world and has interactive displays in the Immunology section.
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Dr Jenners House
Dr Jenners House is a really interesting place to visit, especially if you are a fan of science or history. Smallpox, which Jenner called the Speckled Monster, killed 10% of the population, rising to 20% in cities, where it spread more easily. It accounted for a third of child deaths! Discover how the World Heath Organisation managed to conquer...
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Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse
The little Cotswold village of Kingswood, near Wotton-under-Edge, was once the site of an important Cistercian abbey. Today, all that survives of the abbey is the fine 16th century gatehouse that once controlled access to the monastery. It was one of the last monastic buildings to be constructed in England, not long before the Suppression of the...
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Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument
Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument was erected in the 18th century to commemorate the Royalist commander and his Cornish pikemen who fought at the Battle of Lansdown, 1643. Read more about the history of the monument. Before You Go Parking: There is a layby adjacent to the site. Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome. Facilities: You can find shops,...
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Dean Heritage Centre
The Dean Heritage Centre has five galleries and a library to explore inside the Museum, numerous displays and attractions to discover outside and a cafe overlooking the mill pond Adult: £4.90 Concession: £4.20 Child: £2.50 Family: £14.00 OPENING HOURS The Heritage Centre is open throughout...
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Goodrich Castle
Goodrich stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English thegn Godric who gave it his name. A generation later the splendidly preserved square keep which still forms its core was added, probably in the time of...
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Museum of Mazes
hedge maze, with a romantic temple at the centre and over a kilometre of hedge planted by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977. Find your way then play! The maze is a great place to play tag with all the family. Not up to running around? Play by stealth! There’s a viewing platform for calling directions... but who do you trust? It’s...
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Kinnersley Castle
Kinnersley Castle was one of the many Marches castles sited by the Normans along the Welsh border. As seen today it is predominantly the remodelled Elizabethan manor house of the Vaughan family, which houses various fine oak panelled rooms and the original 1588 plasterwork ceiling of the Solar. For images of the Castle & grounds see the...
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Arthur's Stone
Arthur's Stone is an atmospheric Neolithic burial chamber made of great stone slabs, set in the hills above Herefordshire's Golden Valley. Like many prehistoric monuments in western England and Wales, this tomb has been linked to King Arthur since before the 13th century. According to legend, it was here that Arthur slew a giant who left the...
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WWT National Wetland Centre Wales
Stretching over 450 acres on the Burry Inlet, this magnificent mosaic of lakes, pools and lagoons is home to countless wild species as diverse as dragonflies and Little Egrets. Plus over 650 of some of the world’s most spectacular ducks, geese, swans and flamingos, many so tame they feed from the hand. Families can have hours of fun in...
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MUCHELNEY ABBEY
Muchelney Abbey, which lies two miles south of Langport, was once a landmark in the Somerset Levels and still has much to offer its visitors – history lovers in particular will enjoy this fascinating site but there is also plenty for families to do. It was once a wealthy Benedictine house and the second oldest religious foundation in...
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Fashion Museum - Bath
We look forward to welcoming you to the Fashion Museum Study Facilities at the Assembly Rooms. The Fashion Museum is open every day except 25 & 26 December. January - February 10.30 - 16.00 March - October 10.30 - 17.00 November - December 10.30 - 16.00 Exit 1 hour after these times...
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The Jane Austen Centre - Bath
The exhibition at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath has been created with the guidance of local members of the Jane Austen Society and authorities on Jane Austen. Open all year Summer 2nd April to 30th October Open every day 9.45am to 5.30pm Late opening July and August – Thursday to Saturday until 7pm Winter 1 November...
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Bridgerton Filming Locations Tour of Bath
Enjoy a guided walking tour exploring Bridgerton's filming locations in Bath Walk in the footsteps of Simon and Daphne from the hit show Bridgerton, on a guided tour of its Bath filming locations Enjoy trivia and anecdotes about the making of Bridgerton, as well as behind-the-scenes gossip and fan theories...
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Dinefwr Park and Castle
National Nature Reserve, historic house and 18th-century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park A magical land of power and influence for more than 2,000 years, Dinefwr is an iconic place in the history of Wales. Two forts are evidence of a dominant Roman presence. The powerful Lord Rhys held court at Dinefwr and influenced decisions in...
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This section covers castles and stately homes in the Cardiff region, these historic buildings usually date back hundreds even thousands of years and are real educational experiences for the whole family. Topics covered include the middle ages, political and royalty evolution spanning time and history.
Or just a great day out at lush tree lined grounds and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. Tours of these buildings are widely available and worth consideration for an in depth knowledge of the sites you wish to visit. Some sites like stately homes have gardens, animals and lots of other things to see and do.
We provide information on castles and stately homes by county, city or by activity, please use the home page map for county level browsing.
