Heritage & Historical Northamptonshire

Sywell Aviation Museum
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Sywell Aviation Museum
Sywell Aviation Museum (SAM) is a voluntary, non-profit-making organisation which aims to preserve the history of Sywell Aerodrome and Northamptonshire's rich aviation heritage from the early days of aviation to the Second World War and beyond. SAM began life in 1998 and the Museum building was opened in 2001 by the legendary aviator Alex...
Harrington Aviation Museum
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Harrington Aviation Museum
Housed in the original Group Operations Building on the site of USAAF Station 179, the CARPETBAGGER AVIATION MUSEUM offers a rare look at life on the top secret base of the 801st / 492nd American Eighth Air Force Bomb Group during World War II. Photographs, maps, exhibits and unique film footage describe the secret missions flown by Harrington...
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
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Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
A visit to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will give you the opportunity to explore the amazing shoe collection recognised as a collection of national importance. You can also find out about the history of Northampton and see our excellent art and ceramics collection. Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 10am -...
Abington Museum
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Abington Museum
It is an excellent place to visit if you are out with your family or if you are interesting in exploring things like the domestic life in the town, our costume collection or our displays about the Northamptonshire Regiment. Highlights are: The history of the Northamptonshire Regiment Northampton Life Rolling programme...
CHICHELE COLLEGE
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CHICHELE COLLEGE
Located in the attractive Northamptonshire market town of Higham Ferrers, Chichele College is a rare surviving example of a chantry college. It was founded in 1422 by the locally born Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury. Such colleges, common in England in the 14th and 15th centuries, were groups of priests who shared a communal life which...
RUSHTON TRIANGULAR LODGE
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RUSHTON TRIANGULAR LODGE
This delightful triangular building was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham (father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters) and constructed between 1593 and 1597. It is a testament to Tresham’s Roman Catholicism: the number three, symbolising the Holy Trinity, is apparent everywhere. There are three floors, trefoil windows and three triangular gables on each...
ELEANOR CROSS, GEDDINGTON
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ELEANOR CROSS, GEDDINGTON
In 1290 Eleanor of Castile, the beloved wife of Edward I and mother of his 14 children, died at Harby in Nottinghamshire. The places where her body rested during the journey south to its tomb in Westminster Abbey were marked by stone crosses. The stately triangular Geddington cross, with its canopied statues surmounted by a slender hexagonal...
Rockingham Castle
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Rockingham Castle
This remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, has been my family's home for 450 years.  Prior to the Watson's ownership the Castle was held by the crown.  There are very few other homes that have been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years and within that time been owned by just one family since being...
Harborough Museum
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Harborough Museum
Featuring the Hallaton Treasure, one of the most significant Iron Age finds in Britain, in the new Treasure Gallery. A two thousand year old dog that was sacrificed and buried to guard the Hallaton Treasure is now on display at Harborough Museum. Harborough Museum is open at the following times: Monday 10:30 am - 4:15pm ...
The Canal Museum
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The Canal Museum
Found in the heart of the beautiful village of Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal, The Canal Museum is a treasure trove of stories, films, collections and displays all about our waterways. The Canal Museum is housed in a historic corn mill, and provides a fascinating look at the history of Britain's canals. With a wide range of exhibits and a...
BUSHMEAD PRIORY
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BUSHMEAD PRIORY
Bushmead Priory is a rare survival of the complete refectory of an Augustinian priory, with a fine timber roof and notable 14th century wall paintings. ABOUT GIFTAID The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation of 10%. Provided you have paid enough UK Income or Capital Gains Tax * (to cover all of your Gift Aid donations in this...
Milton Keynes Museum
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Milton Keynes Museum
The Museum is located in the peaceful surroundings of Stacey Hill Farm. Stacey Hill Farm was built early in the Victorian era as a model farm. It was located on the the outskirts of Wolverton, one of the UK's original "railway towns". Today the buildings overlook the "new city" of Milton Keynes but when they were built...
Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre
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Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre
Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre aims to involve people in different aspects of Milton Keynes history, from the Roman and Medieval, to the new town which began in the 1960s. We hold events through the year, including exhibitions, workshops and guided walks, culminating in our exciting Medieval Family Fun Day in September. Our events are...
APETHORPE PALACE
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APETHORPE PALACE
Among England's greatest country houses, Apethorpe Palace holds a particularly important place in English history because of its ownership by,  and role in, entertaining Tudor and Stuart monarchs. Elizabeth I once owned the building, which she had inherited from  Henry VIII. For a period, Apethorpe was a royal palace lived in...
Bedford Museum
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Bedford Museum
With its emphasis clearly focused on the local community the Social History collections reflect both the home and working environments of the people of north Bedfordshire. The collections of some 20,000 items cover the wide range of domestic, corporate, military and agricultural life as well as local crafts and industries. The lives of earlier...
John Bunyan Museum
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John Bunyan Museum
The Bunyan Museum tells the story of this renowned author, pastor and preacher. Visitors to the museum are able to take a walk through Bunyan’s life and times. On entering the museum, visitors are greeted with a three-dimensional model of Bunyan towards the end of his life. Visitors are invited by Bunyan to...
KIRBY HALL
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KIRBY HALL
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. Although this vast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always at the forefront of new ideas about...
Bletchley Park - Milton Keynes
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Bletchley Park - Milton Keynes
Bletchley Park is an estate located in the town of Bletchley, in Buckinghamshire, England, which currently houses the National Museum of Computing. During World War II, Bletchley Park was the site of the United Kingdom's main decryption establishment, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), where ciphers and codes of several Axis...
Woburn Abbey and Gardens
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Woburn Abbey and Gardens
For an amazing family day out, go on a safari drive adventure in the heart of Bedfordshire! Come to Woburn Safari Park and meet the wildlife roaming in over 300 acres of beautiful parkland. Enjoy a full day of family fun for one low ticket price. Park for free in the leisure area and walk through our animal encounters, where you'll see...
Woburn Abbey and Gardens
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Woburn Abbey and Gardens
Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is still very much a family home. We hope you will be inspired to visit, perhaps to discover our historic Royal links, view the famous 'Armada Portrait' of Queen Elizabeth I or come and enjoy one of over 30 exciting events each year. Admission: From:...
HOUGHTON HOUSE
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HOUGHTON HOUSE
Houghton House today is the shell of a 17th-century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. It was built around 1615 for Mary, Dowager Countess of Pembroke, in a mixture of Jacobean and Classical styles: the ground floors of two...
WREST PARK
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WREST PARK
Explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park. From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks, Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Zip along to the children's play area, take tea in the café and explore the hidden treasures in...
De Grey Mausoleum, Flitton
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De Grey Mausoleum, Flitton
Among the largest sepulchral chapels attached to any English church, this cruciform mausoleum houses a remarkable sequence of 17 sculpted and effigied monuments, spanning nearly two and a half centuries (1614-1859), to the De Grey family of Wrest Park. Read more about the history of the mausoleum. Before You Go Opening Times: The mausoleum is...
Oakham Castle
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Oakham Castle
Only the great hall of the Norman castle is still standing, and is surrounded by steep earthworks marking the inner bailey. The hall dates from c. 1180—90 and according to Nikolaus Pevsner (in his "The Buildings of England: Leicestershire and Rutland" ) "It is the earliest hall of any English castle surviving so...
Rutland County Museum
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Rutland County Museum
Rutland County Museum and Visitor Centre is the perfect introduction to England’s smallest county. The museum displays tell the story of the county, and are complimented by exhibits of archaeology, history and rural life. The museum has a varied and exciting programme of Exhibitions and Events. Opening Times : Tue - Fri 10.00...
The Roman Sandy
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The Roman Sandy
 The Town Council Offices house a small collection of finds and pictures about Roman Sandy. These exhibits were mostly collected following archaeological digs in the town’s cemetery between 1988 and 1991. The collection includes coins, vessels, personal and household effects and stone sculpture. Members of the public are welcome to...
Sulgrave Manor - Banbury
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Sulgrave Manor - Banbury
The ancestral home of the Washingtons in Britain discover the history of George Washington and his family: We look forward to seeing you here and to introducing you to     The compact Manor House - not a demanding marathon down endless corridors but a gentle stroll through three centuries of English history in the company of a...
Banbury Museum - Oxford
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Banbury Museum - Oxford
Welcome to Banbury Museum. PLEASE NOTE - we're in the process of creating a brand new, much improved website for Banbury Museum which will be launched in the coming months. Please bear with us whilst we make these changes. Opening  hours Galleries, Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Tourist Information Centre and Shop, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday...
King Richard III Discovery Centre
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King Richard III Discovery Centre
Less than two years have passed since Leicester City Council purchased an old school building with the aim of creating a centre that would tell the story of the remarkable search for –and at that point unconfirmed  discovery of – King Richard lll. Admission: Adult (16+ Years) £8.95 Child (5 – 15 Years)...
Rutland Railway Museum
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Rutland Railway Museum
We are an open-air Museum based in the heart of the rural East Midlands where the now extinct industry of home iron ore production is preserved for visitors. The industrial revolution and the subsequent development of the British economy relied on the presence of a number of basic raw materials, notably coal and iron ore. The history...
JEWRY WALL
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JEWRY WALL
A length of Roman bath-house wall over 9 metres (30 feet) high, near a museum displaying the archaeology of Leicester and its region. Please note: Dogs on leads are welcome. Parking is available by the museum, within St Nicholas Circle. OPENING TIMES 30 APRIL 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018 Visits to the Wall can be made at any reasonable time...
Prebendal Manor House - Peterborough
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Prebendal Manor House - Peterborough
On our site you can discover the history of the manor and find out about prebends; you can learn about our recreated medieval gardens and see some photographs of both the manor and the gardens. You can also read the archeological research report.
National Space Centre - Leicester
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National Space Centre - Leicester
Great Day Out... With so Much More The award winning National Space Centre is the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre's futuristic Rocket Tower, you 'll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun. Human Spaceflight: Lunar Base 2025 is the new fantastic experience...
Lunt Roman Fort - Coventry
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Lunt Roman Fort - Coventry
Lunt Roman fort is in Baginton, near Coventry and is partial reconstruction of the fort that was established there in AD60 following the Boudiccan rebellion. In 1960 initial excavations uncovered the remains of the defensive ditches of the Roman fort which led to extensive excavations between 1965 and 1973. The goal was to completely uncover the...
KIRBY MUXLOE CASTLE
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KIRBY MUXLOE CASTLE
This picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings, who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483. Hastings’ descendants still believe they have a direct line to the throne of England. Explore the atmospheric moated remains, the fine gatehouse, and complete corner tower of this brick-built mansion, which have been...
Burghley House - Stamford
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Burghley House - Stamford
The Garden of Surprises is a fantastic addition to the gardens at Burghley . Hidden inside a Yew hedge is an experience that will delight the senses. Mirrors exaggerate, mazes confuse, squirts of water distract, the dank moss house captivates, transforming sculptures dazzle, the grotto entices and the longitude dial educates and astonishes!
Heritage Motor Centre
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Heritage Motor Centre
The Collections Centre is a 4500m2 building storing around 250 cars from the reserve collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust, allowing public access to these reserve collections for the first time. Entry is by guided tour and gives visitors a ‘behind the scenes’ experience, including...
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum - Coventry
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Herbert Art Gallery and Museum - Coventry
The Herbert, Coventry's award winning museum and art gallery, celebrates the city's culture, history and arts. A registered educational charity, situated at the heart of the city centre, the Herbert is also Coventry's creative media centre and history centre. It brings under one roof the unique heritage and creative aspiration of one of...
Coventry Cathedral
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Coventry Cathedral
We open our doors to visitors daily all year round and you are, of course, most welcome to join us for worship any day of the week. Coventry Cathedral charges for admission to the ‘New’ Cathedral. Charges do not apply if your main purpose in coming to the Cathedral is to pray. Charges are £6.00 per adult, with concessions...
Coventry Transport Museum
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Coventry Transport Museum
Whether it’s inspiration, thrills or nostalgia you’re looking for Coventry Transport Museum has it all. From bone rattling cycles to mind blowing speed records, it takes you through the history of road transport and the people who made it happen. All ages will be fascinated by this nationally important Museum.
Railworld - Peterborough
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Railworld - Peterborough
"In the heart of Peterborough, Railworld is a fun and informative visitor attraction for the whole family."  Our theme of sustainable transport spells out the need to cut global emissions of CO2 and how this is being achieved today. See how much progress has been made in the field of transport since the age of steam. Learn how...
Longthorpe Tower
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Longthorpe Tower
Longthorpe displays one of the most complete and important sets of 14th-century domestic wall paintings in northern Europe. This varied 'spiritual encyclopedia' of worldly and religious subjects includes the Wheel of Life, the Nativiy and King David.
Quainton Windmill
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Quainton Windmill
Quainton Windmill is a great place for kids to learn about the history of windmills and this one in particular. It was originally restored in the 1970s but is currently undergoing further restoration at the moment, (which means the sails have been removed) but it is still an interesting place to visit. There are six floors to explore, each with...
Raptor Foundation
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Raptor Foundation
We are a team providing a rescue service, 24 hour care and rehabilitation facilities for injured raptors. We provide a permanent, caring environment for raptors unable to return to the wild. We are committed to increasing rare species, and sharing knowledge and information on the medical treatment and rehabilitation of raptors. Emergencies are...
Wardown Park Museum
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Wardown Park Museum
Discover displays, objects and old photographs about the history of Luton and its people as well as activities, events and exhibitions for all ages and interest.     Free entry*     A good display of Luton history     A history of the development of Luton industries     Ever changing...
Kenilworth Castle
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Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle is great because you can: Experience one of the grandest ruined castles in the kingdom See the scene of sieges, murders and royal romance! Learn its history through the audio tour and interactive exhibition Come to an exciting programme of events bringing history to life Enjoy great local walks in beautiful countryside Welcome...
Melton Carnegie Museum
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Melton Carnegie Museum
Melton Carnegie Museum re-opened fully on Saturday 13th November 2010 following a major building project which has created a new state-of-the-art gallery, study area and community space for museum activities, schools, volunteers and community groups. The museum, which has now doubled in size, features displays on local history, trades, foxhunting...
Warwick Castle
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Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is over a thousand years old and has been well maintained with magnificent towers and ramparts. The splendid grounds are an ideal venue for a picnic. There are many attractions at Warwick Castle from dungeons to the Great Hall, State Rooms and the Royal Weekend Party of 1898. Visitors can climb some of the towers and visit the well...
Bosworth Battlefield and Country Park - Nuneaton
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Bosworth Battlefield and Country Park - Nuneaton
Visit the location of the Battle of Bosworth. Re-live this famous turning point in British history - the death of a King and the birth of the all powerful Tudor dynasty! In Leicestershire on an August morning just over five centuries ago the armies of Richard III and Henry Tudor faced each other on Ambion Hill. The battle that followed -...
Broughton Castle
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Broughton Castle
“About the most beautiful castle in all England ... for sheer loveliness of the combination of water, woods and picturesque buildings.” A generous tribute from historian Sir Charles Oman in 1898, and one continued by the noted diarist James Lees-Milne in a 1989 entry"It is still the most romantic house imaginable. English to...
Buckinghamshire County Museum - Aylesbury
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Buckinghamshire County Museum - Aylesbury
The County Museum was founded by the Bucks Archaeological Society in the mid 19thc and was operated by the County Council from 1957. In 2014 we started a new existence as the Bucks County Museum Trust which receives regular revenue support from the County Council and Milton Keynes City Council and is governed by an independent  Board of...
Stockwood Discovery Centre
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Stockwood Discovery Centre
The Centre is designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind. It tells the stories of real people behind the collections, exploring the history of the region from prehistoric times to the evolution of Stockwood House and the Farley estate. The display collections include: ...
Waddesdon Manor - Aylesbury
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Waddesdon Manor - Aylesbury
This Renaissance-style château was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. The 45 rooms on view combine the highest quality French furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century with superb English portraits and Dutch Old Masters. The...
Charnwood Museum - Loughborough
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Charnwood Museum - Loughborough
Charnwood Museum features a wide range of exhibits reflecting the history, geology, archaeology and industries of Charnwood and the surrounding area. Permanent displays include ‘Coming to Charnwood’, ‘The Natural World of Charnwood’, ‘Living off the Land’ and ‘Earning a Living’. Each contains...
Snibston
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Snibston
Take a fascinating journey around Snibston where you can discover 500 years of technological innovation and its impact on our everyday lives. From the earliest mining tools, proto-type jet engine to the largest fashion display outside London, there is plenty to explore at this must see museum! As the region's largest interactive museum, Snibston...
Boarstall Tower
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Boarstall Tower
This gatehouse was built by John de Haudlo in 1312 and is the remnants of Boarstall House, a fortified manor house demolished in 1778. Although it was renovated in 1615 for use as a banqueting pavilion and hunting lodge, it retained its mediaeval belfry, cross loops and crenellations. The exterior and many rooms are essentially unchanged. ...
Donington le Heath Manor House
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Donington le Heath Manor House
The museum is based in a Medieval Manor House dating back to 1280. The house has a fascinating history and is now restored with fine oak furnishings. Visitors to the house can now see restored rooms and displays on medieval life as well as a series of temporary exhibitions on a wide range of subjects. The house is set in recently recreated 17th...
National Motorcycle Museum - Solihull
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National Motorcycle Museum - Solihull
It is a place where ‘Legends Live On’ and it is a tribute to and a living record of this once great British industry that dominated world markets for some sixty years. It is a place where an older generation can once again view with nostalgia the machines they rode in days gone by, and younger generations can study the development of...
Grimsthorpe Castle Park and Gardens
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Grimsthorpe Castle Park and Gardens
Grimsthorpe is a historic house, park and garden in Lincolnshire, open in the summer for adults and children to enjoy the countryside, nature and history.
RSC Theatre Tours
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RSC Theatre Tours
Following a massive £112m transformation, Stratford-upon-Avon's main theatre reopened its doors in November 2010 to great acclaim. A Grade II listed building, it retains many of the art deco features of the original building, which dates from 1932, with the addition of some modern contemporary twists. The main 1040-seater auditorium has an...
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
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Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites, and promotes the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare's works, life and times all over the world. Together, Shakespeare's five family homes in Stratford upon Avon form an iconic destination in the UK which has...
Stratford Armouries
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Stratford Armouries
Stratford Armouries is a truly unique museum located amidst 70 acres of Warwickshire countryside. We are only three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre - close to Mary Aden's Farm in Wilmcote. Our speciality is arms and armour and we literally have thousands of artefacts ranging from The English Civil War and The War of The Roses to World...
The National Trust - Baddesley Clinton
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The National Trust - Baddesley Clinton
‘A place to come back to,’ The National Trust’s Baddesley Clinton is now open all year. Explore the magic of the moated Tudor house. Enjoy the freedom of the surrounding countryside, drop in for tea and watch the changing seasons. There are so many reasons to visit; enjoy the fresh air on the estate walks, treat yourself to lunch or afternoon...
The Oxfordshire Museum - Woodstock
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The Oxfordshire Museum - Woodstock
Set in the historic town of Woodstock, the Oxfordshire Museum tells the story of Oxfordshire through 11 galleries and many exhibitions featuring history, popular culture, contemporary arts and crafts throughout the year. Admission is free. Opening hours Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 2pm - 5pm Last admission 4.45pm...
Blenheim Palace- Pleasure Gardens and Train - Woodstock
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Blenheim Palace- Pleasure Gardens and Train - Woodstock
Home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Visit...
Royston Cave
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Royston Cave
Royston Cave is unique in Europe. Believed to date from the 14th Century, it is a man-made cavern in the shape of a beehive, with a small aperture at the top for ventilation. It's most remarkable feature is an extensive range of wall carvings representing the Crucifixion, the Holy Family and several saints, among them St Katherine, St...
Berkhamsted Castle
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Berkhamsted Castle
Opening Times 29 April 2017 - 24 March 2018 Open summer, daily 10:00 - 18:00, winter 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals in the Northamptonshire area, if your looking  for a great day out at lush tree and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. These historic buildings also are steeped in rich history and visits to these buildings are extremely educational and informative.
If you cannot find what historical place you like by county level here, please use the search box for more detailed searches choosing 'historical'.