Heritage & Historical West Midlands

Soho House Museum - Handsworth
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Soho House Museum - Handsworth
Soho House was once a regular meeting place for some of the greatest minds of the 18th century. It was in the dining room of this elegant house that Matthew Boulton, one of the country's first industrialists, entertained the leading scientists and inventors of the industrial age. Boulton’s guests included James Watt, Erasmus...
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
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The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) first opened in 1885. It is housed in a Grade II* listed city centre landmark building. There are over 40 galleries to explore that display art, applied art, social history, archaeology and ethnography. Admission:2015 Prices: Charges apply to the tour of the Smith and Pepper factory and the galleries. The...
J. W. EVANS SILVER FACTORY
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J. W. EVANS SILVER FACTORY
English Heritage stepped in to rescue J. W. Evans Silver Factory in 2008. With the completion of the repairs programme, the site opened to the public in summer 2011. Established in 1881, J. W. Evans is one of the most complete surviving historic factories in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. To walk into the factory today is to enter a lost...
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
It is 120 years since Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery first opened its doors beneath the clock tower on Chamberlain Square. Since those days BM&AG has gone from strength to strength and is now home to artworks and artefacts that are the envy of the world. More than half a million objects fill the cabinets and walls of ...
Winterbourne House and Garden - Birmingham
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Winterbourne House and Garden - Birmingham
Restored to its Edwardian Arts and Craft splendour, Winterbourne House is a unique heritage attraction – set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Only minutes from Birmingham city centre, Winterbourne is a hidden gem – home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Wander along the...
Selly Manor Museum -Bourneville
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Selly Manor Museum -Bourneville
A museum steeped in history, in one of Birmingham's oldest buildings. One of Birmingham’s oldest buildings, SELLY MANOR dates back to the 1300s. By the turn of the 20th Century, it had been divided into three separate homes, and fallen into disrepair. In 1907, busy establishing his vision of a Bournville village, local chocolate maker and...
HALESOWEN ABBEY
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HALESOWEN ABBEY
Remains of an abbey founded by King John in the 13th century. With thanks to the Halesowen Abbey Trust. BEFORE YOU GO Please Be Aware: The land immediately around the site of the abbey is privately owned and no access is permitted. The ruins can be viewed from a nearby footpath. How to Find It: From the A456 the footpath can be found 150...
Dudley Zoo & Castle
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Dudley Zoo & Castle
Have a great day out at Dudley Zoo with some of the rarest and most exotic creaures from all over the world, They have togers, lemurs( funny furry animals) lions and penguins to name but a few. They have lots of other stuff going on as well please check their events calendar. As a Charity we rely upon donations from our visitors to support our...
Dudley Canal Trust and Trips
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Dudley Canal Trust and Trips
See the network of underground canal routes that helped form the Industrial Black Country and marvel at the fantastic Limestone Caverns carved by man in his search for raw materials with which to make iron, the foundation of the 19th Century Black Country. Learn about the history and formation of Limestone and the fossilization of small creatures...
The National Trust - Packwood House
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The National Trust - Packwood House
Packwood House is a wonderful country retreat, ‘a house to dream of, a garden to dream in’. Visit The National Trust’s Packwood House and discover how Baron Ash breathed new life in to the house; relax amongst the flowers, explore the gardens, adventure in the woods and venture across the parkland. The house was lovingly restored at the...
Little Steps Gym Walsall
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Little Steps Gym Walsall
All the Little Steps Gym classes have a set format and the class theme changes every week. Themes can be anything from a space adventure to a walk in the park. We aim to encourage children to join into the activity by making every class lots of fun. Every week we cover many different skills including co-ordination and balance. Every class includes...
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...
Himley Hall and Park
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Himley Hall and Park
Himley Park is now a premier events venue playing host to a variety of outdoor events from garden plant fairs and classic vehicle shows to the breathtaking Himley Fireworks display. Admission: Free to visit. Pay and display in operation for parking. There is a charge for some of the events.    Opening Times: Himley...
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...
Tamworth Castle
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Tamworth Castle
Tamworth Castle is the number one heritage attraction located in the town centre of Tamworth.  6 weathly and influencial families have owned the castle over the centuries. The medieval motte and bailey castle has welcomed a number of royal visitors including King Henry II , King James I and his son Prince Charles .The ancient sand stone...
Erasmus Darwin House
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Erasmus Darwin House
Admission: £3 adult, £2 conc, £1 child, £6 family.    Opening Times:  11am to 4pm or 5pm seasonally. November through March Thursday through Sunday only 11am to 4pm. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Lichfield Heritage Centre
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Lichfield Heritage Centre
In the Market Square at the very heart of the city of Lichfield is St Mary`s Church, now also the home of the Lichfield Heritage Centre. This church is in fact the fifth one on this site since the first one in 1260, with the present building dating from 1868. With the gradual decline of the city centre population from the 1930`s onwards, this...
WHITE LADIES PRIORY
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WHITE LADIES PRIORY
Ruins of the late 12th century church of a small nunnery of 'white ladies' or Augustinian canonesses. The priory enjoyed a moment of high drama in 1651 when it briefly became the hiding place of Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Disguised as a woodsman with his face covered in soot, he soon moved to nearby Boscobel...
Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
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Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
In 1967 Avoncroft Museum was opened to the public following the rescue and reconstruction of a Medieval Merchant’s House from Bromsgrove. Avoncroft’s priority is to retain historic buildings in their original location. Over five decades, Avoncroft Museum has continued to rescue structures where this had not been achievable. The...
Hartlebury Castle and Museum
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Hartlebury Castle and Museum
Hartlebury Castle and Museum The County Museum at Hartlebury, housed in the former home of the Bishops of Worcester, is a fascinating place to explore. In the museum galleries you can discover social history, toys through time, travel and transport and the intriguing story of Worcestershire's past. Visitors can also see room sets such as the...
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...
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.
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...
BOSCOBEL HOUSE AND THE ROYAL OAK
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BOSCOBEL HOUSE AND THE ROYAL OAK
GUIDEBOOK: BOSCOBEL HOUSE Price: £3.50
Bewdley Museum
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Bewdley Museum
Set in a historic Butchers Shambles, fascinating displays give an insight into the trades and crafts of the Wyre Forest area. With hands-on activities and regular craft demonstrations there's plenty to see and do for the whole family, including the brass foundry, jails, resident crafts people, air raid shelter tours, varied exhibitions...
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...
The National Trust - Coughton Court
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The National Trust - Coughton Court
Coughton Court, an imposing Tudor house set in beautiful gardens with a collection of Catholic treasures; with plenty to see and do, this is an excellent place to visit for all ages and interests. Home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years, Coughton Court stands testament to a family’s courage in maintaining their beliefs. From a...
Roman Alcester Heritage Centre
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Roman Alcester Heritage Centre
Roman Alcester is the exciting  exhibition interpreting and displaying objects from Alcester's Roman past. Alcester is one of the most investigated Roman small towns in the country, with over 100 archaeological digs in the last 80 years. Admission:2015 Prices: Free to visit.   Opening Times: 2015 Opening Details: Thursday and...
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 -...
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...
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...
Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
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Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
Set in scenic Shropshire, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has one of the largest aviation collections in the UK, with 70 historic aircraft displayed in three wartime hangars and within the new National Cold War Exhibition. This landmark building covers over 8,000sqm, visitors will be able to see Britain’s V Bombers the Vulcan, Victor and...
Stafford Castle
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Stafford Castle
This prominent vantage point and strategic site was quickly recognised by the Normans, who built a huge timber fortress here by 1100 AD. In the years shortly after the Norman invasion of 1066, William the Conqueror is believed to have ordered defences to be built against a still hostile and rebellious native community. The fortunes of the castle...
WITLEY COURT AND GARDENS
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WITLEY COURT AND GARDENS
Explore the dramatic ruins of Witley Court and travel back to a world of lavish house parties. Learn the stories behind the people who once lived and partied here, from servants to royal visitors. Discover elaborate parterre gardens and monumental fountains then find your way through enchanting woodland to the unique adventure play area. Witley...
Worcester City Museum
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Worcester City Museum
Welcome to the City Art Gallery & Museum, Worcester's principal art gallery and museum hosts a unique programme of contemporary art exhibitions, as well as housing a historic picture collection and an intriguing selection of objects ranging from a 19th century chemist's shop to the wonderful Worcester sauce machine.
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
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Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
The Trust is embarking on an exciting new venture "Ratty Tails", with the launch of a children's book whose story features Claymills Pumping Station. For several years now, the rats of Claymills Victorian Pumping Station have led young people on an exciting trail around the site. So, when someone said, "Why don't we write...
The Commandery - Sidbury
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The Commandery - Sidbury
A glorious Grade 1 listed site dating back to the 12th century, The Commandery has had a long and varied history that is reflected in its range of architectural styles from medieval to Victorian. The Commandery has exciting stories to tell you about power, greed, war, wealth, romance, death, society and industry. Step back in time to catch a...
Ashby-de-la-zouch Castle
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Ashby-de-la-zouch Castle
 A visit to Ashby Castle makes a great family day out in Leicestershire. The property began as a manor house in the 12th century and reached castle status in the 15th century. Come and find out about the castle’s colourful history with our lively audio tour. Hear how Edward IV’s Chamberlain Lord Hastings added the chapel and the...
Ashby de la Zouch Museum
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Ashby de la Zouch Museum
Local history museum with special events for families and children. Open all the year round with interesting exhibitions, models and children's activity sheets. Specially designed hands-on activities for pre-booked school groups and other organised children's groups. The Museum closes for Christmas on Saturday 22nd December and reopens Monday 7th...
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...
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
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Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Once described as "the most extraordinary district in the world", the Ironbridge Gorge is still a remarkable, and beautiful, place to visit today. A huge amount of early industry survives as furnaces, factories, workshops, canals and the settlements of Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge, Jackfield and Coalport.
Enginuity - Ironbridge
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Enginuity - Ironbridge
Enginuity is one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at this science and technology centre packed with hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. Switch on your imagination in our interactive Design & Technology Centre and discover how good ideas are turned into great products.   Find out how a...
IRON BRIDGE
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IRON BRIDGE
The world's first iron bridge was erected over the River Severn here in Shropshire in 1779. This pioneering single-span cast-iron structure was a turning point in British design and engineering; after it was built, cast iron came to be widely used in bridges, aqueducts and buildings. Now Britain's best-known industrial monument, the bridge gave...
BUILDWAS ABBEY
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BUILDWAS ABBEY
Impressive ruins of a Cistercian abbey, including its unusually unaltered 12th century church and beautiful vaulted chapter house with tiled-floored chapter house. Situated in a wooded Severn-side setting, not far from the Iron Bridge and Wenlock Priory. DON'T MISS The chapter house with its amazingly intact tiled floor and decorative...
Shropshire Raft Tours
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Shropshire Raft Tours
Shropshire Raft Tours welcomes you to our canoe/kayak hire, mini raft hire and mega stand up paddle board hire along the beautiful River Severn located in Coalport, Shropshire. Your 7 mile trip starts in Coalport. We provide all the equipment including a free minibus shuttle. We allow up to 4 hours to paddle the route which gives you time to...
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...
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...
LILLESHALL ABBEY
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LILLESHALL ABBEY
Founded in about 1148, this Augustinian abbey became a private residence after the Reformation, and was severely damanged during the Civil War during a Parliamentarian siege. Despite that, much of the church survives, and is viewable from gallery level. There is also a lavishly sculpted processional door and other cloister buildings. BEFORE...
WENLOCK PRIORY
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WENLOCK PRIORY
The tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory stand in a picturesque setting on the fringe of beautiful Much Wenlock. An Anglo-Saxon monastery was founded here in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia, whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously re-discovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrims and prosperity to the...
CROXDEN ABBEY
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CROXDEN ABBEY
OPENING TIMES 1 APRIL - 31 OCTOBER 2017 Monday 10:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 10:00 - 17:00 Friday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES FOR THIS PERIOD Good Friday 14 Apr 2017 10:00 - 17:00 Easter Sunday 16 Apr 2017 10:00 - 17:00 Easter Monday 17 Apr...
Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood
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Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood
Two totally different experiences sitting side by side. The country home of the Lords Vernon, a delight of 17th-century craftsmanship, featuring exquisite plasterwork, wood carvings and classical story-based murals. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Great Staircase and Long Gallery. The Museum of Childhood is a delight for all ages with something...
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...
WROXETER ROMAN CITY
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WROXETER ROMAN CITY
Discover urban-living 2,000 years ago at Viriconium (Wroxeter) - once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. Wander the remains of the bathhouse and explore a reconstructed town house from a city which was almost as large as Pompeii. Discover the daily lives of the people who lived here with the audio tour and through their objects - found here...
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
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Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Kiftsgate Court Gardens was created in the 1920s and is a beautiful place to take the family with a lot of plants to see and enjoy. Perfect for garden lovers with lots of space for the kids to run around. Perched on a cliffside at the edge of the Cotswalds, it has a large variety of roses, trees and other plants to look at. Please be aware that...
LEIGH COURT BARN
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LEIGH COURT BARN
Leigh Court Barn is an outstanding example of English medieval carpentry, and the largest cruck framed structure in Britain. Built for Pershore Abbey in about 1325, it is over 42 metres long with 18 cruck blades - each made from a single oak tree. BEFORE YOU GO Opening Times: the barn is open daily, 10am-6pm from April to October, and...
Teddy Bears of Bromyard
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Teddy Bears of Bromyard
Upstairs is the shop with a Victorian frontage and some great toys for sale and downstairs is their delightful museum. There is both a dolls and a teddy bear hospital together with hundreds exhibits .
Time Machine Museum
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Time Machine Museum
Welcome to the finest collection of Television Science Fiction props and costumes in the GALAXY !! A visit to this permanent Museum really is a MUST for fans of Television Science Fiction with items from lots of different shows all under one roof, with ONE admission charge to see them all! Get up close to lots of actual screen used props and...
EDVIN LOACH OLD CHURCH
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EDVIN LOACH OLD CHURCH
The ruins of a church built within the earthworks of a Norman motte and bailey castle. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Parking is available in the small area used by the parish church. Groups and Schools: The site is approached via a narrow lane which is unsuitable for coaches. Facilities: Edvin Loach is isolated with no nearby...
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...
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)...
The Donnington Grand Prix & Military Collection
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The Donnington Grand Prix & Military Collection
THE DONINGTON GRAND PRIX COLLECTION IS, QUITE SIMPLY, THE LARGEST SHOWCASE OF GRAND PRIX RACING CARS IN THE WORLD NOW ALSO INCORPORATING THE WHEATCROFT MILITARY COLLECTION IN THE FIRST TWO HALLS. Four halls, with over 130 exhibits, illustrate the history of motorsport from the turn of the 20th Century, where visitors can get close to the cars...
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...
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...
Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals in the West Midlands 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'.