Heritage & Historical Wiltshire

Bowood House & Gardens - Calne
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Bowood House & Gardens - Calne
Concealed within the hundred acres of pleasure gardens surrounding the house, is one of the most exciting and now famous adventure playground in the south west of England. Designed by the present Marquis, it was first opening in 1976 and is constructed using Bowood timber.  Children of twelve and under can spend the whole day at Bowood...
Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre
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Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre
Our museum and heritage centre tells the story of the people and history of Chippenham and the surrounding villages from prehistoric times up until the present day. As well as being able to explore the collections on display you are welcome to use our research room, using the collection for work, school or to explore the past (please call in...
Avebury Stone Circle - Marlborough
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Avebury Stone Circle - Marlborough
In the 1930s, the pretty village of Avebury, partially encompassed by the stone circle of this World Heritage site, was witness to the excavations of archaeologist Alexander Keiller. In re-erecting many of the stones, Keiller uncovered the true wonder of one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe. The fascinating finds from his...
Silbury Hill - Marlborough
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Silbury Hill - Marlborough
The largest man-made mound in Europe, mysterious Silbury Hill compares in height and volume to the roughly contemporary Egyptian pyramids. Probably completed in around 2400 BC, it apparently contains no burial. Though clearly important in itself, its purpose and significance remain unknown. There is no access to the hill itself. ...
ALEXANDER KEILLER MUSEUM, AVEBURY
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ALEXANDER KEILLER MUSEUM, AVEBURY
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 tax year), English Heritage is able to reclaim tax on the whole amount you have paid - that's 25p on every £1. This extra money enables us to undertake...
Bratton Camp and White Horse
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Bratton Camp and White Horse
The original Iron Age hillfort defences were built at Bratton Camp over 2000 years ago. These earthworks protected a settlement containing round houses, granaries, stores and workshops.  The design and construction showed the effectiveness of the hillfort to its enemies. The site was excavated in the 18th century. However, three thousand...
Crofton Beam Engines
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Crofton Beam Engines
Come and visit the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing the job they were built to do!  The engines and café are open every day from 22 March to 5 October, 2014, with a number of special steaming weekends. There are two beam engines, one of which is an original 200-year-old Boulton & Watt. Both are fed by a...
Wilton Windmill
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Wilton Windmill
Wilton Windmill is a working 19th century mill that still produces wholemeal stone ground flour. The mill is located on the top of a chalk hill in the open countryside so it really stands out in the landscape. The level grassy site is open all the time, so it is a great place to go for a picnic with the family on a sunny day and enjoy the...
Chisbury Chapel
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Chisbury Chapel
This fine 13th century chapel was originally constructed by the lord of Chisbury Manor to assert his high social status.  It allowed the household of the manor, as well as local people, to attend services and pay their taxes without having to travel to the parish church at Great Bedwyn. The building ceased to be used as a consecrated chapel...
Fox Talbot Museum - Chippenham
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Fox Talbot Museum - Chippenham
Lacock Abbey was founded as a nunnery in 1232. After the Dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII the Abbey was closed and in 1539 sold to landowner William Sharington who converted the Abbey into a family home. Although he destroyed the church and added an octagonal tower and courtyard, he did retain the monastic cloisters which were used as...
Stonehenge - Salisbury
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Stonehenge - Salisbury
Stonehenge is surely Britain's greatest national icon, symbolizing mystery, power and endurance. Its original purpose is unclear to us, but some have speculated that it was a temple made for the worship of ancient earth deities. It has been called an astronomical observatory for marking significant events on the prehistoric calendar. Others claim...
Netheravon Dovecote
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Netheravon Dovecote
Netheravon Dovecote is a charming yet practical building, and an excellent example of an early 18th century dovecote. It still retains most of its original 700 chalk nesting boxes. Read more about the history of the dovecote. Before You Go Parking: Visitors should park in the Netheravon Church car park. How to Find it: From the church car...
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park - Warminster
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Longleat Safari & Adventure Park - Warminster
Set within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland, Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. It was the present Marquess of Bath’s father, the 6th Marquess, who first perceived that a house of this...
Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn
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Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn
A spectacular 14th century monastic stone barn, 51 metres long, with an amazing timber cruck roof. Read more about the history of the barn. Before You Go Opening Times: Open daily from 10.30am-4pm. The barn may occasionally be closed for local events - please check with Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust before you visit. Parking: There is...
The American Museum in Britain - Bath
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The American Museum in Britain - Bath
Discover the American way of life from colonial times, the joys and hardships of American children. Set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland. Regular events, Gift shop, tearoom, picnic area. Educational programme for schools. Tuesday to  Sunday, 12noon – 5pm ...
Farleigh Hungerford Castle
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Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Farleigh Hungerford Castle is a partially ruined fortified mansion and gardens that was occupied for 300 years by the Hungerford family and today their intriguing, yet sometimes gruesome stories are told through graphic interpretation panels and a free audio tour. It's worth noting in advance and mentioning to the kids that the old spiral stairs...
Lydiard Park - Swindon
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Lydiard Park - Swindon
Lydiard Park is a beautiful historic parkland on the western edge of Swindon. The Palladian house, walled garden, parkland and children's play area offer something for everyone, all year round. With a programme of special events and the changing nature of the seasons, there's always something new to enjoy on a visit here.
Ludgershall Castle and Cross
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Ludgershall Castle and Cross
Probably begun in the late 11th century by a sheriff of Wiltshire, Ludgershall was much improved in the 13th century by King John and his son Henry III, who used the castle as a hunting lodge. Three large walls and extensive earthworks survive, while in the centre of the nearby village are the remains of a 14th century cross. Read more about the...
Walled Garden at Mells
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Walled Garden at Mells
Walled Garden at Mells is set in the historic Somerset village of Mells, a short distance from Bath and the pretty market town of Frome. The Walled Garden offers its visitors the opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy the beautiful surroundings such as the honey coloured 17th Century walls and the view over the ancient church meadows. It's a...
Nunney Castle
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Nunney Castle
Nunney Castle is a striking and picturesque moated castle, wich was built in the 1370s. Bring your little knights and princesses here to explore the still numerous walls and features of the castle, plus take some great photos and have a run around or a picnic in the grounds. Lovely! Kids will love it, because it has all the key qualities of what...
Bath Postal Museum
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Bath Postal Museum
From clay mail to email Bath Postal Museum tells the history of writing from its earliest incarnation. With something for everyone from colourful and frequently changing exhibitions to dressing up and arts and crafts activities. We all love a good story and Bath Postal Museum is full of them. Monday to Saturday 11.00am - 5.00pm (Summer)  ...
Bath Abbey Vaults Museum
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Bath Abbey Vaults Museum
Pilgrims and visitors have been made welcome at Bath Abbey for hundreds of years. As one of the most visited places in the South West, we welcome over 350,000 people through our doors each year, but are fully aware that every visitor comes with their own expectations, beliefs and purpose. Summer Opening Times: 01 April to 31 October ...
Roman Baths and Museum - Bath
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Roman Baths and Museum - Bath
Walk where Romans walked on 2000 year-old pavements beside the steaming pool. Opening Hours January - February 09:30 - 16:30, exit 17:30 March - June 09:00 - 17:00, exit 18:00 July - August 09:00 - 21:00, exit 22:00 ...
The Holburne Museum Of Art - Bath
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The Holburne Museum Of Art - Bath
One of the country's great small museums, the Holburne houses a wondefully rich collection of fine and decorative art including paintings by Breughel, Gainsborough, Stubbs & Turner, astonishing silver, beautiful porcelain and Renaissance bronzes. The Holburne runs a programme of art for all ages with events, lectures, workshops &...
The Hawk Conservancy - Andover
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The Hawk Conservancy - Andover
We are a conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey. Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 150 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller's...
Fashion Museum - Bath
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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...
The Jane Austen Centre - Bath
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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...
Bridgerton Filming Locations Tour of Bath
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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...
Old Sarum - Salisbury
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Old Sarum - Salisbury
The great earthwork of Old Sarum stands near Salisbury on the edge of Wiltshire’s chalk plains. Its mighty ramparts were raised in about 500 BC by Iron Age peoples, and later occupied by the Romans, the Saxons and, most importantly, the Normans. William the Conqueror paid off his army here in 1070, and in 1086 summoned all the great...
Dyrham Park
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Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park has plenty for a family to see and do. The mansion is stunning and full of collections of paintings, ceramics and decorative art such as taspestries. Your young explorers have the Old Lodge picnic and play area to run free in, plus nature trails to take part in. This area also has a straw maze, an allotment plus rustic play equipment...
Mompesson House - Salisbury
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Mompesson House - Salisbury
Elegant and spacious 18th-century house in the Cathedral Close. The house, featured in the award-winning film 'Sense and Sensibility', has magnificent plasterwork, period furniture and a fine oak staircase. Children's trail and activities. Outside, the delightful walled garden has a pergola and traditional herbaceous borders arranged around a...
Salisbury Cathedral
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Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral has 750 years of history to discover, including Europe’s oldest working clock, Britain’s tallest spire and the world’s best preserved Magna Carta in this amazing Gothic Cathedral. You will have plenty to explore in the unique atmosphere of this ancient place of worship, with beautifully carved tombs and...
Old Wardour Castle
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Old Wardour Castle
Set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury was once one of the most daring and innovative homes in Britain. It was built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for comfortable living and lavish entertainment. Today the castle ruin provides a relaxed, romantic day out for...
Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument
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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,...
Museum of Army Flying - Stockbridge
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Museum of Army Flying - Stockbridge
The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of aviation history one of both international and national importance. Come and see over 35 historic fixed and rotary wing aircraft on display which along with detailed dioramas, artifacts, trophies and models serve as a profound and inspiring tribute to men and their...
Stanton Drew Circles and Cove
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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...
Corinium Museum - Cirencester
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Corinium Museum - Cirencester
Step through a triumphal arch to arrive in Corinium; second largest city in Roman Britain, population c. 15, 000. Experience life as a Roman. Marvel at the stunning mosaics.  Dress as a Roman soldier. Explore their engineering and artistry. Admission Charges Adults £4.80 Senior Citizens (age...
Whitchurch Silk Mill
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Whitchurch Silk Mill
Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest silk mill in the UK still in its original building. A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery. Interactive exhibits and hands on opportunities. Admission: Adults £4.50 Senior citizens...
Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland
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Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland
This unique unusual 100ft tower is Faringdon’s icon and the last major folly to be built in England Hailed as 'Britain's finest 20th century Folly Tower' and 'One of the most important follies in Britain' It sits on Folly Hill, within a charming 4 acre, circular woodland of splendid Scots Pine and broadleaf trees, some more than 200 years...
Uffington Castle - White Horse and Dragon Hill
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Uffington Castle - White Horse and Dragon Hill
These three prehistoric sites lie beside the Ridgeway, the ancient route that ran from Dorset to the Wash and still crosses the chalk ridges of the Berkshire Downs. Uffington ‘Castle’, which occupies the summit of Whitehorse Hill, is a rare and outstanding example of a large Iron Age hillfort. The famous White Horse is the oldest...
Donnington Castle
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Donnington Castle
The striking twin-towered gatehouse of 14th century Donnington Castle, near Newbury, survives within impressive earthworks. It shows the luxury enjoyed by Sir Richard Abberbury, Donnington's builder, whose private quarters lay within it. Both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are thought to have stayed here. The large defences built to protect the...
Kumon Maths and English - Bristol
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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.
Highclere Castle
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Highclere Castle
Towering pinnacled mansion with extravagant exterior remodelled around a previous house by Sir Charles Barry in the 1830's. Impressive and Solid  Victorian interiors with portraits including Van Dyck around the tall gothic great hall. Napoleon's desk and chair from St Helena, as well as Egyptian memorabilia of the Earl of Carnarvon who...
Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse
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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...
Brunel's SS Great Britain - Bristol
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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,...
British Empire & Commonwealth Museum - Bristol
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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...
Temple Church
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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...
Explore-At-Bristol
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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. ...
Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump)
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Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump)
Uley Long Barrow is a partially reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound. It is 37 metres long and overlooks the Severn Valley. It's known locally as Hetty Pegler's Tump, after Hester Pegler who owned the land in the 17th century. The barrow as seen today is largely the result of the excavation and reconstruction undertaken by Dr John Thurnham in...
Mottisfont Abbey and Garden - Romsey
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Mottisfont Abbey and Garden - Romsey
At the heart of this tranquil rural estate is Mottisfont, set in glorious grounds alongside the fast-flowing River Test. There are many layers of history for the visitor to explore, including the Gothic remains of the original 13th-century Augustinian priory. In the mid-20th century the final private owner, society hostess and patron of...
The Clifton Observatory - Bristol
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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...
Haynes International Motor Museum - Yeovil
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Haynes International Motor Museum - Yeovil
The UK's largest exhibition of the greatest cars from around the world with over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars like the Jaguar XJ220. Opening Times 2nd March to 31st October Monday - Sunday 9:30am - 5:30pm (6:00pm in summer school holidays) 1st...
Westbury College Gatehouse - Bristol
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Westbury College Gatehouse - Bristol
15th-century gatehouse to the 13th-century College of Priests – where the 14th-century theological reformer John Wyclif lived.
Wells Cathedral
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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...
The Bishops Palace
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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...
Blaise Castle House Museum - Bristol
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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...
FLOWERDOWN BARROWS
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FLOWERDOWN BARROWS
The Flowerdown Barrows are three well-preserved Bronze Age burial mounds on the edge of the village of Littleton. Constructed 4,000 years ago, they were once part of a much larger 'barrow cemetery'. There are two bowl barrows, and the largest and finest disc barrow in Hampshire. Read more about the history of Flowerdown Barrows. BEFORE...
Winchester Museums
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Winchester Museums
Winchester Museums Service is part of Winchester City Council's Cultural Services Division, running four sites in the city and providing a wide range of associated services
Winchester Castle and Great Hall
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Winchester Castle and Great Hall
Winchester Castle and Great Hall gives you and the kids a chance to visit one of the finest remaining medieval halls, which contains a replica of King Arthur’s Round Table. The hall is all that is left of Winchester Castle, which was built in 1067! It is a vast stone building with lots of interesting features to check out including...
FIDDLEFORD MANOR
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FIDDLEFORD MANOR
The principal parts of a small stone manor house, probably begun about 1370 for William Latimer, Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. It has undergone many changes since, but the splendid timber roofs over the great hall and solar are said to be the most spectacular in Dorset. Read more about the history of Fiddleford Manor. BEFORE YOU GO ...
KNOWLTON CHURCH AND EARTHWORKS
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KNOWLTON CHURCH AND EARTHWORKS
OPENING TIMES 30 APRIL 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018 Open any reasonable time during daylight hours 25 MARCH 2018 ONWARDS Opening times will be available nearer the time
Berkeley Castle
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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...
Edward Jenner Museum - Berkeley
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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.
Dr Jenners House
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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...
The Eling Experience
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The Eling Experience
The Eling Experience is a great half day tourist attraction comprising the rare tidal powered Eling Mill, a comprehensive local heritage centre, nature walks and a pirate play area! Eling Creek is situated at the peak of Southampton Water, where you can see tidal power used to mill flour on a daily basis in a building built in 1785! It’s...
Fleet Air Arm Museum - Ilchester
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Fleet Air Arm Museum - Ilchester
The Royal Navy operates on the sea, under the sea, on the land and in the air. Welcome to the Fleet Air Arm Museum - representing the flying arm of the Royal Navy. Opening Hours ...
Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals in the Wiltshire 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'.