Days Out in England

Looking for a great day out with a difference? English Heritage offers fabulous places to visit near you - from mighty castles and imposing palaces to beautiful houses and stunning gardens.

Our winter opening hours have changed: more properties are now open at weekends, but with restricted access during the week. Please check times before travelling.

Places to Visit in England

Our top places to visit this winter:

Audley End: Discover life above and below stairs
Dover Castle: Explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels
Kenilworth Castle: One of the most spectacular ruins in the UK
Ruined abbeys of Yorkshire: Whitby, Rievaulx, Mount Grace and Byland

Featured events

There are more events this winter than ever before:

Kenwood Literary Season: free talks and book signings
Members' events: up close and behind the scenes
Ghost tours: explore after dark...
Winter walks and gardening events: discover the great outdoors

Find an event near you

Find more Days Out in England...

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Our favourites

Explore a winter wonderland on a day out this weekend
Take an exclusive castle tour with our Chief Executive Simon Thurley
From Dickens to Dracula, take a look at our properties with literary connections

Places to visit

Audley End House and Gardens

Essex | East of England

One of England's finest country houses, Audley End is also a mansion with a difference. Enjoy a great day out.

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Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

Northumberland | North East

With so much to see and do, a trip to Belsay is one of the best value family days out in north-east England. Explore the medieval castle, the Grecian inspired Hall and acres of impressive gardens.

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Dover Castle

Kent | South East

For a great family day out visit Dover Castle! NEW for 2011 Operation Dynamo: Rescue from Dunkirk. Explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels deep beneath the castle to see, hear and feel - as never before!

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Eltham Palace and Gardens

London

When millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built their 1930s Art Deco mansion by the Great Hall of medieval Eltham Palace, they created a masterpiece of 20th-century design.

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Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden

Warwickshire | West Midlands

Robert Dudley created this ornate palace to impress his beloved Queen in 1575. The newly re-created Elizabethan Garden, lost for 400 years, is now open to visitors. Vast grounds perfect for exploring.

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Wrest Park

Bedfordshire | East of England

Visit this Bedfordshire visitor attraction, one of the most magnificent gardens in England yet one of the least well known.

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Events

The Queens of Eltham Palace – LGBT History Month

Venue: Eltham Palace, London
Date: 5, 12, 19, & 26 February

Come and explore the LGBT History of Eltham Palace and the Art Deco movement

Kenwood Literary Season with Emma Bridgewater and Matthew Rice

Venue: Kenwood House, London
Date: Sun 5 Feb

Join English Heritage for the Kenwood Literary Season with Emma Bridgewater and Matthew Rice

Free Guided Tours for Members

Venue: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Date: Mon 6 Feb

Make the most of your membership with English Heritage this winter by joining us for a free special guided tour. Tours are available at a variety of sites and exclusively for members.

Stonehenge: Up Close

Venue: Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Date: Mon 6 Feb

Gain a rare and fascinating insight into the famous World Heritage Site starting with an exclusive early morning tour around the stone circle at Stonehenge accompanied by our expert. Visit key archaeology sites including Durrington Walls and Woodhenge.

Curators Choice: Exclusive Guided Tour with Annie Kemkaran-Smith