Shopping & History
Why not combine a visit to English Heritage properties with a spot of retail therapy?
We have put together a list of well known shopping centres and listed the English Heritage properties which are close to them.
London
Brent Cross – London NW4 3FP
The first largest indoor shopping centre to be built in the UK, and now part of the new town centre development taking place in the area.
The properties situated nearby are:
Apsley House: One of London’s finest mansions - known as ‘No 1 London’ – the former 
residence of the Duke of Wellington is located at Hyde Park Corner. It hosts the Duke’s collection of war memorabilia, silver and masterpieces from his paintings collection including Velazquez, Goya and Breughel.
Coach Parking: In Park Lane. One drop-off coach bay immediately north of Apsley House. Call site for details.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
Chiswick House: A glorious example of 18th-century English architecture and landscaping 
inspired by the ‘Grand Tour of Europe’, it was designed by Lord Burlington who sought to reproduce the kind of house and gardens found in ancient Rome. Exclusive openings, guided tours (Secret Symbolism, General Tour) and tea & biscuits available for groups.
Coach Parking: As there is no coach parking on site, please park on Burlington Lane, 50 metres from the entrance.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Jewel Tower:
Located just opposite the Houses of Parliament, this medieval tower is one of 
only two surviving buildings of the original Palace of Westminster and was formerly known as the ‘King’s Privy Wardrobe’.
Coach Parking: Parking is not available but coaches can pick up and drop off in Abingdon Street.
Average Length of Visit: 30 minutes.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Kenwood – The Iveagh Bequest: Neo-classical house set in 112 acres of landscaped grounds containing one of 
the finest art collections in the world including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Vermeer and Van Dyck. Scenes from ‘Notting Hill’ with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant were filmed here. Pre-booked groups can choose from a range of themed guided tours.
Coach Parking: No on-site coach parking, park on Hampstead Lane. Coaches are advised to drop off at East Lodge then find appropriate parking. Visitor access via East Lodge, opposite Compton Avenue and then a short walk down a tree lined drive to the house.
Average Length of Visit: 2 hours.
Distance: Approximately 17 minutes drive.
Wellington Arch: 
Situated along the Royal Ceremonial Route at Hyde Park Corner, this magnificent Arch is the ideal spot to see the pageantry of the mounted Horse Guards who pass between its majestic columns every day. Exclusive talks and slide presentation with refreshments can be arranged for groups.
Coach Parking: In Park Lane. Coaches can drop off and pick up on the central island. Call site for details.
Average Length of Visit: 45 minutes.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
Tip: Joint tickets can be purchased for Apsley House and Wellington Arch. Exclusive group opening times are also available.
South East
Bluewater – Kent DA9 9ST
An innovative and exciting shopping centre located in Kent yet close to London.
The properties situated nearby are:
Eltham Palace:
Unique house combining England’s finest Art Deco home with the remains of
a medieval royal palace. Built for millionaires, it reflects the glamour and allure of the 1930s. Set in 19 acres of beautiful moated gardens, the interiors are a showpiece for French-influenced Art Deco and ultra smart ocean liner style. Group guided tours of house and gardens available.
Coach Parking: On site.
Average Length of Visit: 3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Down House - The Home of Charles Darwin:
Charles Darwin, perhaps the most influential scientist of the 19th-century, 
lived at Down House for over 40 years. He wrote the revolutionary book, ‘On the Origin of Species’ here. Explore the exhibition on the first floor and visit the ground floor study, which was the centre of his life and its glorious gardens.
Coach Parking: Coaches must come via the A233 turning into Downe Road. Bear left as you enter the car/coach park for the coach bay.
Average Length of Visit: 2-3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive. 
Lullingstone Roman Villa:
One of England’s most exciting archaeological finds with wonderful mosaic floors, wall paintings, bath suite and skeletal remains. The dramatic film and light show
enables you to hear the story of how it was built and find out about the life of the prosperous roman family that lived there.
Coach Parking: Free parking for up to 3 coaches.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 25 minutes drive.
De Bradelei Wharf – Dover CT17 9BY
One of the De Bradelei factory mills, situated on Dover sea front.
The properties situated nearby are:
Deal Castle: Discover Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII to beat off the threat of invasion 
from the catholic alliance of France and Spain in the 16th century. The inclusive audio tour and exhibition explain the castle’s turbulent history.
Coach Parking: Free parking for up to 6 coaches, a few metres from site entrance.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes drive. 
Dover Castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels: Experience the majesty of the castle known as the ‘Key to England’. With its commanding position on the White Cliffs of Dover, it has protected England since Roman times. Travel deep inside the cliffs into the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Above ground witness the castle in preparation for the arrival of Henry VIII and experience castle life during a medieval siege.
Coach Parking: At top of Castle Hill (steep), 800 metres from entrance. Drop off opposite Constable’s Gate.
Average Length of Visit: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 minutes drive.
Richborough Roman Fort: Explore the site of the first Roman landing in Britain at a site now over two 
miles from the sea! Visit the museum with its collection of artefacts uncovered on site and enjoy the inclusive audio tour. See the remains of the huge triumphal arch, once 25 metres high.
Coach Parking: Car park is situated 100m from the entrance; please note it has a loose gravel surface.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Walmer Castle & Gardens: This Tudor castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens, has been transformed 
into the elegant residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports. See the rooms where the Duke of Wellington lived and died. HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother enjoyed many summers here. See the rooms in which she entertained. Themed guided tours available for groups.
Coach Parking: 2 free coach parking spaces on site. Or drop off at the top of the gravel drive.
Average Length of Visit: 2 hours.
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes drive.
South West
Bath Christmas Market – Bath Town Centre
Market especially for Christmas, located in the heart of Bath city centre.
The properties situated nearby are:
Farleigh Hungerford Castle:
Set in a picturesque valley, there is still plenty to see at this ruin of a once 
impressive 14th century castle with a colourful past – the Priest’s House, fine tombs and unique wall paintings and stained glass in the remarkable chapel of St Leonard.
Coach Parking: Free parking for up to 3 coaches by entrance (approach with care).
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes drive.
Stonehenge:
Visit Britain’s most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument and a 
World Heritage Site. As old as the great temples and pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge exerts a mysterious fascination. Why was it built and how? Why is the monument orientated on the rising and setting sun? Visitors can walk the whole circumference of the stones to discover the many mysteries of this incredible site.
Coach Parking: Free coach parking on site for patrons only. A £10 coach parking charge – refundable on group admission at the ticket office – applies in high season.
Average Length of Visit: 45 minutes.
Distance: Approximately 1 hour drive.
East of England & East Midlands
Lakeside – West Thurrock RM20 2ZP
The shopping centre which has everything you require for a day out shopping.
The properties situated nearby are:
Audley End House & Gardens: Experience for yourself the sumptuous splendour enjoyed by royalty and 
aristocracy in one of England's grandest country homes. Wonder at the lavish interiors reflecting past generations of style and relax in the lovingly restored 19th-century parterre garden. The Service Wing (open to the public for the first time) uses lifelike sights and sounds and film projections to help you experience real life below stairs, in Victorian times.
Coach Parking: Space for 4 coaches, must be pre-booked. Minibuses over 9 feet high require special parking.
Average Length of Visit: 3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 1 hour drive.
Eltham Palace: Unique house combining England’s finest Art Deco home with the remains of
a medieval royal palace. Built for millionaires, it reflects the glamour and allure of the 1930s. Set in 19 acres of beautiful moated gardens, the interiors are a showpiece for French-influenced Art Deco and ultra smart ocean liner style. Group guided tours of house and gardens available.
Coach Parking: On site.
Average Length of Visit: 3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Tilbury Fort: View the finest example of 17th-century military engineering, a spectacular 
sight on the River Thames. March across the Parade Ground; see the powder magazines and casemates. Hear tales of the ‘Dead House’ and past inhabitants brought to life on an audio tour. View the World War I and II gun emplacements and even fire a real anti-aircraft gun.
Coach Parking: 4 coaches close to the site with overspill facilities.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 25 minutes drive.
TheCentre: MK – Milton Keynes MK9 3ES
Variety of shops from small individual companies to larger retail chains. 
The properties situated nearby are:
Wrest Park:
Over 90 acres of breathtaking landscapes to explore. Wrest's formal gardens are a fascinating history of gardening styles laid out over one and a half centuries and inspired by the great gardens of Versailles and the Loire Valley in France. Stroll through the French Garden with its statues and fountains or simply sit back, relax and dream of days gone by.
Coach Parking: Free coach parking available.
Average Length of Visit: 2 hours.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
West Midlands
Hatton Shopping Village – Warwick/Solihull CV35 7LD
Shopping village set along streets of converted Victorian farm buildings. 
English Heritage properties situated nearby are:
Kenilworth Castle: One of the most spectacular castle ruins in England, Kenilworth has a past rich in famous names and is associated with King John, Henry V, Henry Vlll and Elizabeth I and her love story with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Robert Dudley transformed the castle into a palace fit for a queen and it was here that he courted Elizabeth I. He created a magnificent garden, complete with fountains, ornate borders and a twenty foot high bird aviary for her visit in 1575. The lost Elizabethan Garden is currently being recreated and will be launched in late spring 2009.
Coach Parking: Maximum of 6 coach parking spaces. 150 metres from the entrance.
Average Length of Visit: 2 hours.
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes drive.
Yorkshire & Humberside
St. Stephen’s Retail and Leisure Centre – Hull HU2 8LN
Variety of shops and leisure facilities such as a cinema and bingo.
The properties situated nearby are:
St. Peter’s Church: An architectural and archaeological gem, with a history spanning over a 
thousand years, St. Peter’s is one of the most studied churches in England. Indeed, finds from the church have revealed new insights into medieval diet and disease, completely overturning our understanding of life for our ancestors. The Buried Lives, interactive exhibition offers a greater understanding of this important church and the archaeological revelations it has produced.
Coach Parking: No parking available. Nearest parking is in the town centre.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 25 minutes drive.
Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse:
Built in the uncertain years following the Peasants’ Revolt, the enormous and 
ornate gatehouse of Thornton Abbey is one of the best surviving medieval gatehouses of its type in the world. A symbol of the monastery’s prosperity, it provided a stronghold for the abbey’s treasures, as well as lodgings for the abbot and his guests.
Coach Parking: Please contact the site.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
Lightwater Country Shopping Village – Ripon HG4 3HT
Factory outlet shops set in rural surroundings, with lots of variety of shop types.
The properties situated nearby are:
Aldborough Roman Site:
Aldborough was the ‘capital’ of the Romanised ‘Brigantes’, the largest tribe in 
Britain. One corner of the defences is laid out amid a Victorian arboretum and two mosaic pavements can be viewed in their original position. On site museum with Roman finds and handling collection.
Coach Parking: As there is no parking on site, coaches can drop off groups at entrance and then park in Boroughbridge 3/4 mile away.
Average Length of Visit: 45 minutes.
Distance: Approximately 25 minutes drive.
Byland Abbey: One of the three great monasteries of the north, its design inspired an entire school of English Gothic including the design for the Rose Window in York Minster. Byland Abbey is now a hauntingly beautiful monastic ruin set in peaceful meadows in the shadow of the Howardian Hills. Marvel at the largest collection in Europe of medieval floor tiles - still in their original setting.
Coach Parking: As there is no parking on site, please use Abbey Inn car park (100 metres) which has room for 1 coach.
Average Length of Visit: 45 minutes.
Distance: Approximately 45 minutes drive.
Middleham Castle:
Explore the maze of rooms and passageways at this impressive castle, once 
the boyhood home of the ill-fated Richard III. Climb the battlements to enjoy the magnificent views once enjoyed by Richard III. The massive keep is one of the biggest in England. Relive its illustrious history and the deeds of its great lords as you take a tour of this intriguing castle.
Coach Parking: As there is no parking on site, please use town car park (room for up to 2 coaches)
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 25 minutes drive.
Rievaulx Abbey:
Once the most important Cistercian Abbey in Britain and the home of the 
greatest spiritual writer of the Medieval Ages, St Aelred. Imagine the calm and tranquillity of monastic life 800 years ago. In addition to their spiritual life, the Cistercian monks who lived here were engaged in a variety of commercial activities, which you can learn about in our award-winning exhibition.
Coach Parking: Avaliable if pre-booked in our car park.
Average Length of Visit: 1 ½ hours.
Distance: Approximately 50 minutes drive.
North East & North West
Metro Centre – Gateshead NE11 9YG
Has a wide range of shop and leisure facilities which includes a cinema.
The properties situated nearby are:
Aydon Castle:
Combine a beautiful manor house and the strongest fortifications, add some of
England’s most wonderful landscape and you have Aydon Castle, surviving almost completely intact. One of the finest examples of a 13th century Manor House. Both ‘Ivanhoe’ and the blockbuster ‘Elizabeth’ were filmed at this picturesque castle.
Coach Parking: Free parking for 2 coaches (no larger than 50-seater).
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens: Beautiful neo-classical hall, built from its own quarries with a spectacular 
garden deservedly listed Grade I in the Register of Gardens. The magnificent 30 acres of grounds contain the ruins of a 14th-century castle.
Coach Parking: Coach parking spaces on site must be booked. Free on-site parking for up to 4 coaches, 200 metres from the entrance.
Average Length of Visit: 2 hours.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive. 
Corbridge Roman Town:
A supply base for Hadrian’s Wall, Corbridge developed into a prosperous garrison town during the Roman era. The museum houses a fascinating collection of finds and remarkable sculptures.
Coach Parking: On site.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Prudhoe Castle:
Explore the romantic remains of this 13th-century fortress perched on a 
steep wooded spur rising above the Tyne and set in lovely grounds. See the Manor house,
gatehouse, chapel, battlements and towers.
Coach Parking: Free parking for up to 3 coaches, 600 metres from the site entrance.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 25 minutes drive.
Tynemouth Priory & Castle:
Guarding the mouth of the River Tyne, this site has been a Saxon 
monastery, a Benedictine priory founded in 1090, a medieval castle and a Coastal Artillery Fort! Explore the underground chambers beneath the World War I gun batteries, and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
Coach Parking: As there is no parking on-site, please use the town car park (200 metres).
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
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