At new year we often reassess our lifestyle and consider how we might improve our diet and general wellbeing. We may even introduce a new fitness programme.

Although not based around new year (which didn’t quite exist as we know it back then), these were all daily considerations for the Romans.

Goods and services targeting health and fitness were readily available to everyone using public bathing facilities. In fact, the evidence shows that the Romans had an interest in wellbeing not too dissimilar to attitudes of today.

Castles were built across the country to administer and control local populations, and many Norman constructions still exist. While the original timber structures are no longer visible, their foundational earthworks remain, and later stone structures now mark the sites of those first Norman castles.

We’ve collected some of the best examples from around England to inspire your next visit.

There's nothing like a fresh winter walk through a beautiful historic garden. Our castles, halls and stately homes are enchanting in the colder seasons, and now is the perfect time to make the most of rewarding garden walks and sparkling wintry views.