Magnificent English Heritage Sites
English Heritage cares for historical landmarks such as castles, palaces, hill forts and abbeys, allowing visitors to dive into the country’s rich history and relive its past.
This list of English Heritage Sites is a great place to find historic places to visit nearby or for ideas of attractions to explore while you’re away camping.
Psst, remember, members of the Camping and Caravanning Club get 25% off English Heritage Annual Membership. Not a member of the Club? Join here today and start saving on many great attractions.
Select your location to find an English Heritage Site near you
South East | South West | West Midlands | East Midlands | Yorkshire and Humber | North West | North East | Greater London | East
English Heritage Sites in the South East
Dover Castle, Kent
Sitting on top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle is great for a family-friendly, action-packed day out. With over 2,000 years of history to discover, fantastic views of the English Channel and over 80 acres of castle grounds to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Dover Castle.
Nearby campsite: Canterbury Club Site
Lullingstone Roman Villa, Kent
Lullingstone Roman Villa is one of the most impressive examples of Roman remains left in Britain. Find out about the history of the villa, look at the impressive wall paintings and mosaics and explore fascinating artefacts. This activity is great for rainy days in Kent, as all exhibits are indoors.
Nearby campsite: Crowborough Club Site
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, Sussex
Stand on the ground of one of England’s most significant battlefields, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Learn all about the battle between the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror, visit the exact spot at which King Harold fell and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the Abbey.
Nearby campsite: Normans Bay Club Site
Home of Charles Darwin (Down House), Kent
The childhood home of Charles Darwin gives a fascinating look into his life. You can follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest scientists by exploring the rooms he lived and worked in. Also, if the weather’s good, take a stroll through the award-winning gardens that are surrounded by the countryside.
Nearby campsite: Horsley Club Site
Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
Built on the orders of Henry VIII to defend England’s southern shores, Walmer Castle and Gardens makes for a wonderful, family-friendly day out. This castle carries a lot of history as it later became the home for the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and, among them, the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother. Visitors can explore over eight acres of award-winning gardens of the Tudor fortress turned country house.
Nearby campsite: Canterbury Club Site
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Those visiting the Isle of Wight can explore the ornate holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Private apartments, collections and garden terraces offer an intimate look into their lives.
Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
Sitting at the heart of the Isle of Wight is Carisbrooke Castle. This castle is flooded with decades of history stemming all the way back to the Saxon era. This beautiful English Heritage Site has been an artillery fortress, a king's prison, and a royal summer residence. Now, it’s a romantic castle with plenty to enjoy – from panoramic views from the high castle walls to the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden or beautiful St Nicholas' Chapel and the adorable Carisbrooke donkeys.
English Heritage Sites in the South West
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Visit one of the most famous stone circles and one of the most popular World Heritage Sites in the UK, Stonehenge. The prehistoric stone circle welcomes visitors year-round and must be seen up close to be appreciated.
Nearby campsite: Salisbury Club Site
Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
Sat on the cliff tops of North Cornwall, visit Tintagel Castle to discover the legend of King Arthur, be inspired by views of the coast and explore the dramatic ruins. Head down to sea level to stroll along the sandy beach, discover Merlin’s Cave and enjoy the Beach Café.
Nearby campsite: Bude Club Site
Old Sarum, Wiltshire
Visit the Iron Age hill fort, Old Sarum, to learn about the origins of Salisbury. Great for a day of exploring outdoors, you’ll find information panels on-site telling the story of the last 5,000 years of Salisbury.
Nearby campsite: Salisbury Club Site
Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire
Visit the beautiful remains of the 13th century Hailes Abbey for its peaceful atmosphere and fascinating history. Check out the museum to see uncovered artefacts and follow the audio tour around the grounds, or simply enjoy the tranquillity with a relaxing picnic on the grounds.
Nearby campsite: Winchcombe Club Site
Dartmouth Castle, Devon
Those visiting Devon should add Dartmouth Castle to their itinerary. This castle has been guarding the River Dart for over 600 years, and you can either visit the castle on foot or by ferry during the high season.
Nearby campsite: Walton on Thames Club Site
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Overlooking the ever-popular town of Falmouth, Pendennis Castle was built by Henry VIII. Whilst visiting, you’ll be able to travel back to Tudor times and discover all the tales that came from Pendennis Castle. You can also see the beautiful views of Cornwall from the castle.
Nearby campsite: Veryan Club Site
Avebury Stone Circles, Wilshire
Along with Stonehenge and its surroundings, Avebury Stone Circles forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avebury is the world’s largest stone circle, built during the Neolithic period, and is an extraordinary area to explore on foot.
Nearby campsite: Devizes Club Site
English Heritage Sites in the West Midlands
Kenilworth Castle
Jump back 900 years into medieval history on your visit to Kenilworth Castle. As one of the biggest historical landmarks in England, you must explore the castle and the Elizabethan Gardens. You’ll be able to walk along the paths that the former Queen would have taken through the beautiful gardens and view the stunning marble fountain.
Nearby campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
Enchanting woodland, extensive grounds, and impressive fountains await those that visit the remarkable ruins of Witley Court and Gardens. This English Heritage Site is great for kids and history lovers, with audio tours and a children’s play area available.
Nearby campsite: Wolverley Club Site
Stokesay Castle, Shropshire
Unchanged for 700 years, Stokesay Castle is one of the finest and best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. The striking timber exterior of the gatehouse is picture-perfect, the great hall has remained the same for 700 years, and the moat walk offers brilliant views of both the castle and Shropshire Hills.
Nearby campsite: Ebury Hill Club Site
J. W. Evans Silver Factory, Birmingham
In Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, you’ll discover J. W. Evans Silver Factory, a well-preserved historical landmark that provides a fascinating insight into the lost industrial world. To see the inner workings of this factory, you must book your visit in advance.
Nearby campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site and Clent Hills Club Site
English Heritage Sites in the East Midlands
Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Leicestershire
Visit the ruins of Ashby de la Zouch Castle and learn, via audio tour, about the property’s long history. Although much of the castle sustained damage in the Civil War, you can still climb the tower for great views of Leicestershire, explore passageways and picture the castle in its prime.
Nearby campsite: Conkers Club Site
Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire
Set within one of the main country parks that make up the Sherwood Forest area, Rufford Abbey is a great attraction to visit throughout the year. Take a gentle stroll around the lake, enjoy the gardens, and let kids run wild in the play area.
Nearby campsite: Bakewell Club Site
Hardwick Old Hall, Derbyshire
Spectacular views of the Derbyshire countryside are coupled with the haunting ruins of Hardwick Old Hall, the birthplace of Bess of Hardwick. We recommend the audio tour for those wanting to delve into the story of one of the richest women in England.
Nearby campsite: Bakewell Club Site
Gainsborough Old Hall, Lincolnshire
Visit one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. Learn about the building's varied past, wander the winding corridors, marvel at the Great Hall and visit the medieval kitchen to see how feasts were prepared.
Nearby campsite: Woodhall Spa Club Site
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Walk through the rooms of Bolsover Castle, which were designed to entertain and impress guests. On your visit to this English Heritage Site, you can scale the walls of the castle and see the breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens.
Nearby campsite: Bakewell Club Site
English Heritage Sites in Yorkshire and Humber
Rievaulx Abbey, York
Rievaulx Abbey was one of the most powerful Cistercian monasteries in England. On your visit, explore the beautiful ruins, learn about the lives of the monks who lived there and see unearthed artefacts in the museum.
Nearby campsite: Slingsby Club Site
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
The gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey have inspired people for 1,500 years. Most recognised as the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the abbey overlooks the popular seaside resort of Whitby and has plenty of history to get your teeth stuck into.
Nearby campsite: Scarborough Club Site
Scarborough Castle, North Yorkshire
Overlooking the dramatic Yorkshire coast, Scarborough Castle is a must-visit. Discover 3,000 years of history via an audio tour as you make your way through the ruinous castle.
Nearby campsite: Scarborough Club Site
Kirkham Priory, North Yorkshire
Head to Derwent Valley to explore the riverside ruins of this Augustinian priory. See what remains of the gatehouse and find out why Winston Churchill visited during the Second World War.
Nearby campsite: Sheriff Hutton Club Site and Slingsby Club Site
York Cold War Bunker, North Yorkshire
Designed to monitor fallout in the event of a nuclear attack, the York Cold War Bunker offers a look inside the secrets of Britain’s Cold War. A guided tour provides insightful facts, a look at blast-proof doors and even a glimpse into the decontamination room, providing a feel of what it would have been like when the shelter was on high alert.
Nearby campsite: Sheriff Hutton Club Site
English Heritage Sites in the North West
Carlisle Castle, Cumbria
Dungeons, turrets, and towers have dominated Carlisle for nine centuries. During a visit to Carlisle Castle, explore the exhibition, which aims to bring the castle’s inhabitants to life.
Nearby campsite: Haltwhistle Club Site
King Arthur’s Round Table, Cumbria
The low circular platform, surrounded by a wide ditch and bank, dates back to the late Neolithic period. As with all Neolithic monuments, there’s plenty of mystery and speculation to discover.
Nearby campsite: Derwentwater Club Site
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire
Accompanied by a 40-acre woodland park, Beeston Castle makes a great day out for all ages. With a replica Bronze Age roundhouse, one of the deepest castle wells in England and an exhibition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this English Heritage Site.
Nearby campsite: Delamere Forest Club Site
Penrith Castle, Cumbria
Penrith Castle is a medieval castle that was built at the end of the 14th century to defend the area against the Scots. This historical landmark is found in Castle Park.
Nearby campsite: Derwentwater Club Site
Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria
Spanning 73 miles from coast-to-coast, Hadrian’s Wall, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well worth adding to your list of places to visit in the UK. This historical landmark was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, and today, visitors can explore the ruins and piece together what life was like for the men, women and children on the edge of Roman Britain.
Nearby campsite: Bellingham Club Site
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria
With a dramatic backdrop of the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat, Castlerigg is one of the most breathtaking stone circles.
Nearby campsite: Derwentwater Club Site
English Heritage Sites in the North East
Lindisfarne Priory, Northumberland
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumberland, has plenty to see and do. You can follow the footsteps of the monks who built this ancient priory on Lindisfarne 1,400 years ago and unfold the stories of the island’s past.
Nearby campsite: Beadnell Bay Club Site
Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Northumberland
Explore how the powerful Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland, lived in Warkworth Castle. Pick up your free audio tour, check out the turrets and tower and visit the hidden gem, the Hermitage, carved out of rock.
Nearby campsite: Dunstan Hill Club Site
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
Set above the wave-battered Northumberland coastline, the shell of Dunstanburgh Castle can be reached by foot, 1.3 miles from the village of Craster. The walk offers wonderful views of the twin-towered keep and coastline.
Nearby campsite: Dunstan Hill Club Site
Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Roam around the medieval castle and step inside the Georgian hall that was inspired by the Ancient Greeks at Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens. For those who love wildlife, you can discover the thirty acres of enchanting gardens where there’s something new to see around every corner. This historical landscape is the perfect family-friendly day out as children can follow in the footsteps of the mythical Wild Man or swing, climb and slide in the new play area.
Nearby campsite: Bellingham Club Site
Benwell Vallum Crossing, Tyne and Wear
Only ruinous foundations remain of Benwell Vallum Crossing, a gateway just south of Hadrian’s Wall. This is a quick but insightful stop off for anyone exploring the other nearby Hadrian’s Wall sites.
Nearby campsite: Haltwhistle Club Site and Bellingham Club Site
English Heritage Sites in Greater London
Kenwood House
A world-class art collection (including Rembrandt’s ‘Portrait with Two Circles’), incredibly well-maintained interiors and acres of grounds and gardens can be found on the edge of Hampstead Heath.
Nearby campsite: Theobalds Park Club Site
London Wall
Often overlooked due to its proximity to the Tower of London, this surviving section of the London Wall allows visitors to picture London when it was a Roman city.
Nearby campsite: Kelvedon Hatch Club Site
Winchester Palace
All that now remains of Winchester Palace are ruined walls of the Great Hall, including a spectacular rose window. Once home to the powerful Bishops of Winchester, the palace was one of London's most magnificent medieval buildings. Today, use your imagination to picture what it looked like before its destruction.
Nearby campsite: Theobalds Park Club Site
Chapter House and Pyx Chamber
Offering rare examples of medieval sculpture, these two buildings are enthralled in history and showcase a range of artefacts.
Nearby campsite: Theobalds Park Club Site
English Heritage Sites in the East
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
There are over 90 acres of grounds to visit at Wrest Park, including beautifully maintained gardens, woodland walks, over 40 statues and some incredible hidden gems. A children’s play area, café and shop make this a good day out for all ages.
Nearby campsite: St Neots Club Site
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Within Framlington Castle, Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. Today, you can walk through the 10.5-metre-high walls to appreciate the beautiful views of Suffolk.
Nearby campsite: Kessingland Club Site
Tilbury Fort, Essex
From the 16th century to the Second World War, Tilbury Fort has protected London from seaward approaches. See where gunpowder was stored and how the soldiers lived in the fort on a family-friendly day out to this historical landmark.
Nearby campsite: Kelvedon Hatch Club Site
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Audley End is one of England’s grandest mansions. There’s something to entertain all ages here, from beautiful gardens to fascinating interiors like the servant’s wing and staterooms.
Nearby campsite: Cambridge Club Site
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