Heritage Days Out To Explore Around England This Spring
Spring is an ideal time to plan a heritage day out, as you can combine a tour of a historic house or castle with some outdoor time in the grounds and gardens. Here’s a look at some hidden historic gems around the country that might have passed under your radar.
If you are planning a club outing or group tour, visit our website where you can find a wide selection of coach hire options. Our professional team will take care of the logistics, so you can relax, socialise and focus on enjoying some of the best historical sites in England.
The north west
Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria
Sizergh is a beautifully preserved Medieval manor house that stands on the southern gateway to the Lake District, and is easily accessible from the M6. The house has been home to the Strickland family for over eight centuries, but it’s managed by the National Trust and open to the public.
The 1,600 acre estate comprises wetlands, woodlands, and orchards, and there are also well-tended gardens that are designed to be of interest year round. As you explore the ancient woodlands in the 1.5km circular accessible trail, you will encounter wildlife such as rare butterflies, birds, and flowers. The grounds also include a mirror lake and working farm.
Meanwhile, the manor house has an extensive collection of the Strickland family’s artworks and treasures to view. There’s also a café selling hot meals and drinks and snacks, and a shop selling local produce, gifts and toys.
The Midlands
Wightwick Manor and Gardens, near Wolverhampton
Wightwick Manor is built in the Tudor black timber frame style, although it was constructed in the late 19th century. However, it is the interior of the house that is of particular interest: the owners wanted to channel Oscar Wilde’s ideals of ‘art for art’s sake’, and they accumulated a vast collection of artworks and objects.
Some of the interior designs are by William Morris, the leader of the English Arts and Crafts Movement, while some objects were sourced from China and Japan. There are also curated exhibitions by leading Pre-Raphealite painters, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, Marie Spartali Stillman, Elizabeth Siddal and several others.
In the grounds, there’s a traditional Victorian kitchen garden, a woodland play area, and Arts and Crafts style gardens with orchards, pools, and a mathematical bridge. There’s also a tea room and gift shop.
The south west
St. Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall
St. Michael’s Mount is a unique rocky island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, with an iconic castle and medieval church. At low tide, you can walk across the causeway to explore the island, otherwise you will need to take a short boat ride. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before you set off, as access may be closed in stormy conditions.
The fairytale castle that perches on the hilltop is still home to the St Aubyn family, but you can explore the interior and take in the panoramic views from the battlements. There’s also a subtropical terraced garden built into the cliffside to explore, and a living harbour community with a permanent population of around 30 people.
The north east
Wallington, near Morpeth, Northumberland
Wallington House is set in a 13,500 estate, and is an ideal destination for anyone who loves spending time in nature. There are dozens of scenic walks and cycling paths through woodlands, riversides, informal landscaped gardens and farmland. Meanwhile, the house has an extensive collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings and exquisite artefacts.
The house was originally owned by the Blacketts, a Newcastle family with a fortune acquired from coal and lead mines. It has been extensively re-designed and re-modelled over the years, and eventually passed to the ownership of Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, a socialist MP, who donated it to the National Trust.
Wallington is an exceptionally family-friendly destination, with an adventure play area, safe cycling routes, four woodland play areas, and a cafe and gift shop.
