Cheer up your Winter Weekends with a Visit to a Heritage House

The festive season is over and we are all looking forward to Spring, however there is no need to wait that long to enjoy a visit to one of the U.K.’s heritage houses, with many now open all year round. Here are our favourite picks for a Winter day out.......

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

For a fun packed family day out visit Hampton Court Palace in Surrey where there are plenty of activities on offer for adults and children alike. Once the home of Tudor King Henry VIII, the house tells the story of his family and their impact on our history. Children will love the interactive Magic Garden and maze set within the 60 acres of parkland. Be entertained and educated at the same time. Half price entry available until 15^th February when booking online.

New Lanark Mill World Heritage Site, Lanarkshire

The Cotton Mill village of New Lanark was founded in the 18^th Century. Today it stands preserved as a UNESCO world heritage site and offers visitors the opportunity to get a glimpse of what life would have been like for the mill workers of the time. See preserved workers’ cottages and mill machinery in action and discover the story of Robert Owen, the man who built the first school for the working children of Lanark.

Croome, Worcestershire

The estate offers numerous free walks to get you out and about exploring the beautiful Capability Brown landscaped grounds. The Visitor Centre and Museum tells the story of RAF Defford, the secret airbase built in Croome Park and used during the Second World War and the Cold War. You can take all the family, including your dogs with dog-friendly routes, water bowls and tether points available.

Longleat, Wiltshire

Take the Winter Safari drive through, you will find there are still plenty of animals out and about in the Winter weather. Lions and Tigers are often more active in the cooler weather. If you want to get out and about there is also a walking safari where you can get closer to the Zebras and Giraffes. In Longleat House itself you can visit 15 glorious rooms showcasing over 450 years of history followed by a walk in the formal gardens or pleasure grounds.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor, South Wales

Step back in time when you visit this 16^th Century semi-fortified manor house. You might meet anyone from the lady of the house, to the servants working hard below stairs. The house has been restored and furnished as it would have looked in 1645, around the time that General Prichard (the house’s then owner) was defending Cardiff Castle from the Royalists in the Civil War. Many of the artefacts in the house are reproductions of original items that can be found in the Museum of Welsh Life.

Lincoln Castle, Lincoln

Home to an original 1215 Magna Carta, Lincoln Castle also houses the Victorian Prison used to house prisoners between 1848 and 1878. Visitors can learn about and experience the “separate” prison system of the time, which kept prisoners entirely separate from their fellow inmates. Outside, take the 360 degree castle wall walk for fantastic views of the Lincolnshire countryside and the City of Lincoln itself, including its magnificent cathedral.