Facebook fans of English Heritage have selected their favourite top ten attractions for a family day out.
The English Heritage Trust take care of around 400 visitor attractions across the U.K. The estimated age of each property ranges from the 1960’s to 3900BC. Each site attracts numerous visitors and school trips each year offering educational insights, facilities and various events. Volunteers and field experts assist in the running of the sites.
A recent poll on Facebook has shown the trust which ten attractions their followers recommend for a top day out.
Dover Castle in Kent took the top spot.
Once owned by Henry II and filmed as a Tudor Palace in 2008 for The Other Boleyn Girl this attraction is said to be the most Iconic of England’s fortresses. Visitors to the castle can immerse themselves in medieval surroundings, enter the secret wartime tunnels within the White Cliffs of Dover, go up the Great Tower and learn about its history ranging from the Romans through to the Cold War.
Warwickshire’s Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens is in second place.
The novel Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott was based on Elizabeth I at Kenilworth Castle. Its 900 year history shows the castle, medieval fortress, Elizabethan palace, the tower, the Norman keep, the gatehouse and the Great Hall, used to entertain Tudor kings.
In third place is Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire.
Receiving guests for more almost 1500 years the Abbey has inspired many artists, religious leaders and writers. Most famously it is known for Bram Stoker’s Dracula but it also inspired England’s first named poet, Caedmon. From the gothic ruins there are also views across the rugged coastline and North Sea.
1066 Battle of Hastings Site and Abbey in East Sussex came fourth.
The famous site where King Harold fell to William the Conqueror is owned by the Trust. It received awards for event of the year and large visitor attraction of the year in 2017. Visitors can stand on the battle site where the future of England was decided. The historic tale of the battle is told through the ruined abbey, the ice house and dairy, through the gatehouse exhibition and on the sculpture trail.
In fifth place is Tintagel Castle, Cornwall.
Tintagel castle, full of history and myth tells of the legend that was King Arthur. Set on the rugged north coast of Cornwall and surrounded by stunning scenery the setting has inspired many writers and artists.
Whilst Cornwall’s Pendennis Castle came sixth.
As one of Henry VIII’s fortresses, it has defended Cornwall since Tudor times. Also used during WWI visitors can witness the sights and sounds of bygone battles.
At number seven is Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight.
This property is known for being an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a royal summer residence and the prison of King Charles I. It is now the home of a museum, Edwardian garden, high castle walls, panoramic views and donkeys that work the well.
Wrest Park in Bedfordshire took eighth place.
With 92 acres of gardens to discover alongside woodland walks, visitors can learn how English gardens have evolved. On site facilities include a café, children’s play area and archaeological stores
Number nine is Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England within this castle’s walls. Visitors can walk round the castle, view the exhibition and take in the surrounding views.
At number ten is Audley End House and Gardens in Essex.
This decadent Jacobean mansion house displays a Victorian Service Wing and stable yard. Visitors are also able to walk the tranquil gardens whilst enjoying views of the surrounding countryside.
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