As lovers of all things history and castle-related, England and Wales are a treasure trove of days out and out-of-the-blue nerdy visits. That’s why, when visiting the lovely Kenilworth Castle recently we were more than taken in by the genius salesman that was the membership stand man. However, we also love a good bargain, so jumping on a year’s membership we decided to set ourselves a challenge.
How many English Heritage properties could we visit before the year’s membership was up? Game. On. With over 400 historic sights to visit, we decided to check off as many as we possibly could (well could within the time left from both of our full-time jobs).
With over £150 saved already, here’s what we have ticked off so far since the start of our English Heritage challenge.
Introducing, The English Heritage Challenge
As lovers of all things history and castle-related, England and Wales are a treasure trove of days out and out-of-the-blue nerdy visits. That’s why, when visiting the lovely Kenilworth Castle recently we were more than taken in by the genius salesman that was the membership stand man. However, we also love a good bargain, so…
Keep reading
Behind the Scenes With English Heritage at Witley Court
Whilst blogging online is my forte, I recently got invited to a photoshoot at the English Heritage’s beautiful Witley Court & Gardens as part of their ‘my experience’ feature in their monthly magazine, here’s what I got up to during the trip.
Keep reading
Windy Days Out – Exploring Blustery Beeston Castle
A windy saturday outing took us to Beeston Castle for a weekend wandering and some bracing winds. Having been on the books for a while, its was time to tick this atmospheric ruin off our challenge checklist.
Keep reading
Exploring Goodrich Castle – Skirting the Welsh Border
Another weekend, another day trip. This weekend took us in and out of the Welsh border with a quick hop over for an hour or so later on in the day. Completely hidden from view from the road, we were beginning to doubt whether there really was a castle here at all. Where was the…
Keep reading
Sunday Snippets – Castle-Hopping at Kenilworth
Built in the 12th century, Kenilworth has gone through some pretty big changes, most notably when the resident Dudley was wooing Elizabeth I, with its beautiful gardens and charming aviary it really was the perfect place to set off to on a crisp Autumn day. Leaves crunching underfoot, the low sun offsetting the castle ruins…
Keep reading
Wroxeter Roman City – A Step Back in Time
The centre of Roman living 2,000 years ago, Wroxeter was once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. Inspired by our recent trip to the forts of the north and the spectacular Hadrian’s Wall, we decided to explore some Roman sights a bit closer to home.
Keep reading
Croxden Abbey – An Unexpected Visit.
Working the weekend before Christmas is always a trial so when I got the Friday off, I jumped at the chance to get out of the house and do some exploring with my mum in tow. Having neglected my English Heritage Challenge of late, I thought it was only proper that one of their historical…
Keep reading
Wandering Hadrian’s Wall
Spanning the entire width of Britain, Hadrian’s Wall was once a colossal contruction peppered with vast Roman forts housing soldiers and their communities. A lot of the wall now lies in ruins with some parts gone forever, but the remnants that do remain give a fascinating insight into what used to be there. Having headed…
Keep reading
Wightwick Manor and the Cosiest Narnia-Esque Christmas you Will Find.
Open the door to this grand mansion and you will be transported to a dream of twinkling fairy lights, cosy reading corners and cat-cushions galore. Each corner adorned with a full fir, Wightwick Manor really goes to town during the festive season.
Keep reading
Why Your English Heritage Membership Book Should Never End the Year the Way the Way it Started
Having become members of English heritage last year (and setting ourselves a challenge), our guidebook went with us EVERYWHERE. From sitting on a car park overlooking Hadrian’s Wall thinking ‘where next?’ to stopping off at a Midlands tea room for the day’s inspiration. Being particularly precious about books there is nothing better than a crisp…
Keep reading
Sunday Snippets – Hidden Hidey-Holes & Royal Wanderings
A safe haven for Catholics escaping persecution and the site of a famous royal visit, Boscobel House & The Royal Oak is packed full of hidey-holes to discover and a ruined priory just a short walk through the charming field is the perfect spot for an autumn wandering. Step across the courtyard and a dedicated 1940’s…
Keep reading
Exploring Witley Court
Our English heritage Challenge this week saw us hopping in the car off to Worcestershire to the beautiful Witley Court & Gardens to make the most of that lovely autumn sun among Witley’s jaw-dropping grounds. Check out how we got on below, and be sure to check out our challenge so far!
Keep reading
Stokesay Castle and Beyond – Our Most Colourful Castle Yet
Travel into the Shropshire hills and a surprising sight will greet you. Perched atop an impressive stone base is a colourful yellow timber building, a cheery contrast to the quaint churchyard that accompanies it and an unusual sight to say the least. Our English Heritage Challenge took us to the fantastic Stokesay Castle this week,…
Keep reading
Sunday Snippets: Ashby de la Zouch Castle
This week, we decided to continue our English Heritage Challenge with a visit to Ashby de la Zouch Castle in Derbyshire. With a rainy morning on the cards we set out for our Sunday outing eqipped with coats and umbrellas and came back with ever-so-slightly soggy feet from walking the grassed castle grounds.
Keep readingLooking for adventures further afield? Click the button below for my latest blogs and adventures and check back again soon for more.
Study . Work . Travel . Blog 