Top summer visits for groups with English Heritage

1. Lake District

For a memorable Lake District itinerary, plan a visit to the atmospheric ruins of Furness Abbey, where group members can climb a newly reconstructed staircase once used by medieval monks solely at night as a short cut from their dormitory to the chapel below.

The dormitory provides striking views over the remains of the largest and wealthiest monastery in north-west England.

Combine a stop off at nearby Stott Park Bobbin Mill for a pre-booked guided tour of the only working survivor of the hundred-plus textile mills in the Lake District. Groups can watch the journey from tree to bobbin on the original machinery, view an exhibition and buy a souvenir bobbin to take home. 

2. Cornwall

At Tintagel Castle, perched on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, a footbridge high above the waves provides step free access from the mainland onto the magical island with its 13th century castle and chapel ruins. Imaginative interpretation panels and art installations lead visitors on a 1,500-year journey through the site’s history, fact and fiction.

On the southern Cornish coast, Pendennis Castle has over 500 years of history to discover. Set on a headland overlooking the popular town of Falmouth, your group can enjoy its panoramic views, historic weaponry, two exhibitions and a café. Pre-book a guided tour of the Half Moon Battery, which housed the shells and cartridges for the castle’s guns.

3. Kent

A new visitor experience at Dover Castle in Kent reveals a pivotal yet forgotten episode in England’s history.

Dover Castle Under Siege dramatically explains how the fortress defended the crown against sieges from invading French and rebel English forces in 1216-17. Underground, the tour explores the tunnels used for defence during the sieges and the route emerges to a previously unseen view of the castle with the sea beyond.

Other English Heritage sites to enjoy in Kent include nearby Walmer Castle, with the award-winning grounds at their beautiful best in summer. Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre has a fascinating exhibition of Roman artefacts unearthed at the site, and the remains of the amphitheatre that entertained the population with enthralling gladiator fights.

4. Wiltshire

Not many historic attractions compare to the iconic Stonehenge. Visitors can uncover the incredible story of one of the world’s most famous places, by not only seeing the Stone Circle itself, but by also digging deeper in the exhibition, which is full of priceless artefacts discovered in and around the area.

In fact, Wiltshire is synonymous with mystery, including nearby Silbury Hill, which is the largest artificial mound in Europe which compares in height and volume to the Egyptian pyramids. Probably completed in around 2400 BC, it apparently contains no burial. Though clearly important in itself, its purpose and significance remains unknown.

While you are in the area, other English Heritage ancient stops include Woodhenge which dates from about 2500 BC, as well as Old Sarum where the first cathedral once stood and the Romans, Normans and Saxons left their mark.