Historic Buildings & Monuments

What are they and what do they involve?

A historic building or monument is a building or construction of some sort which has been of importance for a long time; the specifics can vary greatly, from being a residence of a significant historical figure to places such as windmills that are no longer in use. They often involve guided tours or exhibitions of interesting objects, and sometimes even historic re-enactments!

What are the benefits?

Visiting genuine historical buildings where people have lived and worked makes for a great accompaniment to classroom learning – forming physical links with the past and being able to use their imagination will be an excellent way of engaging students in learning.

What students is it suitable for?

There is a huge variety of historical buildings you can visit with your students, which means you can find a venue suitable for groups of all ages and interests!

Costs?

Admission prices will vary from being completely free up to over £10 per person depending on the venue; the larger the establishment and the more activities they have to offer, the more expensive access will be!

Safety Implications?

Any possible safety concerns will depend on the venue, and the variety of establishments mean that they will differ greatly! Consult with your destination of choice if you have any concerns.

Venues for this Category

Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland

Faringdon’s unique, iconic 100ft tower, the last major folly to be built in England, surrounded by woodland. Kids aged 11 and under get in free.

There are four acres of circular woodland to to enjoy, with some trees that are more than 400 years old!

Hinton Ampner

Elegant country house with highly distinctive gardens

This elegant country manor and tranquil garden sit so harmoniously within the landscape that one cannot exist without the other.

Bradley

Delightful medieval manor house, set in woodland and meadows

Unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house, still a relaxed family home. Wander through rooms untouched by time, warm yourself by the open fire, and unwind in the tranquil garden.

Located in a green haven of riverside meadows and woodland hidden away in the heart of the town.

Great Chalfield Manor and Garden

Charming 15th-century manor house with Arts and Crafts garden

This beautiful medieval manor sits in peaceful countryside. Cross the upper moat, passing barns, gatehouse and delightful parish church to enjoy fine oriel windows and the soldiers, griffons and monkey adorning the rooftops.

Romantic gardens offer terraces, topiary houses, gazebo, lily pond, roses and views across the spring-fed fishpond.

Chester Farm

Northamptonshire's heritage jewel

Chester Farm is an archaeologically and historically important site covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The site is not currently open to the public so please do not visit unless by appointment.

Killerton House

Fine 18th-century house with costume collection, hillside garden and estate. Home to the 'Paulise de Bush' costume collection, with over 9,000 outfits. Delightful hillside garden featuring rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare trees. Stunning parkland walks all year round.

Discovery centre brings history and the environment to life.

Ickworth House

A Georgian Italianate palace in an idyllic English landscape

A grand place for a truly entertaining day out.

Gunby Hall and Gardens

A homely country house dated 1700 set in Victorian walled gardens at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds

‘I could live here!’, is what most people say when visiting Gunby Hall and Gardens. Modest-sized rooms full of character and charm make it easy to imagine you can move in yourself.

With links to Tennyson, Darwin and Vaughan-Williams there is so much to discover about the family home of the Massingberd family.

Hatchlands Park

Georgian mansion filled with historic keyboard instruments set in rolling Repton parkland

Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Fanny. They gave architect, Robert Adam, one of his first interior design commissions. His work can be seen throughout the house, particularly in ceilings and fireplaces.

Chastleton House

Unchanged for 400 years

A rare gem of a Jacobean country house, Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by a prosperous wool merchant as an impressive statement of wealth and power.

Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, the house remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years as the interiors and contents gradually succumbed to the ravages of time.

Dyrham Park

Spectacular late 17th-century mansion, garden and deer park

Explore 270 acres (110 hectares) of ancient parkland, where a historic herd of fallow deer roams freely and magnificent trees and breathtaking views abound.

Nostell Priory and Parkland

18th-century architectural masterpiece with landscape park and gardens

Built on the site of a medieval priory, Nostell has been the home of the Winn family for 300 years. Commissioned by Sir Rowland Winn in 1733, James Paine built the house. Later additions by Robert Adam created exceptional interiors.

Ragley Hall

Ragley Hall was first opened in 1958 and the State Rooms were gradually restored to their former glory. The 8th Marquess made his mark on Ragley by commissioning Graham Rust to create a modern mural, The Temptation, in the South Staircase Hall which took fourteen years to complete and features several family members and pets.

Mary Arden's Farm

There is so much to see and do at Mary Arden's Farm! Step back in time for all the sights, smells and sounds of a real Tudor farm and explore the house where Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, grew up.

Experience for yourself the daily routine, skills and crafts that the young William would have known from visits to his grandparents in the 1570s.

Erasmus Darwin House

Erasmus Darwin House is a historic house and previous home of Dr Erasmus Darwin – scientist, doctor, inventor, poet, botanist and Grandfather of Evolution (as well as Charles Darwin!).