Things to see and do on The Explorer’s Road

Immortalised in films such as Batman Begins and Paddington 2, Hatfield House is a sparkling example of Jacobean architecture.

Embark on a Roman adventure at St Albans Verulamium Museum, explore the Roman Hypocaust, Roman Theatre and city walls.

Standing strong for over 100 years, this famous wooden bridge is a triumph of engineering.

From dinosaur bones and dodo skeletons, to letters by Charles Darwin: this museum has a remarkable collection.

Over 8,000 species spread across 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the centre of Cambridge.

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Chill out in Lincoln’s Grade II listed park that is home to growing gardens, a fountain, children’s play area, lake, and bandstand.

A place where kings and convicts have roamed, take a guided tour of William the Conqueror’s creation built in 1068 and walk the walls of this historic castle.

Standing tall in the Lincolnshire countryside, the IBCC is a memorial to the Bomber Command and World War II.

An unmissable feat of architecture, book a guided tour of Lincoln Cathedral that has towered over the city and county for over 950 years.

Indulge in some forest-bathing at Otley Chevin Forest Park, a 700-acre nature reserve near Otley, West Yorkshire.

This is the home of Britain’s biggest collection of weapons and armour – including Henry VIII’s battle outfit.

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, medieval masterpiece York Minster.

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

Journey through Viking past and discover what life was like in 10th-century York.

This vibrant market town stands at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Explore a castle, cobbled streets and riverside walks.

If this medieval castle could talk it would tell tales of Vikings, battles and dynasties. Visit now to see wild deer in the park and art collections inside the castle.

Get into nature on the fringes of Durham with winding pathways, stunning gardens and a Grade I-listed medieval hall.

Marvel at the fine examples of gothic and Norman architecture at Durham Cathedral and Castle, both of which boast UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Prepare to get spooky as you embark on a tour around Durham city’s dark past.

See Auckland Palace come to life with a dazzling live show of epic storytelling, lighting and stunning effects.

This historic quarter is a Newcastle must-visit – and one of the city’s top shopping spots.

Designed by artist Antony Gormley, this epic sculpture is thought to be the largest angel artwork in the world.

Set in 300 acres of County Durham's countryside, this ‘living history’ museum recreates English life in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.

Explore this mix of modern and traditional landscapes in the heart of Northumberland.

A really magical day – the setting of wizarding schools for Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle even offers magic performances and wand-making workshops.

This ‘holy island’ attracts pilgrims from all over the world: it’s a peaceful spot, cut off from the mainland at high tide.

Climb to Arthur’s Seat and be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Welcome to the previous home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering guided tours, royal exhibitions and opulent afternoon teas.

Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of a dormant volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Discover the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, from the State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters, with tea and scones on the Royal Deck.

Whatever the season, there’s always something to see at Burghley, from its splendid State Rooms to its two gardens.

The turrets, battlement walls and gardens at this castle will be a familiar sight to fans of the television show The Crown and The Da Vinci Code movie.

From steam locomotives to the dawn of diesel, interactive family-fun and more, discover how the railways shaped modern Britain.