Skip page header and navigation

History and heritage

We’re immensely proud of our history, but we’re also not stuck in the past. From music festivals to fancy dress parties, Britain’s castles and monuments make incredible backdrops for our top cultural events – breathing new life into these richly-storied locations. Here’s how to explore the places, people and events that make Britain unique.

A history and heritage showcase

Why Britain's best for history and heritage

Even Britain’s oldest treasures have new surprises in store. Maybe you’ll go glamping in a Medieval castle, catch live music at a Tudor palace, or tour Royal Windsor by horse-drawn carriage?

To bring Britain’s history and heritage to life, our monuments put on a spectacular show year-round: in summer, they host festivals, film screenings and outdoor art trails; while in winter, look out for carol concerts, Christmas markets and festive light trails.

Want to get hands-on with history? Our new tours and experiences make Britain’s past more accessible and exciting than ever – whether you’re paddleboarding through a UNESCO-listed city, wining and dining in a luxurious stately home hotel, or learning the art of jousting at a former royal palace.

From sun ceremonies at Stonehenge to soaking in the splendour of Bath’s Roman spa, here’s where to delve into our heritage…

Top history and heritage experiences

Make it more than a day trip! These royal palaces and historic castles offer the chance to stay overnight too.

Full of secrets and scandals, Britain’s castles are full of stories - get hands on with history as you explore these historic forts.

VisitBritain/Yin Sun Photography

Aerial view of Bamburgh Castle on the coast of Northumberland

Dare you visit our darkest, most haunted corners? From playful poltergeists to headless queens, Britain’s brimming with ghosts.

VisitBritain

Pedestrians walking down steps near a castle

From medieval Edinburgh to Georgian Bath, Britain’s cities are full of chocked with cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Bath

External view, through a field of blurred out daffodils in the foreground, of the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath

Bonkers yet brilliant: that sums up our style. Where else can you chase cheeses down-hill, or race in boats made from Yorkshire puddings?

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Vikings in a torchlight procession, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

Love the finer things in life? Discover historic homes and regal palaces for the full panoply of Britain's stately treasures.

VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery

Top history and heritage destinations

Delve a little deeper into British heritage with these immersive behind-the-scenes experiences.

Where to find the best history and heritage experiences

Want history galore – plus amazing nightlife, great restaurants and exciting things to do? These culture-rich cities have it all.

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Roman Baths

Colin Hawkins

ROMAN BATHS BATH
Roman Baths

Even 100 years after this mighty ship sank, its story still captures our imagination – brought to life by Titanic Belfast.

Explore Titanic Belfast

Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast
Titanic Belfast

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Book your Tower of London tickets

Visit Britain/George Johnson

Beefeater walking by the, Tower of London on a sunny day
Tower of London

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

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Edinburgh

Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Edinburgh Castle

Spy the wolrd-famous mysterious prehistoric monument that continues to puzzle us all.

Find out more about Stonehenge

VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

Large stone pillars arranged in circle on grass. Sunset
Stonehenge and Avebury

Combine tangible history with breathtaking walks, museums and glorious countryside along these ancient Roman ramparts.

See what’s on at Hadrian’s Wall

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

View along Hadrian's Wall at sunset
Hadrian’s Wall

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this Medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Book tickets to Conway Castle

VisitBritain/David Angel

North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

This historic Gothic cathedral boasts glorious stained-glass windows and decorative stonework and offers a wide range of tours.

Plan your visit to Exeter Cathedral

Sebastian Christopher

Exeter, Devon

Aerial view of people looking down from a tower at Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral

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

Find out more about visiting the Shambles

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts.

Book tickets to Windsor Castle

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle

Discover the childhood home of Britain’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare.

Book tickets to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Couple walking around the exterior of Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Linked to the mythical King Arthur, Tintagel Castle occupies its very own island – with bracing sea views and centuries of history.

Explore the legends of Tintagel Castle

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

A woman stands at the top steps of a doorway at Tintagel with stunning coastline view beyond
Tintagel Castle

The Scottish holiday residence of the British Royal Family. Tour the historic gardens and estate of picturesque Balmoral Castle.

Book tickets to Balmoral Castle

@pumpkin_the_pompom

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

See history on the beach overlooked by Bamburgh Castle

Hit the beach at Bamburgh Castle

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Bamburgh Castle

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Roman Baths

Colin Hawkins

ROMAN BATHS BATH
Roman Baths

Even 100 years after this mighty ship sank, its story still captures our imagination – brought to life by Titanic Belfast.

Explore Titanic Belfast

Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast
Titanic Belfast

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Book your Tower of London tickets

Visit Britain/George Johnson

Beefeater walking by the, Tower of London on a sunny day
Tower of London

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

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Edinburgh

Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Edinburgh Castle

Spy the wolrd-famous mysterious prehistoric monument that continues to puzzle us all.

Find out more about Stonehenge

VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

Large stone pillars arranged in circle on grass. Sunset
Stonehenge and Avebury

Combine tangible history with breathtaking walks, museums and glorious countryside along these ancient Roman ramparts.

See what’s on at Hadrian’s Wall

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

View along Hadrian's Wall at sunset
Hadrian’s Wall

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this Medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Book tickets to Conway Castle

VisitBritain/David Angel

North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

This historic Gothic cathedral boasts glorious stained-glass windows and decorative stonework and offers a wide range of tours.

Plan your visit to Exeter Cathedral

Sebastian Christopher

Exeter, Devon

Aerial view of people looking down from a tower at Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral

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

Find out more about visiting the Shambles

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts.

Book tickets to Windsor Castle

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle

Discover the childhood home of Britain’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare.

Book tickets to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Couple walking around the exterior of Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Linked to the mythical King Arthur, Tintagel Castle occupies its very own island – with bracing sea views and centuries of history.

Explore the legends of Tintagel Castle

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

A woman stands at the top steps of a doorway at Tintagel with stunning coastline view beyond
Tintagel Castle

The Scottish holiday residence of the British Royal Family. Tour the historic gardens and estate of picturesque Balmoral Castle.

Book tickets to Balmoral Castle

@pumpkin_the_pompom

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

See history on the beach overlooked by Bamburgh Castle

Hit the beach at Bamburgh Castle

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Bamburgh Castle