A Year with English Heritage

One of our 2019 goals (yes 2019 because where did 2020 go?) was to get out of the house more. I’m not going to lie, I do love a lazy day at home, I mean who doesn’t want to stay at home in the warmth and walk around in pyjamas? Bliss! So to encourage us, I bought English Heritage memberships and it definitely worked and our year was full of adventures.

Edinburgh Castle

Our first stop was Edinburgh Castle, we were visiting for a short break and of course the Castle was going to be the first place to visit. As English Heritage members, you’re entitled to a significant discount in ticket prices and best of all you’re able to skip the long queues (somebody should’ve told me this before I ended up unnecessarily queueing!).

We spent the morning there and navigated through history with a pram and a 2 year old in tow – to find out how we managed click here to read all about it.

Dover Castle

Known as the most haunted castle in England and playing a big part in the Second World War, we couldn’t let it go amiss. 

From climbing the Great Tower to exploring the secret tunnels of the Second World War – it was an astounding experience. During this trip we really came to admire Aazeen’s co operation and strength. As adults we’d tire out easily but she would just keep going and going without the need of her pram. 

Walmer Castle and Gardens 

If you are visiting Dover Castle then there is also Walmer Castle nearby that you can go and explore on the same day. 

Built by Mind Henry VIII in the 16th Century and used as protection from the invasion from France and the Roman Empire and was also the home of Duke of Wellington for 20+ years. You can literally see the chair he died in – great to know! 

Deal Castle

Not far off from Walmer Castle, you’ll find Deal Castle – another fort built by King Henry VIII for protection. It’s not as big as Walmer Castle as Walmer Castle was also used as a home whereas Deal was at first just for military purposes but then a home for the Castle’s Captain.

Inside you can get lost in the underground tunnels and basement but also explore the upper floors and experience what it may have been like during war time. 

Tilbury Fort

Tilbury Fort was built in the 16th Century as a defendant of London – whilst you are there you can see the exhibition and learn more about its role and explore the rooms where the gunpowder and weaponry were all kept. 

I have a habit of going on YouTube before I visit a new place just to get a feel and know what to expect. I had decided that I wouldn’t go inside the tunnels but Aazeen had other plans, she literally ran in and wasn’t phased by them at all – fearless! 

We had our picnic on the grounds and Aazeen had great fun pretending to pick up the canons  that were present.

Did you know the fort is now predominantly used as a filming location? One of the shows to be set here include BBC’s series Taboo.

Stonehenge

I think this was my daughter’s most favourite place as there was a great amount of space for her to safely run around. It was amazing to experience such history and everything was very well organised. We began at the exhibition centre, got our timed tickets to go to the stones and had a little picnic first. 

There are little huts for you to explore just outside the centre representing the way people lived around 1500 years ago. Everything was very interactive with replicas of the stones that people carried with just the help of their shoulders to give you an idea how they managed back then.

Once your time for the stones arrives, you can either walk it there or take the bus. We took the bus as we didn’t want to overwhelm Aazeen. Reaching the actual stones, you can spend as much time as possible, even have a picnic there whilst listening to the history of each stone if you please on your devices. 

On our return from the stones, we visited the exhibition, learning more about the history.

Audley End House and Gardens

Definitely one of my favourite places to visit! Not only was the house and gardens so beautiful to explore but at each turn you would have people in character so it really felt like you were in the 19th century. My most favourite part was meeting Mrs Crocombe who was acting out as a Victorian cook in the kitchen – actually making real treats for you to indulge in!

Normally when you visit such places, there are restrictions understandably for what you can and cannot touch. But at Audley End House nursery you are actually able to play with the toys and games that children from all those years ago had played with.

Aazeen exceptionally loved the rocking horse! It felt so surreal being able get so involved with history. 

Did you know that Audley End House is one of the locations where The Crown season one was filmed? I’m a big fan of the series so it really felt amazing recognising the rooms from the show.

Eltham Palace and Gardens

We visited on a cold wintery rainy day in December so couldn’t do much in the gardens but the palace itself was beautiful to explore, it really did feel like a cross between medieval and modern.

We had planned to visit more places but life and the great old British weather got in the way and then COVID19 sprung about. Overall, we really enjoyed our year with English Heritage, being able to get out more as well as learning at the same. I will definitely be looking to renewing our membership.

One of the things that I would love to do is take considerable amount of time off work and go on a road trip throughout England towards the north, visiting as much of heritage sites as possible! Wouldn’t that be lovely!

Would I recommend for children?

Yes, definitely!

Aazeen was just 2 and half years old during our time with English Heritage. At many of the places, English Heritage have set out activities for children as well as playgrounds for them to play in. For the activities, Aazeen was too young but I feel when there is open space that is enough for children to enjoy which she really did.

You can for sure make great family days out of it.

Have you been to any of these places?

Would you be interested in a complete photo diary of our English Heritage adventures?