Dyrham Park
Dyrham, near Bath, Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY
This 17th-century ancient deer park, manor house and land are the home to a wealth of British history. The first lord of the original manor is reported to be William Denys, who was given the royal licence to empark 500 acres of land from Henry VIII. Amongst Dyrham Park’s vast collection of art and historical artefacts include the original royal licence with a rare intact Henry VIII seal. Dyrham Parkas we know it today was largely due to William Blathwayt, who acquired the house from his wife, Mary Wynter. It has seen residents come and go over the years with a rich WWII heritage. Fans of nature and the outdoors will enjoy the spectacular views and nature on the grounds.
For more information and booking, visit the National Trust website.
Prior Park
Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5AH
This 18th-century Georgian idyllic landscape boasts one of only four Palladian bridges in the world. Prior Park Gardens were originally commissioned by a local famous entrepreneur, postmaster and later MP for Bath, Ralph Allen. Allen had contributions from ‘capability’ Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. The grounds itself has numerous hidden gems to discover and explore such as the ice house and summer house. Prior Park is also currently undergoing significant conservation, meaning that visitors get to witness once-in-a-lifetime inner workings of preserving architectural history.
For more information and booking, visit the National Trust website.
Sir Bevil Grenville’s Monument
Battlefields, Bath, BA1 9DD
The 18th-century monument is dedicated to Royalist Civil War commander, Sir Bevil Grenville, who fell and died in combat on this spot, on July 5th 1643 in the Battle of Lansdowne. The monument itself was erected by Grenville’s grandson, George Granville in 1720, and was given Grade II listed building status in February 1950. As well as the monument itself, the beautiful scenery is the perfect location for a morning or afternoon ramble.
For more information and booking, visit the National Trust website.
Stoney Littleton Long Barrow
Wellow, Somerset, BA2 8NR
Created as a possible burial site for higher status members of the community, Stoney Littleton Long Barrow is one of the country’s very first example of a Neolithic chambered tomb that is still accessible today. Current estimates put the long barrow as being from around 3500BC and 30 metres – 100ft- long. Inside are multiple burial chambers. People have speculated that as well as a burial site, Stoney Littleton Long Barrow was used as a shrine. However, records tell us that from the 18th century, the site has been ransacked multiple times, removing any evidence of its original features.
For more information and booking, visit the National Trust website.
Farleigh Hungerford Castle
A366, Farleigh Hungerford, Bath BA2 7RS
Constructed between 1377 – 1383, the grand medieval Hungerford Castle was family home to Sir Thomas Hungerford and family for centuries over the course of English history. Hungerford Castle has seen many disasters and scandals over the years, evidence of which can still be seen form this day. The castle and its inhabitants became key pieces during some of England’s most famous eras: The War of the Roses, the Tudor dynasty, and the English Civil War. Ownership has passed hands many times throughout time, with a piece of its rich history being removed at each stage. However, in 1987, ownership was given to English Heritage who continue to preserve Hungerford Castle’s history and legacy for generations to come.
For more information and booking, visit the English Heritage website.