History isn’t all dusty old books and stuffy museums. Britain is jam-packed with cultural jewels, which offer the entire family a unique living history lesson. So why not make family outings a learning experience as well as a jolly jaunt? We’ve picked out four of the best destinations for day or weekend trips for time travellers of all ages.
1066 Country, Sussex
You know the date, but how much do you really know about the world famous Battle of Hastings? No prior knowledge is necessary for a leisurely drive or stroll through the south-easterly region of England. The spectacular coastal or country roads are littered with relics and ruins from the Norman invasion. The thriving market town of Battle is home to the very spot where King Harold fell during the fateful conflict. Additionally, the quiet village of Burwash hosts Rudyard Kipling’s house ‘Batemans’. Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet can be seen in Hastings & St Leonards. Must sees include the 1066 Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey and Hastings Castle. Go in August for the medieval festival at Herstmonceux Castle or October for Hastings Week and the re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey. More
Inverness, The Scottish Highlands
You’d be forgiven for forming a first impression of Inverness as a modern town with few signs of antiquity. Its history, on the other hand, is steeped in conflict. Clan Donald burned the town at least seven times, while Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces destroyed the fort here in 1745. Inverness Castle, dating from the 1830s, is a castellated prominent gothic-style building in red sandstone. It’s now the setting of the Castle Garrison Encounter, a permanent exhibition which tells the life of an 18th-century soldier. Nearby, the River Ness flows through the heart of the city, its many islands providing a beautiful haven from the bustle of the city centre (a series of Victorian style suspension bridges link the riverbank to the Ness Islands). More
Ellesmere, Shropshire
Little has changed in this pretty market town since ancient Britons set up camp alongside the magnificent glacial river Mere. Coastal walks, fishing and boating still thrive here, thanks to the many visitors who come to admire the view. There’s been a market held (each Tuesday) in the town since 1221, when the first market charter was granted by Henry III. Notch up more history points with a visit to Whittington Castle, or go in September for the Battle of Blore Heath Re-enactment at Market Drayton. During the summer months the town comes alive with the Ellesmere Triathlon, the Regatta and the Carnival (June, July and August respectively). More
Framlingham, Suffolk
The picturesque castle market town set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside was once the capital of East Anglia, dominated by the 12th century castle where Mary Tudor heard she had become Queen of England. Visitors can walk around the battlements, which give a wonderful view over the countryside; concerts and re-enactments of past battles take place frequently between May to September. The 15th-century Church of St Michael, in the town centre, is of considerable importance, containing the tomb of the Howards, one of the historically powerful families at the English court. More
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