USEFUL ENGLAND LINKS

American Museum in Britain W: The museum shows life in America through a series of period rooms from 1700 - 1865.  American quilts and textiles. Shaker Room. Extensive grounds and an American Arboretum. Living History events.  Workshops. Kids activities. Café.

Amusement Parks in England List - click here

Aquarium of the Lakes NW: Naturally themed habitats of the Lake District featuring the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish. See otters, British sharks and a variety of British mammals including harvest mice, bank voles and brown rats! Discover our underwater tunnel featuring giant carp and diving ducks. Coffee shop and gift shops.

Arundel Castle S: Founded in 1067 when William the Conqueror ruled, and still the family home to the Dukes of Norfolk, the Castle has a fascinating history linked with Royal intrigue.  The stunning architecture and interiors reflect the changes of a thousand years.

Ashmolean Museum Oxford M: Britain's Oldest Public Museum, the Ashmolean is currently undergoing a £61 million redevelopment. Award-winning architect Rick Mather has designed a new building to replace all but the Grade I listed Cockerell building. His design will double the existing gallery space, allow environmental control, and create a dedicated Education Centre and conservation facilities.

Assembly Rooms/Museum of Costume W: The Museum of Costume holds one of the finest collections of original garments in the world, with nearly 200 dressed figures on display.  Housed in Bath's fine 18^th century Assembly Rooms, it also offers new special exhibitions each year. Open daily, closed 25/26 December.

Avon Ski and Action Centre W: Rain or shine, summer or winter the action never stops at the Avon Ski & Action Centre. In a scenic woodland setting on the edge of the glorious Mendip hills, the centre is reminiscent of a genuine alpine resort with magnificent views and a range of activities to suit everyone.

Avebury Stone Circle W: Originally erected 4,500 years ago, many of the stones were located and re-erected in the 1930s by Alexander Keiller. The Circles and henge encircle part of the village.

Basildon Park S:  18th-century country house set in extensive parkland. Grand 18th-century Palladian mansion. Fine collection of paintings, furniture and textiles. Saved from ruin and lovingly restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s. Glorious parkland overlooking the River Thames. Graham Sutherland studies for 'Christ in Glory' tapestry hanging in Coventry Cathedral.

Bass Museum - Beer N: Tours of the main Coors brewery and packaging plant Tuesdays-Thursdays. A brewery rep. guides the tour, which is approx. one hour long and includes one pint sampling. Groups are catered for, and dining packages are also available. Advance booking is required. £7-95 (1 pint sampling). To book tour - call 0845 6000 598.

Battle Abbey and 1066 Battlefield S: The battlefield and abbey were purchased for the nation in 1976 with a generous gift from the US. Among the many other attractions at the site is the Discovery Centre, a fun, activity-based exhibition. It's available to booked school groups and is open to families on weekends and throughout school holidays. There's also an exhibition, 'The Prelude to Battle', a children's themed outdoor play area, a battlefield and abbey audio tour and a superb gift shop.

Beatrix Potter Gallery/World NW: Come & see Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs. Tiggy-winkle and all their friends at the definitive Beatrix Potter Attraction in the English Lake District.

Beaulieu Abbey & Natl. Motor Museum S: Beaulieu, one of the South of England’s top day visitor attractions, is set in the heart of the New Forest, the UK’s newest National Park. Beaulieu is a guaranteed great family day out with lots for everyone to enjoy including the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House, home of the Montagu family, and historic Beaulieu Abbey.

Beckford Silk Workshops:  W: Beckford Silk was started in 1975 by James and Marthe Gardner, at their home in the centre of the village. Their original idea was to make things, by hand, in the countryside, very much the same idea that had inspired the Arts & Craft movement to set up workshops in Chipping Campden and other local villages at the beginning of the last century.

Belmont SE: An elegant C18th house in fine gardens and parkland with beautiful views  ..

Belvoir Castle M:  Come and and enjoy a wonderful day out at Belvoir Castle. Our hilltop setting commands stunning views over the Vale of Belvoir and with glorious gardens and fascinating magical castle to explore, there’s something for everyone at our family home. Events take place in the castle and park every weekend during our opening season, such as Steam Festival, Napoleonic Wars, Medieval Jousting, Teddy Bears Picnics, Family Days, Morris Dancing and Open Air Concerts and Theatre.

Bignor Roman Villa S: Discovered in 1811 when George Tupper, whilst ploughing his field, struck a large stone believed to have been the piscina in the Ganymede room. As with most Roman villas, the site evolved over several centuries. The site contains some of the best preserved Roman mosaics in England, including the remains of the north corridor mosaic which extends some 79ft (24m).

Birdoswald Roman Fort Black Country Living Museum M: Birdoswald Roman Fort has one of the most impressive locations for a Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall. Set on a high spur overlooking the River Irthing the views are spectacular and it becomes very clear why the Romans built a fort on the site.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses M:  The Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses, in the United Kingdom, are a 15 acre oasis of delight. Designed by J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher, they opened to subscribers in 1832. Today, you will find beauty, peace and tranquility combined with excellent visitor facilities for all the family.

Blackwell Arts and Crafts House NW:  Blackwell was designed by Arts and Crafts architect M H Baillie Scott as a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt, a brewer from Manchester who was twice Lord Mayor. Completed in 1900 this house is of international importance, standing at the crossroads of Victorian design and modern architecture of the 20th century. It is all the more remarkable that so much of the original interior decoration has survived intact.

Blue Planet Aquarium NW: Explore one of the World's longest aquatunnels .. How often do you get the chance the meet a 10ft long sand tiger shark? Well you can at Blue Planet Aquarium, home to one of Europe's largest collections of sharks ...

Boat Museum: N: The Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port has one of the world's largest floating collection of traditional canal craft. They include narrowboats, canal barges, river barges, canal and river tugs, icebreakers and a coaster. You can go aboard many of them and see what working and living conditions were like for the crews and often their families.

Bolsover Castle N: Set on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover Castle enjoys panoramic views over the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Children will love the fairytale Little Castle, designed as a fantasy entertainment house with magnificent wall paintings. Visit the indoor Riding House where William, Duke of Newcastle indulged his passion for training horses in balletic movement. Wander round the beautiful Venus Garden, with its secluded love seats, 23 statues and fountain which plays again for the first time in centuries.

Bolton Abbey N:  Bolton Abbey is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Wharfe. With just under 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside, over 80 miles of footpaths and ample space to run around and enjoy the fresh air, there is something for all ages. Explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history and legend, wander along the riverside, woodland and moorland paths ..

Bolton Castle - N. Yorkshire N:  Bolton Castle is a spectacular mediaeval fortress, preserved in outstanding condition and situated in the heart of Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Completed in 1399, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of history, including being besieged during the Civil War in 1645 and Mary, Queen of Scots’ imprisonment in 1569. The castle was built by Sir Richard Le Scrope, Lord Chancellor of England and 1st Lord Scrope of Bolton. It has never been sold and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, Sir Richard le Scrope’s direct descendant.

Bosworth Battlefield M: Journey through Medieval England in the interactive exhibition, witness the horrors of medieval warfare in the Battle Room and then test your skills as an archaeologist, in the BFI Science Laboratory.

Boughton House M:  The transformation of Boughton from a 15th Century Monastic building into one of the great houses of Europe 250 years later is a colourful story best illustrated by the rich variety of the architecture and the superb quality of the contents. The impressive North front with its classical French lines gives Boughton the appearance of a complete Chateau on arrival at the main entrance, but this masks a characteristically English structure of almost village-like proportions.

Bourton Model Railway W:  Enter the world of your childhood dreams with some of the finest operating indoor model railway layouts in the country, covering over 500 square feet. Over 40 British and Continental trains run automatically on three main displays of OO/HO and N gauge, with the unique attraction of visitor control.

Bowes Museum N:  The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum offers a fascinating experience for all the family. Enjoy the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England and an acclaimed exhibition programme, alongside special events and children’s activities.

Bowood House W:  Purchased by the 1st Earl of Shelburne (1705–1761) in the mid 18th century, Bowood House and Gardens have been improved by successive generations up to the present day. Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed, including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, ‘Capability’ Brown, C.R. Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry. A visitor to Bowood today will see fine 18th-century architecture and splendid interiors.

Brantwood NW: Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, is the most beautifully situated house in the Lake District. Explore Brantwood’s estate and gardens or experience contemporary art in the Severn Studio. Family fun with house and garden trails and activities for the children. Brantwood’s bookshop, the Jumping Jenny restaurant and Coach House Craft Gallery combine for a perfect day out!

Bredon Pottery W: Tony and Sue Davies make a range of decorated earthenware pottery at their workshop in Bredon.
Their pottery is fresh and lively and, as you can see, suits many styles of living. It looks good in the simplicity of a shaker style kitchen or in the more relaxed and homely style of a farmhouse interior.

Brewery Arts - Crafts Centre W:  Gloucestershire’s hub of visual and performing arts and crafts – inspiring learning and culture for the enrichment of all, regardless of age, ability or privilege.  A centre for exellence, a must for any visitor to Cirencester. We aim to make your visit an enjoyable and memorable experience  - be it taking in an exhibition, visiting the resident makers in one of our 12 world class craft studios, enrolling in one of our many classes, enjoying a performance, selecting that special gift in our gallery shop or having lunch in our café.

Bristol Aero Collection W:  The Bristol Aero Collection is a museum dedicated to the preservation and display of artefacts of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, and its sister companies. On display are aircraft, engines, missiles, spacecraft, road transport and many more items designed and built in Bristol in the last century.

British Empire & Commonwealth Museum  W:  The award winning British Empire & Commonwealth Museum is the first major institution in the United Kingdom to present the 500-year history and legacy of Britain's overseas empire. It is housed inside Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 19th century railway station at Temple Meads, Bristol, the world's first purpose-built passenger railway terminus and an integral link using Brunel's railway and ships to connect the heart of the empire, London, with Britain's overseas colonies and America.

Bronte Parsonage Museum N: Haworth Parsonage, with its moorland setting, was home and inspiration to The Brontës, the world’s most famous literary family, and this homely Georgian house still retains the atmosphere of the Brontës time, along with displays of personal treasures and clothing. Experience the tragic, romantic and fascinating lives of three of the best loved women novelists in English Literature.

Buckland Abbey SW:  700-year-old buildings, which were home to Elizabethan seafarers Drake and Grenville, set in the beautiful Tavy Valley. Home of Elizabethan seafarer Sir Francis Drake. Explore 700 years of history through interactive displays. Secluded location in beautiful Tavy Valley. Rumoured to be haunted by Drake and accompanying 'hell hounds'.

Burghley House E:  One of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age, built and mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587, the main part of the House has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors. More than 80 lesser rooms and numerous halls, corridors, bathrooms and service areas, the lead roof extends 3/4 acre. its' restoration and rebuilding began in 1983 taking nearly ten years to complete. Orangery Restaurant, Gift Shop, Gardens of Surprise and beautiful walks around the parkland laid out by Capability Brown with a herd of fallow deer.

Burton Constable Hall: N:  Burton Constable is a large Elizabethan mansion set in a 300 acre park with nearly 30 rooms open to the public. The interiors of faded splendour are filled with fine furniture, paintings and sculpture, a library of 5,000 books and a remarkable 18th century ‘cabinet of curiosities' which contains fossils, natural history specimens and the most important collection of scientific instruments to be found in any country house. Occupied by the Constable family for over 400 years, the house still maintains the atmosphere of a home.

Canterbury Cathedral SE: The website of Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Cathedral is both a holy place and part of a World Heritage Site.

Canterbury Roman Museum SE:  The Roman Museum is underground at the level of the Roman town. It's an exciting mix of excavated real objects: authentic reconstructions; and preserved remains of a Roman town house with its famous mosaics.

Canterbury Royal Museum/Art Gallery SE:  The art gallery is the major space in the area for the visual arts, with exhibitions of both contemporary and historical work. The Buffs Museum tells the story of one of England's oldest infantry regiments and its worldwide service, with an extensive display of medals with Victoria Crosses and other gallantry awards.

Ceramica: M: Ceramica revitalises the Old Town Hall of Burslem into unique visitor attraction exploring the past and future of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent.

Charlecote Park W: A splendid, expansive house Charlecote is both historically and architecturally significant, and is still inhabited by descendants of the Lucy family. The present house, was undertaken by Thomas Lucy (later to become Sir Thomas Lucy), whose family had owned property there since the 12th century. Shakespeare connections, lovely gardens.

Charles Dickens' Birthplace S:  The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, England in 1812. The house has miraculously survived and is now preserved as a museum furnished in the style of 1809 which is when John and Elizabeth Dickens set up the first home of their married life there.

Chasewater Railway  N: The Railway operates heritage steam and diesel trains on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the year, most Saturdays and certain weekdays throughout the summer and is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the major visitor attractions within the Walsall, Lichfield & Cannock areas. With its policy of low-cost fares and membership fees, it offers excellent value for money for railway enthusiasts and other visitors alike.

Chatsworth House - Derbyshire N: Home of Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, open daily until 21 December 2005. The park, farm shop and restaurant open all year round. In the house see the grandest rooms filled with examples of superb craftsmanship and treasures collected over five centuries. The famous garden has spectacular waterworks and you are welcome to walk, picnic and play here and in the surrounding park. Farmyard & adventure playground welcome young visitors and families and has special activities throughout the season. The best shopping, food and drink complete your visit.

Chedworth Roman Villa W: Over one mile of walls survives and there are several fine mosaics, two bathhouses, hypocausts, a water-shrine and latrine. Set in a wooded Cotswold combe, the site was excavated in 1864 and still has a Victorian atmosphere. The museum houses objects from the villa and a 15-minute audio-visual presentation gives visitors an insight into the history of this fascinating place.

Cheltenham Race Course:  W: The jewel in Jump racing's crown plays host to the best jumping action in the world from 350 spectacular acres in the lee of the beautiful Cotswold hills. Whether you're here on a crisp bright October day or a balmy evening in May, you'll feel that unmistakeable Cheltenham magic. The racing, the setting, the tradition and history ... an experience you'll never forget.

Cheshire Falconry:  M: A national birds of prey centre, the leading falconry centre in the northwest of England offering an aviary display every day ....

Cinderbury Iron Age Farm W: Closed but hopefully will reopen soon - see this site for an update  ...

Compton Verney M: A Grade-1 listed mansion house designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s, set in more than 120 acres of classical parkland landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. When the Peter Moores Foundation bought Compton Verney in 1993, the house and grounds were in a state of decay after decades of neglect. A Trust was established to transform the mansion into a gallery of international standard where visitors can enjoy art in a welcoming, accessible environment.

Corinium Museum W:   Step through a triumphal arch to arrive in Corinium; second largest city in Roman Britain, population c. 15, 000. Experience life as a Roman. Marvel at the stunning mosaics.  Dress as a Roman soldier. Explore their engineering and artistry. Recommended by Christopher Ruddick ..

Costume Museum - Bath W: Assembly Rooms, Bath  - The finest museum of fashionable dress in the world.  More than 150 figures in original garments on display. Special exhibition for 2005, ‘Jane Austen: Film and Fashion’ featuring costumes from well known TV and film adaptations. Open daily, closed 25 & 26 Dec.

Cotswold Heritage Centre M: Now closed, but see site for update ..

Cotswold Motor Museum: W: Located in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fascinating journey through the 20th Century. Though the main focus is on motoring, the Museum is full of the everyday paraphernalia that made motoring so popular including picnic sets from the 1920s, alongside caravans, radio sets, gramophones and knitted swimsuits.

Coventry Cathedral M:  Welcome! The Dean and Canons are delighted to welcome visitors to Coventry Cathedral.  We are an internationally-renowned centre, welcoming groups from all over the globe, and are keen to help you make the most of your visit here.

Coventry Transport Museum  M:  Coventry is the birthplace of the British cycle and motor industry, and the Museum displays the world’s largest collection of British road transport, including 240 cars, commercial vehicles and buses, 100 motorcycles, over 200 cycles and around a million archive and ephemera items. Admission is free.

Denbies Vineyard SE:  Denbies English Vineyard is situated in Dorking,Surrey.  An all weather destination,  the "Indoor Wine Experience" tours operate all year, the Outdoor Vineyard Train runs daily from March - October.

Denby Pottery  N: Enjoy a day out at Denby in the heart of Derbyshire. Our Visitor Centre is next to the Pottery in a cobbled courtyard with award winning shops, pottery tours, free daily cookery demonstrations and regular events.  

Didcot Railway Centre M: See our unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and small relics; and a recreation of Brunel's broad gauge railway. Join us in our rural setting based around the original 1930s engine shed.

Disabled Information List - Click here to go to a list of sites with useful information for those with disabilities ....

Domestic Fowl Trust M: A great family day out and one of the best UK farm parks for rare breed Chickens, Ducks and Geese. Rare breed visitor information centre, Childrens playground, Rare Breeds Farm Park, The Speckled Hen Tea Rooms, Chicken houses & poultry supplies, Gift shop with "chicken" related gifts. Advice on keeping chickens.

Dudson Museum - Pottery M: The Dudson Group was founded by Richard Dudson in 1800 in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Over the years the company has produced a wide variety of domestic ware, including Staffordshire Figures and Jasper Ware, turning its’ full attention to the rapidly expanding world of travel and hospitality in 1891.

Duncombe Park N:  Amongst Yorkshire’s most amazing historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from elegant rooms and the spectacular gardens to the finest shopping, food and drink and many miles of walks in the parkland. The home of Lord and Lady Feversham is set in the magnificent landscape of North Yorkshire just a stone throw away from the North York Moors.

Dunham Massey Hall NW: Mansion with important collections and fascinating 'below stairs' area, set in a large country estate and deer park, with a rich and varied garden. Finest collection of Huguenot silver in Britain. Ancient herd of fallow deer in a stunning 101-hectare (250-acre) park. Scandal and romance retold in fascinating guided-tours. Majestic trees and richly planted borders – one of the North West's great gardens.

Dunkirk Mill Centre M:  A waterwheel drives some of the historic "finishing" machinery that we demonstrate there. The Trust also run the Weaving Shed at Gigg Mill, Nailsworth where visitors can experience handloom weaving before watching demonstrations of the flying shuttle and a power loom. Plus two other historic mills: St Mary’s has a large waterwheel and a Tangye steam engine, Stanley gives demonstrations of carding machinery and spinning mules in a grade 1 listed building. Guided walks and lectures on the woollen industry of the area.

Duxford Airfield Imperial War Museum M: Retains its wartime atmosphere and many of its planes still fly. Biplanes, Spitfires, Concorde are among the 180 historic aircraft on show, complemented by our annual Air Shows.