England Free Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities Guide

featuring a permanent collection of contemporary art and a programme of exhibitions of modern works from artists around the world

large, world-class museum with spectacular glass-roofed Great Court and extensive galleries containing some of the world's greatest treasures

a treasure chest of art, design and artefacts spanning some 3000 years.

magnificent building housing 80 million specimens from across the natural world, arranged in four zones around a giant central hall

major international art gallery with more than 2,300 European paintings, dating from the 13th to the early 20th century, housing several iconic masterpieces

well-presented railway museum, largest in the world, with a wide-ranging appeal beyond the railway enthusiast

famous for its interactive exhibits, this museum has seven floors of exhibits covering the development of science and technology

miles of trails in this mixed woodland, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders with stunning viewpoints, picnic and BBQ areas

This is the iconic Liverpool waterfront landmark with the buildings known as The Three Graces and the popular Beatles sculpture.

former dock at the heart of Liverpool, now rejuvenated with shops and restaurants as well as The Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and Merseyside Maritime Museum

museum of art and archeology, founded in 1683, with world famous collections from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art

covering a wide range of artists including Botticelli, Turner and Monet, all beautifully displayed with state of the art lighting

collections covering fine art, decorative art, Egyptology, coins, manuscripts, natural history, social history and South Asia with hands on interactive displays for children

Six miles of traditional festoons, tableaux and interactive features along the Promenade, commonly known as the greatest free light show on Earth!

situated in the beautiful parkland of the Blaise Estate at Henbury, the Museum is housed in a late eighteenth century mansion. Here you can see all sorts of familiar - and not so familiar - items from homes through history

from minerals and fossils to a representation of a Cornish kitchen, WWII, the fire service, wildlife and law and order

dating back to the twelfth century with a long and turbulent history with excellent stone carvings and medieval stained glass windows

situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge, containing information about the competition to design the bridge, its construction and completion and how it is maintained today

the mills date from the eighteenth century and the story of how cotton changed our lives is told through interactive displays

Durdle Door in Dorset is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, renowned for its striking geological formation and picturesque, scenic coastal walks.

the Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain, around 350 still live free on Exmoor

explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

an historic park in the heart of suburban Newcastle. It is a peaceful haven for residents, visitors and wildlife alike

Explore Liverpool’s fascinating, diverse history, from port to sport, in this modern, purpose-built waterfront museum.

go 140m underground to England's last deep coal mine, with 14 galleries to explore and blacksmiths to chat to and an adventure playground for children

plantsman's paradise containing over 2.400 different choice varieties of herbaceous perennials arranged into areas with different growing conditions to provide inspiration to gardeners whatever their soil and aspect

the oldest and smallest college founded in 1284, with charm and character. The main hall is a bona fide 13th century

experience 200 years of transport history walking down a 1940’s high street, board a tram or enjoy the pleasures of the carriage ride

striking contemporary art gallery, on site of JMW Turner's guest house, with high-calibre exhibitions and stunning sea views

set in a former Victorian sewerage works with displays of beam engines, showcasing Leicester's industrial, technological and scientific heritage

facilities include children and teenage play area, boating lake, roller skating rink, visitor centre and cafe, fishing platforms and sports facilities

the collection includes banknotes, coins, silver, books, documents etc with interactive displays bringing the whole story to life

185 acres of extensive conifer woods and moorland with forest walks and viewpoints including a summit of 266m above sea leavel

Excellent preserved ancient villages, with an excellent example of an underground stone-walled passage, known as a ‘fogou'

from majestic reservoirs, quiet forests and wild open spaces there is something for everyone to explore in the Upper Derwent Valley

Enjoy the varied programme of exhibitions, films and events. Relax in the new cafe with outdoor balcony seating and find fresh and fun new products in the shop. There is also a children's events programme

Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, with its iconic tower, offers panoramic views, rich mythological associations, and a captivating history linked to Arthurian legends.

encompassing a programme that includes new commissions, historical presentations, survey exhibitions, and long-term research projects

beauty spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor with spectacular cascades and a number of well defined walking trails and teeming with wildlife

explore, discover and experience Great St Mary's with a guided or self guided tour of church. Climb the 123 steps of the tower to see the panoramic views across Cambridge. Learning events also aimed at children

a public exhibition space for contemporary art, fashion, design and photography, featuring established and emerging artists, designers and creative practitioners

set in Kensington Gardens, this seasonal gallery showcases an innovative programme from contemporary creatives from across the world

The Scott Polar Research Institute's Museum holds a collection of artefacts, paintings, drawings, photographs (including cinematographic film, lantern slides, and Daguerreotypes), and other material

immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur

Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play

dedicated to the conservation and production of new work by artists from the earliest stages of their careers with sister venues in Finland and America

stunning gardens encompassing the ruins of the abbey with different themed sections including a herb garden and children's play area. An ideal spot for a picnic

Blackburn's cathedral since 1926, this church dates from much earlier, & includes a Georgian nave, sculptures by John Hayward & some splendid windows

a traditional park with open spaces, attractive floral bedding and a recently updated children's play area

850 acres of natural parkland surrounding the ruins of Bradgate house, home of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 day Queen of England. Also featuring extensive wildlife

admire the panoramic vista across the water and the wide variety of wildlife from the Wildlife Centre reached by a boardwalk

covers the history of Bude and the surrounding area, including natural history, maritime and industrial heritage, and development of tourism

constructed about 3000 BC, one of the earliest stone circles in Britain having commanding views over the surrounding countryside

dating from the 13th Century and built in the decorated gothic style with the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulting in the world

multi-award winning gallery featuring works by Old Masters, major Victorian artists, British Impressionists and contemporary painters

awarded the national Green Flag Award, a peaceful garden left as a legacy from the Fox family including many varied species

explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back, discovering the unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest on the way

founded in 1946, the institute aims to encourage contemporary art in its widest form with ever-changing exhibitions and performances

400 acres country park surrounding one of the highest hills in the area - which may have had religious significance in prehistoric times

bought in 1888 for the princely sum of £3,120. Originally created in 1841, they are now home to a surprising variety of plants, shrubs and trees

one of the largest folk museums in the South West, reflecting the social and industrial past of The Lizard Peninsula with regular art exhibitions

housed in one of the old warehouses, this museum covers the history of London's port and its role in the development of a great trading nation

spanning some 450 acres, and home of the legendary Robin Hood, the forest offers something for everyone of all ages and abilities

cliff-nesting seabird colony, with 3 viewing points giving superb views of the colony and on a clear day the Isle of Man is visible

founded by the sugar magnate, Sir Henry Tate, this fine art gallery boasts paintings and sculpture from the 16th-19th century

The Tate Liverpool is the home of modern art in the North with four floors of 20th century artists as well as visiting exhibitions.

18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level multi use trail which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow

tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames with a beautiful gypsy caravan and preserved turbine machinery

set in Honiton's oldest building with one of the most comprehensive collections of Honiton Lace in the world with examples from 16th 20th Century

200 acre Victorian Park on the South side of the Thames with a children's play area and children's zoo and a small gallery

this pioneering virtual museum has been designed over the past two years to substitute the large, centrally-located museum building, with programming initiatives from the imaginative use of the distinctive and growing museum collection

situated on Nottingham's urban fringe this 450 acre park is made up of pleasant grassland & secluded woods with many beautiful mill lakes and many picnic spots throughout

country park set in 120 acres with a network of paths leading through wetland and wildflower meadows

natural landscape - dramatic clifftop with far-reaching views - levelled circular walking trails - breathtaking coastal landscape - hotel & inn nearby

Borough Market in London is a bustling, historic food market, offering a diverse array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and international cuisine.

tropical and traditional planting with stunning views fo the sea and estuary, shell grottoes and an Edwardian bandstand

Hampstead Heath in London offers expansive green spaces, stunning city views from Parliament Hill, swimming ponds, and a mix of natural and landscaped beauty.

Hyde Park in London is a vast, historic green space known for its Serpentine Lake, Speaker's Corner, and numerous memorials, concerts, and recreational activities.

museum with large collection covering all aspects of military actions and wartime life, mainly during the 20th century

iconic narrow cobbled lane, lined with picturesque overhanging Tudor buildings on either side, one of York's most photographed locations

180 The Strand is an iconic Brutalist building which aims to foster and connect creatives, entrepreneurs, dynamic thinkers and cultural explorers

once an important and wealthy monastery and part of the Benedictine order who were renowned for their tradition of hospitality

17th century Baroque building, former county hall, now housing local museum containing exhibits on local history and archaeological displays as well as a programme of different exhibitions throughout the year

11 acres if gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. The history of the ruined 18th Century house is depicted in the Gate House Museum

a prehistoric monument that was started in the Neolithic period, probably between 3,000 and 2,500 BC, consisting of 42 stones in a 40-meter diameter circle

this is a unique 18C flour mill standing on the "Isle" of Widmore. The mill was restored in 1958 to a working condition , with further renovations in 1979

telling the story of the local people and with a wealth of temporary art exhibitions. The museum section also holds artefacts from the ancient Egyptians

the house dates back to the early fifteenth century and has had many refurbishments down the centuries, the museum portrays the history of the local fenland and the spacious gardens include an eighteenth century ice house

modern museum in canal-side location covering Banbury's local history and its canal heritage

remains of an ancient Iron Age village in a scenic setting which was inhabited for some for 500 years

visitors can admire the remains of an Iron Age fort which is situated in a fine example of chalk grassland, running alongside is the Ridgeway National Trail

enjoy the picturesque views of the Dart Valley from the remains of this small Tudor artillery fort

impressive ruins set in attractive grounds designed by Humphry Repton

grand historic building on Canterbury's High Street, housing library, tourist office, café and a small museum

set on the north side of the River Blyth with a picnic area and children's play area, as well as pleasant horse and nature trails. The park covers 57 hectares of woodland and grassland.

amenities include tennis courts, putting and bowls set with impressive views over the South Downs

set at a point where the River Derwent is at its widest with all manner of bird life including swans, herons, Canada geese and a variety of ducks and moorhens. Location of a number of film and TV productions

these extensive remains were once an 11C motte-&-bailey castle built by William of Normandy's half brother

the remains of a medieval castle crucial to Anglo-Scottish warfare, superseded by the most complete and breathtakingly impressive bastioned town defences in England

one of the great glories of English religious architecture, this most impressive church boasts 14th Century stone carvings, notably of musicians

housed in a historic and unusual 18th century Butcher's Shambles, providing a fascinating insight into the growth and trades of the town, the lives of its people and local crafts

consisting mainly of buildings surrounding a moat. The Great Hall is a three story building & Dower House is furnished as a 19C farmhouse

Built in about 1500, this is the oldest surviving half-timbered house in Sheffield. giving visitors a tantalising flavour of Tudor and Stuart England. A true hidden gem, tucked away at the top of Meersbrook Park with a stunning view of the city

this fortified farmhouse with thick stone walls, of a type distinctive to the troubled 16th-century Anglo-Scottish borders with the living quarters only accessible at first-floor level

visitors can enjoy the lake, arboretum, woodland & adventure trails & the chance to go horse riding in this attractive complex of country parks

blacksmith's forge - cobbler's shop - last 400 years display - WWI and WWII memorabilia - Victorian child's playroom - musical instruments - local archeology and palaeontology

Originally opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens are bursting with floral splendour and colourful displays. Winding through the park is the garden’s lake and a multitude of pathways

with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the modern day ,the permanent displays and regular exhibitions illustrate every aspect of local life and have something to interest all members of the family

situated in the old station building - displays a varied collection reflecting the history of the town & area - exhibits include the remains of a 16th century pottery kiln, a GWR Brake Van & mine artefacts

massive ruins of Henry II's 12th-century tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman fort guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines

located in a Methodist chapel, the centre contains a selection of natural history displays covering a range of topics, including geology, archaeology, vegetation & wildlife

housed in a former bakehouse - museum chronicles the history of the area from early beginnings - maritime heritage also on display - local railway history - local writer Henry Williamson - field & agricultural collection

set in a medieval building and retaining many original features, this museum concentrates on artefacts and local history

Camden Market in London is a vibrant hub of eclectic stalls, unique crafts, global street food, and a lively atmosphere, appealing to diverse tastes.

a lovely example of Victorian Gothic with many symbolic items to be found in the Hidden Nature Trail within the cathedral

the only medieval building in the City containing architecture from 15th to 20th Century and housing magnificent Tudor memorials and striking stained glass

housing the unique stained glass museum and dominating the surrounding low lying countryside, Ely Cathedral is a medieval masterpiece

this country park includes a picnic area, forest walks & wildlife observation.

Greenwich Park in London, a Royal Park, offers stunning views, rich maritime history, the Prime Meridian line, and the Royal Observatory, in a historic setting.

largest, best-preserved of several mysterious tunnels associated with Iron Age settlements, thought to date from 5th or 4th century BC

housed in the former Higgins & Sons Brewery within the picturesque gardens of Bedford Castle, the collections reflect the human and natural history of Bedford and the surrounding area

a clever combination of personally chosen artworks collected during the 20th century reflecting the taste of Jim Ede, curator at the Tate in London

built in the 16th Century as a coastal defence, the long steep walk is well worth the effort for the views

climb the battlements for impressive views from the remains of this 13th Century round tower and keep

gain an insight into the areas rich heritage with an interpretation centre fro the Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site