Military History Guide

Caernarfon Castle in North Wales is a mighty medieval fortress built by Edward I. With polygonal towers and commanding views, it symbolises royal power and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Tower of London is a historic fortress on the Thames, famed for its role as a royal palace, prison and treasury. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and centuries of history within its ancient walls.

Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbeek immerses visitors in the Battle of Arnhem with vivid exhibits, authentic artefacts, and the powerful Airborne Experience, recreating the intensity of Operation Market Garden during WWII.

Dover Castle in Kent is a mighty fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the “Key to England.” With medieval towers, wartime tunnels, and sweeping views, it tells centuries of history from Norman conquest to WWII.

The Imperial War Museum explores conflict from WWI to today through powerful exhibits, personal stories, and military artefacts. Highlights include the Holocaust Galleries, Spitfire and Lancaster displays, and thought-provoking temporary exhibits.

IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire is Britain’s largest aviation museum, set on a historic RAF airfield. It showcases iconic aircraft from Spitfires to Concorde, alongside military exhibitions, air shows, and hangars full of aviation history.

maintained by the RAF, visitors can admire the only flying Lancaster Bomber in Europe, as well as Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Douglas Dakota

with full size replicas of aircraft such as the Spitfire, this museum has one of the largest collection of Battle of Britain relics. All the exhibits are housed in war damaged 1940s buildings

piston aircraft - military jets - Vulcan bomber nose section - helicopter - engines - flight simulator - regular events

a formidable fortress spanning some 900 years of conflicts and sieges. Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned here for some 19 years

with breathtaking views from the battlements and much of the connecting walls intact, the circuit walk is well worth the effort

Powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end, illustrated in the 360 degree immersion theatre

awesome, eerie ruin, known as “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain” with a family quiz and stunning walks down to the river

an imposing ruin overlooking the river Taf dating back to Norman times

used as a strategic point in both World Wars with fascinating exhibits including letters home from naval seamen

Apsley House, known as Number 1 London, was the home of the Duke of Wellington. This grand Georgian mansion near Hyde Park Corner displays fine art, silver and memorabilia, celebrating the Duke’s victory at Waterloo and his distinguished public life.

Buckler’s Hard, on the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, is a historic shipbuilding village where Royal Navy vessels were built in the 18th century. Today it offers a museum, riverside walks, and insight into maritime heritage.

Chartwell in Kent was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. Surrounded by gardens and lakes, it preserves his personal belongings, paintings, and study, offering insight into the life of Britain’s wartime leader.

The Churchill War Rooms in London reveal the underground bunkers where Churchill and his team directed WWII. Preserved rooms, maps, and the interactive museum offer a powerful insight into leadership and life during the Blitz.

Colchester Castle in Essex is a Norman fortress built on the foundations of a Roman temple. Now a museum, it showcases Roman artefacts, medieval history, and interactive displays, all within the largest surviving Norman keep in Europe.

commanding astonishing views over the town and across the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay, with an on-site explanatory exhibition

its spectacular situation, foreboding might, and great power were not sufficient to ensure the fame of this magnificent castle, Harlech is also inseparably linked with Welsh myth

North East Englands premier aircraft museum with a restoration workshop which is open to visitors

a quirky museum with a collection of household and farm memorabilia, galleries devoted to WW11 and fish fossils

The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is a museum dedicated to the Normandy landings of 1944. Featuring personal accounts, artefacts, and the 83-metre Overlord Embroidery, it tells the story of courage, planning, and sacrifice behind D-Day.

an eclectic collection covering the maritime and natural history of the area, including the sunk German fleet from WWll

in the 13th Century this was a vast castle, little of which remains today, having commanded the lowest crossing of the river, the main east-west route in south Wales, and a good harbour.

with excavated remains and stunning reconstructions of original buildings and roman artefacts combine to give a unique insight the Romans in Britain during the second to fifth Century

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

seventeenth century Bolsover Castle is a wonderful place to imagine the Golden age of Chivalry. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale, it offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside

this was the permanent home of the Legio II Augusta. Visit the soldiers quarters, the vast swimming pool and amphitheatre

Build by Italian Prisoners of War during WWll in their spare time using Nissen huts, scrap metal and considerable skill

Clifford’s Tower in York is the keep of a medieval castle, perched on a mound with panoramic city views. Once a royal stronghold, it holds a dramatic history and today offers a striking landmark in the heart of the city.

Aldershot Military Museum explores the town’s role as the “Home of the British Army.” Housed in Victorian barracks, it features historic vehicles, uniforms, weapons and interactive displays, bringing Britain’s military heritage vividly to life.

Lashenden Air Warfare Museum, at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent, displays historic aircraft, military vehicles and aviation artefacts. Highlights include a rare Fieseler Fi 103R Reichenberg and exhibits on wartime aviation, resistance and escape stories.

Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner was built in the 1820s to celebrate Britain’s victories in the Napoleonic Wars. Topped by Europe’s largest bronze sculpture, it offers exhibitions and panoramic views, linking royal and military heritage.