Historic places
Perched high on an outcrop of volcanic rock, this iconic ancient castle will be instantly recognisable to fans of the Netflix series The Last Kingdom
Find out everything you need to know about Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland – including its history, filming, ticket prices, opening times and how to explore Bamburgh Beach – with our visitor's guide.
Designed to protect Devon from French invaders, this impressive fortress was built by a pirate nearly 700 years ago...
Dartmouth Castle has guarded the entrance to the River Dart for centuries. Visit the fortress today to learn all about its dramatic past.
Are these Britain's most impressive castles? 23 fortresses that look straight out of a fairytale
Britain's ancient castles are woven into the rich heritage of our cities and countryside. Explore remote medieval ruins and iconic castles with our guide to Britain's best castles.
How many castles are there in the UK?
From towering Norman strongholds to mock Victorian turrets, Britain is famous for its castles
Built nearly 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror, this castle's romantic ruins are an iconic and evocative survivor of the brutal English Civil War
Just why does Wales have so many castles?
With over 600 castle dotting the landscape, Wales has one of the highest densities of castles in the world, here's why...
Surrounded by the raging North Sea, on a rocky, 500-foot-high cliff-top this castle is a grand and dramatic ruin with a violent and murderous past
Perched high on a rocky peninsula in North-East Scotland, with sheer cliffs rising up from the crashing North Sea on all its sides but one, Dunnottar is perhaps the most dramatically located castle in the entire British Isles.
‘I camped overnight in a medieval church and found unexpected inner peace’
What’s it really like to spend the night in an ancient church? Ellie Tennant tries a sleepover with soul
This crumbling castle perched high on a cliff face is one of the world's most romantic ruins and inspired Game of Thrones' Greyjoy
Find out all about Dunluce Castle – including things to do at the site, ticket prices and the history of the castle – with our visitor's guide.
Walk in the footsteps of Britain's greatest poets with the spectacular scenery that inspired them
Walk in the footsteps of some of Britain’s greatest poets and discover the landscapes that inspired their famous works – from Wordsworth's Lake District to Hardy's Hampshire.
It's the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – and attracts even more visitors than Buckingham Palace
It has a rich royal history with at least one confirmed secret passageway
When does a village become a town?
The difference between a village and a town is not as clear as you might think
From secret time zones to royal Christmases: The fascinating untold world of Sandringham
Referred to as "Dear old Sandringham" by King George V, this Norfolk estate is a cherished retreat for the Royals, especially at Christmas. We take a look at this relaxed and charming royal residence.
Hundreds of mysterious burial tombs were built across the English countryside 1,000 years before the Pyramids of Giza – why?
The Cotswold Severn barrows were built across England and Wales 1,000 years before the pyramids at Giza – but who built them and why?
Cold War bunkers, church raves and wallaby gardens: These extraordinary historic sites are open for free for just one week
Some of England’s most beautiful (and unusual) buildings will be open to the public as part of the country’s largest festival of history and culture – and best of all, it’s all free.
Inside “Hitler’s island madness” – one of the most fortified places on the planet (that was also British)
As the Channel Islands celebrates 80 years since being liberated, we walk Guernsey’s rugged western coast and encounter a land of unique beauty and Nazi-era relics
A 672-tonne timber church, London Bridge and ancient temples: 7 mind-boggling and expensive relocations around the world
It takes more than willpower alone to move a building – as these truly incredible relocation projects around the world prove
This ancient cow tooth discovery could help unlock Stonehenge mystery, say scientists
The tooth was discovered at Stonehenge in 1924. Now, a new study reveals remarkable details about the cow’s life – and how it may have played a role in the construction of the famous ancient monument.
Why do so many beautiful and historic buildings have bricked-up windows? It's all thanks to an odd 17th-century law
If you've strolled through cities such as Bath or Edinburgh, you might notice that lots of historic buildings have bricked up windows. Ever wondered why?
Main character energy: Are these the most beautiful libraries in the UK?
From medieval masterpieces to striking modern marvels, these breathtaking libraries across the UK are as rich in architecture as they are in stories.
Bloodied bodies, decapitated women, murdered landladies, ghostly carriages: Discover Britain's most haunted pubs and their violent, murderous past
Enjoy a local ale and a ghost story with our guide to the most haunted pubs and inns in Britain which looks at the history and haunted tales that lurk within.
Unsolved mysteries, German battleships and Henry VIII’s favourite war vessel: Discover 10 shipwreck sites in the UK
Uncover the shipwreck sites found along Britain's coastline – no dive suit required
How the Normans built 1,000 castles in record time: Inside the motte and bailey boom
From wooden towers on steep mounds to formidable stone fortresses, motte and bailey castles shaped the landscape of Norman England. But what exactly were they, why were they built, and where can you still see their legacy today?
Swallowed by the sea and devoured by the elements: These are Britain’s lost coastal villages
Coastal erosion, building development and population growth are partly to blame for these villages once active communities becoming abandoned.