Heritage & Historical Berkshire

Donnington Castle
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Donnington Castle
The striking twin-towered gatehouse of 14th century Donnington Castle, near Newbury, survives within impressive earthworks. It shows the luxury enjoyed by Sir Richard Abberbury, Donnington's builder, whose private quarters lay within it. Both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are thought to have stayed here. The large defences built to protect the...
Silchester Roman Town Walls and Amphitheatre
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Silchester Roman Town Walls and Amphitheatre
Silchester in Hampshire has its origins as Calleva, a centre of the Iron Age Atrebates tribe from the late 1st century BC. After the Roman conquest of AD 43 it became the large and important town of Calleva Atrebatum. Unlike most Roman towns, it was never reoccupied or built over after it was abandoned in the 6th or 7th century, so archaeological...
Museum of English Rural Life
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Museum of English Rural Life
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) houses thousands of fascinating objects related to life and work in the countryside. We have a programme of temporary exhibitions, family activities, holiday events, guided tours and much more.  MERL is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed bank holidays. Admission is free.
Highclere Castle
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Highclere Castle
Towering pinnacled mansion with extravagant exterior remodelled around a previous house by Sir Charles Barry in the 1830's. Impressive and Solid  Victorian interiors with portraits including Van Dyck around the tall gothic great hall. Napoleon's desk and chair from St Helena, as well as Egyptian memorabilia of the Earl of Carnarvon who...
Reme Museum of Technology - Arborfield
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Reme Museum of Technology - Arborfield
Museum of the history of REME, a full day out for the kids and family. Opening Times & Prices Opening times Monday to Thursday: 9.00am till 4.30pm, Friday: 9.00am till 4.00pm, Sundays: 11.00am till 4.00pm Closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day Bank holidays – check in...
Museum of Berkshire Aviation - Reading
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Museum of Berkshire Aviation - Reading
Berkshire's dynamic contribution to aviation history is graphically re-captured at the museum. Run as a charitable trust, the museum is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading, U.K. - once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry. Miles and Handley Page aircraft built at Woodley are being re-constructed and exhibited along with...
Pendon Indoor Model Village and Railways - Abingdon
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Pendon Indoor Model Village and Railways - Abingdon
At Pendon we recapture scenes showing the beauty of the English countryside as it was in the Inter-War years. We do this through the medium of detailed, accurate and colourful models constructed to the most exacting standards. A visit to Pendon provides: a warm welcome for individuals, family groups and clubs a...
Little Wittenham Nature Reserve at Earth Trust
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Little Wittenham Nature Reserve at Earth Trust
Come and enjoy the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside at Little Wittenham Nature Reserve. Explore the iconic Wittenham Clumps with their breathtaking views, head off on a woodland adventure, or discover what's happening on the Earth Trust site. We also have a full programme of events throughout the year.
Milestones - Hampshire's Living History Museum - Basingstoke
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Milestones - Hampshire's Living History Museum - Basingstoke
Milestones, Hampshire’s living history museum Imagine an open-air museum inside a massive modern building… a network of streets with shops, a village green and even a pub... dating from Victorian times and the 1930s… it's fun... a surprise around every corner! Open Tue to Fri, and Bank Holidays,...
Basing House - Basingstoke
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Basing House - Basingstoke
Basing House lies just to the east of the train station. This 10-acre site features the ruins of England’s largest Tudor resident, which was home to William Paulet, the 1st Marqis of Winchester. Serving as a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, the house and its inhabitants held out against a lengthy siege. This was...
ABINGDON COUNTY HALL MUSEUM
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ABINGDON COUNTY HALL MUSEUM
OPENING TIMES 1 APRIL - 23 DECEMBER 2017 Monday Closed Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00 Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00 Thursday 10:00 - 16:00 Friday 10:00 - 16:00 Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 Sunday 10:00 - 16:00 NOTES Roof open daily but may close at short notice in poor weather (charges apply). HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES FOR THIS PERIOD Good Friday 14 Apr...
Whitchurch Silk Mill
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Whitchurch Silk Mill
Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest silk mill in the UK still in its original building. A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery. Interactive exhibits and hands on opportunities. Admission: Adults £4.50 Senior citizens...
Odiham Castle
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Odiham Castle
t was one of only three strongholds built by King John, to add to the ninety he already had at his disposal, and the site was chosen because it lay halfway between Windsor and Winchester. King John may have decided on Odiham as a suitable site for a castle on his visit to the town in 1204. Construction began in 1207 and continued until...
Science Oxford Live
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Science Oxford Live
Science Oxford Live is open from 10am until 5pm on Saturdays, and on weekdays during Oxfordshire school holidays. Both our exhibition area for adults (and older children) and our refreshment area are free to access. The admission price for the discovery zone for children and their families is outlined below. Both exhibition and...
The Lookout Discovery Centre - Bracknell
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The Lookout Discovery Centre - Bracknell
The Look Out Discovery Centre is open 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm. Whether you're planning a family trip, group visit or even a birthday party, this hands-on science exhibition makes learning fun for everyone. With its 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, nature trails, children's adventure play park, coffee shop and gift shop, you'll be sure...
Modern Art Oxford
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Modern Art Oxford
Welcome to Modern Art Oxford. Founded in 1965, we are the South East's leading Gallery for the presentation of modern and contemporary visual art. Our programme includes exhibitions by artists from all over the world, live events, educational and family activities. Opening hours Monday CLOSED Tuesday ...
Oxford Castle Unlocked
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Oxford Castle Unlocked
Discover more as you embark on a journey spanning 10 centuries.... The site has been used as a place of incarceration since 1071, continuing until the closure of HM Prison in 1996. The old buildings have been preserved and are now open to the public revealing a time capsule – allowing the buildings to tell their story. Visitors ...
Museum of Oxford
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Museum of Oxford
Past: The Museum of Oxford opened in 1975 and immediately intrigued locals and visitors to the city with the story of Oxford and how it has developed. Bringing together a diverse collection, everything from Roman pottery to marmalade jars, the Museum of Oxford wove the story of the city from the prehistoric to the modern day. Present: Explore...
The Story Museum - Oxford
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The Story Museum - Oxford
People love stories and they're a great way to learn. We hope you'll visit our most unusual museum, shop and café , and enjoy what's on. Maybe get involved. But that's enough about us. What's your story? Get your class, Brownie pack or birthday party excited about stories by exploring plots and characters inspired by the immersive 26...
Bates Collection of Musical Instruments - Oxford
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Bates Collection of Musical Instruments - Oxford
Welcome to the Bate Collection, one of the most magnificent collections of musical instruments in the world. The Bate has over 2000 instruments from the Western orchestral music traditions from the renaissance, through the baroque, classical, romantic and up to modern times.  More than a thousand instruments are on display, by all the most...
24H or 48H Hop-on Hop-off Bus Oxford
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24H or 48H Hop-on Hop-off Bus Oxford
See historic Oxford at your leisure on this bus tour of the city Take a tour of Oxford and see the best of the city with twenty stops, including Christ Church college Explore the beauty of Oxford university and its limestone facades, including the Radcliffe Camera Enjoy an audio guide available in ten languages – and kids can listen to a...
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden
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The University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Welcome to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. We are often asked how a botanic garden differs from other types of gardens. Botanic gardens are collections of plants that are grown for purposes other than purely aesthetic reasons – but in Oxford Botanic Garden we do try to arrange the plants in attractive, sympathetic and ...
The Ashmolean - Oxford
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The Ashmolean - Oxford
The present Ashmolean was created in 1908 by combining two ancient Oxford institutions: the University Art Collection and the original Ashmolean Museum. Founded in 1683, at a time when the idea of the 'museum' was brand new, Britain's first public museum, the Ashmolean, was initially the home of a collection of miscellaneous manmade and natural...
The Bodleian Library - Oxford
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The Bodleian Library - Oxford
The Bodleian Library offers for family visits for tours, both for families with children over 10. However during most school holidays, they also offer a lively family tour accepting 5 to 11 years olds which includes a visit to Duke Humfrey's Library.
North Hinksey Conduit House
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North Hinksey Conduit House
This roofed conduit house is a remarkable survival of Oxford’s first piped water supply. Built during the early 17th century, it was part of a system designed to take clean drinking water from the springs at North Hinksey to the Carfax Conduit, an extravagantly decorated fountain in the centre of Oxford. Resembling a miniature fortress,...
The Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford
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The Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford
The Pitt Rivers Museum cares for the University of Oxford's collection of anthropology and world archaeology. Discover more about visiting along with information on the famous collections and our contemporary research. Admission free Opening Hours 10.00 - 16.30 Tuesday to Sunday (and bank holiday Mondays) 12.00...
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
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Oxford University Museum of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History houses the University's scientific collections of zoological, entomological and geological specimens. The Museum itself is a Grade 1 listed building, renowned for its spectacular neo-Gothic architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in...
Museum of the History of Science - Oxford
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Museum of the History of Science - Oxford
MHS houses an unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean on Broad Street, Oxford. We are both a department of the University of Oxford and an active public museum, offering a programme of family-friendly events, gallery tours, table talks and much...
Official Oxford University & City Walking Tour
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Official Oxford University & City Walking Tour
Explore the beauty and history of Oxford on a two-hour walking tour     Delve into the history of Oxford with a two-hour guided walking tour around its famous university and libraries     Visit the Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and learn about the secrets and...
Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland
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Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland
This unique unusual 100ft tower is Faringdon’s icon and the last major folly to be built in England Hailed as 'Britain's finest 20th century Folly Tower' and 'One of the most important follies in Britain' It sits on Folly Hill, within a charming 4 acre, circular woodland of splendid Scots Pine and broadleaf trees, some more than 200 years...
Uffington Castle - White Horse and Dragon Hill
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Uffington Castle - White Horse and Dragon Hill
These three prehistoric sites lie beside the Ridgeway, the ancient route that ran from Dorset to the Wash and still crosses the chalk ridges of the Berkshire Downs. Uffington ‘Castle’, which occupies the summit of Whitehorse Hill, is a rare and outstanding example of a large Iron Age hillfort. The famous White Horse is the oldest...
Hellfire Caves
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Hellfire Caves
We invite you to venture 300 feet underground through a series of hand carved tunnels that tell a fascinating story. Steeped in history and the subject of much innuendo and folklore. Discover the secrets of the notorious “Hell-Fire Club” Learn about of the sad fate of Suki our resident ghost bride, and discover why the ghost of Paul...
Crofton Beam Engines
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Crofton Beam Engines
Come and visit the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing the job they were built to do!  The engines and café are open every day from 22 March to 5 October, 2014, with a number of special steaming weekends. There are two beam engines, one of which is an original 200-year-old Boulton & Watt. Both are fed by a...
Wilton Windmill
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Wilton Windmill
Wilton Windmill is a working 19th century mill that still produces wholemeal stone ground flour. The mill is located on the top of a chalk hill in the open countryside so it really stands out in the landscape. The level grassy site is open all the time, so it is a great place to go for a picnic with the family on a sunny day and enjoy the...
Chisbury Chapel
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Chisbury Chapel
This fine 13th century chapel was originally constructed by the lord of Chisbury Manor to assert his high social status.  It allowed the household of the manor, as well as local people, to attend services and pay their taxes without having to travel to the parish church at Great Bedwyn. The building ceased to be used as a consecrated chapel...
Ludgershall Castle and Cross
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Ludgershall Castle and Cross
Probably begun in the late 11th century by a sheriff of Wiltshire, Ludgershall was much improved in the 13th century by King John and his son Henry III, who used the castle as a hunting lodge. Three large walls and extensive earthworks survive, while in the centre of the nearby village are the remains of a 14th century cross. Read more about the...
Avebury Stone Circle - Marlborough
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Avebury Stone Circle - Marlborough
In the 1930s, the pretty village of Avebury, partially encompassed by the stone circle of this World Heritage site, was witness to the excavations of archaeologist Alexander Keiller. In re-erecting many of the stones, Keiller uncovered the true wonder of one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe. The fascinating finds from his...
Silbury Hill - Marlborough
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Silbury Hill - Marlborough
The largest man-made mound in Europe, mysterious Silbury Hill compares in height and volume to the roughly contemporary Egyptian pyramids. Probably completed in around 2400 BC, it apparently contains no burial. Though clearly important in itself, its purpose and significance remain unknown. There is no access to the hill itself. ...
ALEXANDER KEILLER MUSEUM, AVEBURY
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ALEXANDER KEILLER MUSEUM, AVEBURY
ABOUT GIFTAID The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation of 10%. Provided you have paid enough UK Income or Capital Gains Tax * (to cover all of your Gift Aid donations in this tax year), English Heritage is able to reclaim tax on the whole amount you have paid - that's 25p on every £1. This extra money enables us to undertake...
Boarstall Tower
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Boarstall Tower
This gatehouse was built by John de Haudlo in 1312 and is the remnants of Boarstall House, a fortified manor house demolished in 1778. Although it was renovated in 1615 for use as a banqueting pavilion and hunting lodge, it retained its mediaeval belfry, cross loops and crenellations. The exterior and many rooms are essentially unchanged. ...
Wycombe Museum - High Wycombe
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Wycombe Museum - High Wycombe
Set in beautiful grounds, and with exciting hands-on activities, Wycombe Museum is a great place to discover the fascinating and varied history of the district and the famous collection of Windsor chairs. Opening times Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm Sunday: 2pm to 5pm Bank holidays: closed Admission to the Museum is free.
FARNHAM CASTLE KEEP
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FARNHAM CASTLE KEEP
PRICES ENTRY TITLE WITHOUT GIFT AID WITH GIFT AID Member - Join now Free Free Adult Free Free Child (5-15 years) Free Free Concession tool-tip Free Free Family Free Free OPENING TIMES 1 APRIL - 24 DECEMBER 2017 Monday 9:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 9:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 9:00 - 17:00 Thursday 9:00 - 17:00 Friday 9:00 - 17:00 Saturday 10:00 -...
The Hawk Conservancy - Andover
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The Hawk Conservancy - Andover
We are a conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey. Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 150 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller's...
Curtis Museum - Alton
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Curtis Museum - Alton
One of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of history Displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643, the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams and Hop picking and brewing. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm ...
WAVERLEY ABBEY
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WAVERLEY ABBEY
Waverley Abbey in Surrey was the very first monastery founded in Britain by the reforming Cistercian religious order. A small group of monks from France settled in this quiet spot by the River Wey in 1128, and Waverley soon became the springboard for Cistercian settlement in southern England. The impressive remains include the fine 13th century...
Oxford Bus and Morris Motors Museums - Witney
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Oxford Bus and Morris Motors Museums - Witney
The Oxford Bus Museum has its origins in the Oxford Bus Preservation Syndicate, established in 1967 by a group of enthusiasts who had the foresight to realise that vehicles of potential significance to future generations should be saved before they were lost for all time.  Beginning with just one vehicle – which can still be seen...
Waddesdon Manor - Aylesbury
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Waddesdon Manor - Aylesbury
This Renaissance-style château was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. The 45 rooms on view combine the highest quality French furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century with superb English portraits and Dutch Old Masters. The...
Windsor Castle
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Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 26 acres and contains, as well as a royal palace, a magnificent chapel and the homes and workplaces of a large number of people. ...
History on Wheels Museum
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History on Wheels Museum
The History on Wheels Museum was first opened to the public in 1980, and as the name implies, within this Museum can be found a truly unique collection of Motors, both Military and Civilian, Militaria, from 1900 to the 1950s, from all conflicting Nations, and Memories, illustrating artefacts of all types from both the civilian and wartime home...
North Leigh Roman Villa
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North Leigh Roman Villa
The remains of North Leigh Roman Villa are set within a peaceful landscape on the banks of the River Evenlode in Oxfordshire.  This 'courtyard villa' is considered one of the larger villas of Roman Britain. It was at its most extensive in the early 4th century when it included four bath suites, 16 mosaic floors and 11 rooms with under-floor...
Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote
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Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote
The picturesque ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th century Oxfordshire manor house, lie in a beautiful rural setting beside the River Windrush. They include a fine hall, tower and nearby dovecote. Minster Lovell Hall was built in the 1430s by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand - one of the richest men in England. It was later home to Francis,...
Bekonscot Model Village - Beaconsfield
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Bekonscot Model Village - Beaconsfield
Welcome to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, the world's oldest model village. We are located in Beaconsfield, Bucks, just off the M40 and M25 motorways and minutes by car or train from Central London. This unique piece of England's heritage continues to delight and fascinate both children and adults – there’s so much to see! Bekonscot is...
FLOWERDOWN BARROWS
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FLOWERDOWN BARROWS
The Flowerdown Barrows are three well-preserved Bronze Age burial mounds on the edge of the village of Littleton. Constructed 4,000 years ago, they were once part of a much larger 'barrow cemetery'. There are two bowl barrows, and the largest and finest disc barrow in Hampshire. Read more about the history of Flowerdown Barrows. BEFORE...
The Oxfordshire Museum - Woodstock
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The Oxfordshire Museum - Woodstock
Set in the historic town of Woodstock, the Oxfordshire Museum tells the story of Oxfordshire through 11 galleries and many exhibitions featuring history, popular culture, contemporary arts and crafts throughout the year. Admission is free. Opening hours Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 2pm - 5pm Last admission 4.45pm...
Blenheim Palace- Pleasure Gardens and Train - Woodstock
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Blenheim Palace- Pleasure Gardens and Train - Woodstock
Home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Visit...
Rural Life Centre - Farnham
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Rural Life Centre - Farnham
The Rural Life Centre is a country life museum, assembled by the late Mr & Mrs Henry Jackson and now run by a charitable trust. It is pleasantly distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns, and comprises a large number of implements and devices marking over 150 years of farming. Many aspects of village and rural life are...
Winchester Museums
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Winchester Museums
Winchester Museums Service is part of Winchester City Council's Cultural Services Division, running four sites in the city and providing a wide range of associated services
Winchester Castle and Great Hall
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Winchester Castle and Great Hall
Winchester Castle and Great Hall gives you and the kids a chance to visit one of the finest remaining medieval halls, which contains a replica of King Arthur’s Round Table. The hall is all that is left of Winchester Castle, which was built in 1067! It is a vast stone building with lots of interesting features to check out including...
Lydiard Park - Swindon
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Lydiard Park - Swindon
Lydiard Park is a beautiful historic parkland on the western edge of Swindon. The Palladian house, walled garden, parkland and children's play area offer something for everyone, all year round. With a programme of special events and the changing nature of the seasons, there's always something new to enjoy on a visit here.
Amersham Museum - Old Amersham
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Amersham Museum - Old Amersham
Amersham Museum tells the story of local events, places and people. Do you know about?     Amersham’s medieval martyrs     Wall paintings     Straw plait     Lace making     Sausage factory     Perfume makers To find out more come and see for...
Netheravon Dovecote
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Netheravon Dovecote
Netheravon Dovecote is a charming yet practical building, and an excellent example of an early 18th century dovecote. It still retains most of its original 700 chalk nesting boxes. Read more about the history of the dovecote. Before You Go Parking: Visitors should park in the Netheravon Church car park. How to Find it: From the church car...
Museum of Army Flying - Stockbridge
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Museum of Army Flying - Stockbridge
The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of aviation history one of both international and national importance. Come and see over 35 historic fixed and rotary wing aircraft on display which along with detailed dioramas, artifacts, trophies and models serve as a profound and inspiring tribute to men and their...
Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals and anything historical in the Berkshire area, if your looking  for a great day out at lush tree and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. These historic buildings also are steeped in rich history and visits to these buildings are extremely educational and informative within Berks.
If you cannot find what historical place you like by county level here, please use the search box for more detailed searches: