THINGS TO DO

Explore the past

Take a journey through time with free and discounted entry to the UK's top historic buildings and sites.


Discover the buildings, people and stories that form our rich history. With sites throughout the UK, there's plenty for you and your family to explore.

Join us for a dog walk with a difference.

Find an event and enjoy activities at Cadw.

Go wildlife watching, explore nature trails, admire bursts of spring colour, and more!

Plenty of ideas to help you to step into history.

Come and celebrate the arrival of spring at Kew Gardens.

Be the first to hear about Historic Scotland attractions and events.

With over 400 properties to explore with your free, unlimited, family entry, there’s always a great day out near you for everyone, wherever you are and whatever you’re looking for. 

Hidden gems...

1. Bosobel House, Shropshire

King Charles II took refuge in this picturesque hunting lodge in 1651 after his Civil War defeat, famously hiding in an oak tree while Cromwell’s soldiers searched for him below. Latterly a thriving Victorian farm, the site boasts a host of resident farm animals. 

2. Kirby Hall, Northamptonshire

One of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses, with a delightfully restored Elizabethan garden, Kirby Hall is now semi-ruined but retains much of its rich charm and decoration. 

3. Yarmouth Castle, Isle of Wight 

Once one of Henry VIII’s most sophisticated coastal fortresses, Yarmouth Castle was designed to guard the western entrance to the Solent and prevent capture of the Isle of Wight as a prelude to larger assaults on the south of England. 

Home to some of the most atmospheric ancient monuments and castles in the world, Cadw curates thousands of years of Wales’s proud heritage told through stories and tales.

Hidden gems... 

1. Tintern Abbey 

A national icon standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace. Founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, who were happy to make do with timber buildings at first.

2. Rhuddlan Castle

Look south from the remains of Edward I’s Rhuddlan Castle, to Twthill. A motte of an earlier castle, which may have been built on top of the royal palace of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, the only Welsh king to rule over the entire territory of present-day Wales.

3. St Davids Bishop's Palace

A magnificent medieval palace that rivalled its cathedral for glory. There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire.

Home to some of the most atmospheric ancient monuments and castles in the world, Cadw curates thousands of years of Wales’s proud heritage told through stories and tales.  

Hidden gems...

1. Tintern Abbey 

A national icon standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace. Founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, who were happy to make do with timber buildings at first.

2. Rhuddan Castle

Look south from the remains of Edward I’s Rhuddlan Castle, to Twthill. A motte of an earlier castle, which may have been built on top of the royal palace of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, the only Welsh king to rule over the entire territory of present-day Wales.

3. St Davids Bishop's Palace

A magnificent medieval palace that rivalled its cathedral for glory. There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire.

Experience the most biodiverse place on earth in the beautiful, botanic gardens of Kew. Or roam 500 acres of the wild botanic gardens of Wakehurst. 

Hidden gems...

1. Galleries at Kew – Mat Collishaw: Petrichor

Contemporary artist Mat Collishaw debuts new work alongside existing pieces in this exhibition at Kew. Drawing on an array of evocative imagery from the natural world, Petrichor will showcase a variety of pioneering techniques and explore the relationship between art and nature.

2. Mediterranean Garden 

Designed to highlight the economic uses of Mediterranean plants, the diversity of life the habitat supports and the conservation efforts need to ensure its survival.

3. Coronation Meadow at Wakehurst 

Wander through the enchanting meadow of native flowers and grasses for a joy to the senses in the summer months. A long-term research project to measure grassland restoration.  

4. The Slips and Black Pond at Wakehurst 

Weave your way down the Slips along boardwalks towards Black Pond, taking in the calming, trickling sound of water underneath your feet. 

Helping to conserve Scotland’s heritage and culture through education, management, restoration and funding of over 300 properties.

Hidden gems...

1. Iona Abbey & Nunnery

Explore one of Scotland’s most sacred sites. This tiny island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever since St Columba arrived in AD 563. 

2. Urquhart Castle, Inverness

Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centred on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story.

3. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Maeshowe, a monumental chambered tomb, is the finest Neolithic building to survive in north-west Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago, it is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction – not least because of its use of massive stones.

4. Skara Brae, Orkney Islands

Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe. 

Helping to conserve Scotland’s heritage and culture through education, management, restoration and funding of over 300 properties.

Hidden gems...

1. Iona Abbey & Nunnery

Explore one of Scotland’s most sacred sites. This tiny island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever since St Columba arrived in AD 563. 

2. Urquhart Castle, Inverness

Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centred on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story.

3. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Maeshowe, a monumental chambered tomb, is the finest Neolithic building to survive in north-west Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago, it is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction – not least because of its use of massive stones.

4. Skara Brae, Orkney Islands

Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe. 

The guardians of Scotland’s magnificent heritage, protecting over 300,000 artefacts, 76,000 hectares, 38 gardens, 27 castles and 8 national reserves, to inspire generations to come.  

Hidden gems...

1. Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate

One of Scotland’s largest tower houses, with an impressive portrait collection.

2. House of Dun, Garden & Estate

William Adam’s Georgian house places baroque extravagance in a spectacular natural setting.

3. Culzean Castle & Country Park

Robert Adam’s cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks.