Find the nearest History & Heritage
Our History and Heritage category brings all Coast Radar’s listings related to looking for something to do or a place to visit together where they offer some form of historic or heritage based activity.
Finding the best things to see and do on a day out with your family or friends is easy – simply explore the historic and heritage links below, hit the jump to my location button or use the search bar to plan your next UK and Ireland activity.
OR
- Arbroath Abbey was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for a group of Tironensian Benedictine monks from Kelso Abbey. It was consecrated in 1197 with a dedication to the deceased Saint Thomas Becket, whom the king had met at the English court. It was William’s only personal foundation and he was buried before the high altar of the church in 1214.
- Huntly Castle was a baronial home for 500 years and still attracts visitors because of its impressive architectural style and history. Situated on the River Bogie and Deveron, the castle lies just outside the pretty town of Huntly. Although now a ruin, the setting makes it romantically picturesque and its history is remarkable. The Earls of Fife built the original stronghold, the Peel of Strathbogie, around 1190, to guard the crossing-point where the rivers Bogie and Deveron meet. But it was the mighty Gordons who made the stronghold their own from the 14th century and renamed it, Huntly Castle. The surviving remains tell the story of the development of the castle in Scotland, from the motte and bailey of the 12th century, through the tower house of the later Middle Ages, to the stately stone palace of the Jacobean era. The South face of the castle is French in style and bears fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes. Inside the palace, you can see the two enormous heraldic fireplaces in the Marchioness’s lodgings. This castle is said to have the earliest stronghold on the site which sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. The castle is open throughout the year but you’ll need to check the opening times as they vary a bit from Summer to Winter.
- Goodwood House is the seat of the Dukes of Richmond. Over the years many architects have contributed to the design of the house, including James Wyatt. It was the intention to build the house to a unique octagonal layout, but only three of the eight sides were built. Some of the older parts of the house also survive, although some sections were demolished in the mid 20th century. The house has neo-classical interiors and is open to the public on a limited number of days per year. It is also available to hire for weddings and corporate events. The surrounding Goodwood Estate is a major sport and leisure venue featuring Goodwood Racecourse, home of the Glorious Goodwood flatracing festival, which is one of the highlights of the English social season; Chichester/Goodwood Airport and Goodwood Circuit; and the Goodwood Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club. The immediate grounds of the house also play host to the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, which has rapidly become a major event in the diary of all fans, participants and companies associated with motor racing. The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars manufacturing plant and global headquarters is located on the south end of Goodwood Estate.
- Clevedon Court an outstanding 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden. Managed by the National Trust.
- Berwick Bridge is a grade I listed 17th century stone bridge which spans the River Tweed at Berwick upon Tweed in Northumberland. Also known as Old Bridge, four previous bridges have stood on the same site with the oldest dating back to 1199. The bridge is 355 metres long by 5 metres wide, with 15 arches. Today, the bridge is one-way from east to west. The main road traffic either crosses the river at the concrete Royal Tweed Bridge or uses the Berwick bypass.
- Clare Museum tells the history of the County Clare over a period of 6,000 years.
- West Pennard Court Barn is a 15th-century barn with an unusual roof and upper floor made of compacted earth.
- Tintinhull House is a small 17th Century manor that is not open to the public. The formal gardens designed predominantly by Mrs Reiss (1933-1960) are open to the public with small pools, secluded lawns and beautiful borders divided by low hedges.
- Bamburgh Castle is a Norman castle situated on the Northumbrian coast at Bamburgh. The castle is a grade I listed building and was once the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria. Now it is a family home. With its location on a rocky plateau overlooking the sea, Bamburgh has witnessed much turbulent history over the centuries. Owned by the Armstrong family since the late 19th century, the castle is open to the public and has also been used as a film location many times.
- Claypotts Castle is a late medieval castle and it is one of the best-preserved examples of a 16th-century Z-plan tower house in Scotland. The castle was originally built by John Strachan around 1569–1588 and consists of projecting towers at opposite sides of a rectangular main block, known as a Z-plan tower house. This was a popular design in the 16th century and allowed defenders to fire along the faces of the main block from both towers.
- Priest’s House, late medieval hall-house in a picturesque village. Built by Muchelney Abbey in 1308 for the parish priest. Interesting Gothic doorway, tracery windows and a massive 15th-century fireplace. The house is occupied and furnished by tenants so has limited opening by arrangement.
