Today you can explore the whole of the castle, from the storerooms to the first-floor captain’s residence. A pleasant cycle path links Deal and Walmer Castles along the beachfront. This fort, or blockhouse, was built by Henry VIII. in 1139, at the same time as were those of Walmer and Sandown, on either side of […]
Wroxeter Roman City
Wroxeter (or ‘Viroconium’ ) was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. It began as a legionary fortress and later developed into a thriving civilian city, populated by retired soldiers and traders. Though much still remains below ground, today the most impressive features are the 2nd-century municipal baths, and the remains of the huge wall […]
Witley Court
A hundred years ago, Witley Court was one of England’s great country houses, hosting many extravagant parties. Today it is a spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. Restoration work to the West Wing has made several new rooms accessible to the public. The vast and rambling remains of the palatial 19th-century […]
Portland Castle
Overlooking Portland Harbour in Dorset stands one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Today it provides a great day out for visitors and its audio tour, included in the admission price tells of the castle’s 450 year history and the part it played […]
Pendennis Castle
Discover the wartime secrets of Cornwall’s greatest fortress. Pendennis Castle was built by King Henry VIII to defend against possible attack by Spain and France. Throughout its 450-year history, Pendennis Castle has faced new enemies, right up to the Second World War. See a Tudor gun deck in action, and experience the sights and sounds […]