UK museums/places of interest

The South and South East of England

Colchester Castle: Colchester Castle is a Norman castle in Colchester, Essex, dating from the second half of the eleventh century. The keep of the castle is mostly intact and is the largest example of its kind anywhere in Europe. There are frequent trains from Liverpool Street to Colchester that take around 1 hour.

Rochester Castle: Rochester Castle stands on the east bank of the River Medway in Rochester, Kent, The 12th-century keep or stone tower, which is the castle's most prominent feature, is one of the best preserved in England. There are frequent trains from London Bridge and London Victoria that take around 45 minutes.

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture. The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. It is also the final resting place of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Charles I. Trains from London take around 45 minutes to 1 hour from London Paddington.

Historic city of St Albans: Once an important Roman town, Verulamium, St Albans is only 20 minutes on the train from London.

Dover Castle: First built in the 11th century during the Norman conquest, Dover castle was the key to England. It is one of the biggest castles in England after extensive works during the reign of Henry VIII. Trains from London take around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Historic Dockyard Chatham: Many of you may have visited Chatham Docks in Year 7 but you should consider going back. Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of HMS Ocelot, a Cold War Submarine; take charge on the bridge of a HMS Cavalier, a WWII Destroyer; and ring the ship’s bell on the deck of HMS Gannet, their Victorian Sloop. Trains from London take around 40 minutes.

Site of the Battle of Hastings: On this spot in the year 1066, the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror clashed at the Battle of Hastings. Now you can stand on the very site where this decisive struggle was fought and England’s future decided. Explore abbey ruins and meet the Normans and Saxons on our sculpture trail. Enjoy the gatehouse exhibition revealing the abbey’s role in the country’s future, then head to the roof for stunning views of the battlefield. Trains to the town of Battle take over an 1 hour from Charing Cross.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Portsmouth was the historic port of the English south coast. Explore the docks and witness the recently raised wreck of King Henry VIII's the Mary Rose and the HMS Victory; Lord Nelson's flagship from the Battle of Trafalgar. Trains from Waterloo can take up to 2 hours.

The South West

Stonehenge: Arguably the most famous pre-historic monument in Europe. No one to this day is entirely sure why and how it was built. Best way to get to Stonehenge from London is a via a train to Salisbury and then a bus from there.

The Roman Baths: The Roman Baths are a well-preserved thermae in the city of Bath, Somerset, England. A temple was constructed on the site between 60-70CE in the first few decades of Roman Britain. The baths are located in the city of Bath that is served by trains from London Paddington.

The Midlands

Warwick Castle: First built by William the Conqueror, Warwick castle became a hugely important castle. Home to the famous 'Kingmaker' the Earl of Warwick who dictated the royal line during the Wars of the Roses.

Birmingham Back to Backs: The Birmingham Back to Backs, otherwise known as Court 15, reveal the history of the working classes of the 19th century and much of the 20th century. They are places of echoes and memories, where ordinary people lived extraordinary lives.

Yorkshire and the North East

Historic city of York: York was first founded by the Romans who named it Eboracum. It became the Viking's capital Jorvick and was a major Medieval city. York is full of historical sights and even boasts intact Medieval walls that surround the city. York takes 2 hours on the train from Kings Cross.

National Railway Museum: An extensive collection of trains and the history of Britain's railways in York.

Hadrian's Wall: Hadrian's Wall, also called the Roman Wall, Picts' Wall, or Vallum Hadriani in Latin, is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Today you can explore the Wall’s rich history and its dramatic landscape at over twenty English Heritage sites.

North West

People's History Museum: Located in Manchester, this museum tells the story how democracy developed in England. Manchester takes around 2 hours on the train from London Euston.

Museum of Liverpool: Tells the history of Liverpool from its importance as a dock, its connections with slavery and the impact of The Beatles. Liverpool takes around 2 hours on the train from London Euston.

Wales

Cardiff Castle: Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff, Wales. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort. Trains from London take just over 2 hours.

Caernarfon Castle: Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

Scotland

Edinburgh Castle: Placed on top of a volcanic rock, Edinburgh castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress.

National Museum of Scotland: A free museum hosting a number of collections based on Scottish antiquities, culture and history.