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HERITAGEXPLORE

Discover Britain’s Hidden Historic Houses and Gardens

Effortlessly explore and book visits to the UK's most unique independent houses, castles, and palaces with HeritageXplore. From exclusive events to curated experiences, we make it simple to access Britain’s hidden heritage.
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Six HeritageXplore Houses in the Midlands You Can Visit in a Weekend

6 HeritageXplore Houses in the Midlands You Can Visit in a Weekend Introduction The Midlands is home to some of England’s most breathtaking heritage houses, each with a unique story to tell. From grand castles with royal connections to historic estates filled with art and curiosities, these six HeritageXplore properties offer the perfect weekend getaway. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic escape, these remarkable sites provide a fascinating journey through centuries of British heritage. 1. Lamport Hall History Home to the Isham family from the 1560s to 1976, Lamport Hall was built in 1568 by wool merchant John Isham. The house underwent extensions during Charles I’s reign, and in 1655, Sir Justinian Isham commissioned John Webb—Inigo Jones’ pupil and son-in-law—to build the grand house that stands today. Further enhancements took place by 1741, with a major rebuild completed in 1862. One of Lamport’s most eccentric figures was Sir Charles Isham, 10th Baronet, who, in the 1850s, introduced the first garden gnomes to Britain. He imported porcelain figures from Germany and placed them in the house’s crescent-shaped rockery, a feature he built himself. Today, the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust maintains the house and gardens. Best Known For Its historic collection of gnomes, introduced by Sir Charles Isham in the 1850s. As Seen In The Crown, standing in for Clarence House. Don’t Go Home Without Seeing Charles Isham’s collection of gnomes, still hard at work in the gardens. Drop By The Swan at Lamport for delicious food and drink. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Cottesbrooke Hall, thought to be the inspiration for Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, is just six miles away. Our Favourite Line “It is important not to take Lamport Hall or its gardens too seriously even though, from a literary viewpoint, they have been hugely influential in an extremely light-hearted vein of creativity.” – Timothy Mowl and Clare Hickman, 2008 2. Grimsthorpe Castle History Grimsthorpe Castle dates back to the early 13th century and has been owned by the Willoughby de Eresby family since 1516. In 1715, Robert Bertie, the 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, employed Sir John Vanbrugh—famed for Blenheim Palace—to design the castle’s dramatic Baroque façade. The estate also boasts gardens influenced by Capability Brown. Best Known For Its royal collection of thrones and furnishings, due to the family’s historic role as joint Lord Great Chamberlain. Don’t Go Home Without Seeing Vanbrugh’s magnificent Great Hall, described by art historian Nikolaus Pevsner as “unquestionably Vanbrugh’s finest room.” Drop By The Griffin Inn in Irnham, a charming country pub. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Easton Walled Gardens, just 11 miles away. Our Favourite Line “[Grimsthorpe is] very special indeed: a serene and gracious facade, with corner towers and Doric columns, which gloriously express the joys of architecture.” – Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd, 1994 3. Boughton House History Dubbed ‘The English Versailles,’ Boughton House was originally a monastery before being transformed into a grand manor in 1528 by Edward Montagu. Later, the 1st Duke of Montagu introduced French architectural influences, creating an opulent estate reminiscent of the French court. Best Known For Its extraordinary art collection, featuring works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Sèvres porcelain. As Seen In Ridley Scott’s Napoleon (2023) and Les Misérables (2012). Don’t Go Home Without Seeing The striking landform Orpheus, a modern inverted pyramid designed by landscape architect Kim Wilkie. Drop By The Star Inn in Geddington. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Rockingham Castle, just 10 miles away. Our Favourite Line “It is the stillness, the curious quiet of Boughton, for the place is half asleep, that impresses the most.” – Sir Henry ‘Chips’ Channon, 1948 4. Doddington Hall & Gardens History Built in 1600 by Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall has been home to the same family for over 400 years. The estate is famous for its farm shop and rewilding project, Wilder Doddington. Best Known For Its farm shop, which sells estate-grown produce, beef, and baked goods. Don’t Go Home Without Seeing The Doddington Pyramid, a 2014 folly designed by Antony Jarvis. Drop By The Pyewipe Inn on the canal, just a short walk away. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Lincoln’s Norman Castle and Cathedral, just nine miles away. Our Favourite Line “An architect’s dream in Lincolnshire.” – Caroline Seebohm, 1987 5.Rockingham Castle History Built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century, Rockingham Castle was transformed into a Tudor home by the Watson family in the 16th century. Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, reportedly using Rockingham as inspiration for Bleak House. Best Known For Its well-preserved medieval features. Don’t Go Home Without Seeing The Elephant Hedge, a 400-year-old yew hedge shaped to follow the castle’s original motte and bailey walls. Drop By The Sondes Arms in Rockingham village. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Deene Park, home to the Brudenell family, six miles away. Our Favourite Line “Of all the country-houses and estates I have yet seen in England, I think this is by far the best.” – Charles Dickens, 1849 6. Belvoir Castle History Belvoir Castle, pronounced ‘Beaver’, was built in the early 19th century, but the site has housed a castle since the Norman Conquest. Today, it remains the seat of the Duke of Rutland and was recently restored to reflect Capability Brown’s lost landscape designs. Best Known For Its name, which means ‘beautiful view’ in Norman French. As Seen In The Crown, doubling as Windsor Castle. Don’t Go Home Without Seeing The opulent Elizabeth Saloon, designed in the style of Louis XIV. Drop By The Chequers Inn at Woolsthorpe. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Easton Walled Gardens, 12 miles away. Our Favourite Line “A neo-Norman, neo-Gothic, neo-everything.” – Lady Diana Cooper, 1958 4. Doddington Hall & Gardens History Built in 1600 by Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall has been home to the same family for over 400 years. The estate is famous for its farm shop and rewilding project, Wilder Doddington. Best Known For Its farm shop, which sells estate-grown produce, beef, and baked goods. Don’t Go Home Without Seeing The Doddington Pyramid, a 2014 folly designed by Antony Jarvis. Drop By The Pyewipe Inn on the canal, just a short walk away. Need Another Local Heritage Fix? Lincoln’s Norman Castle and Cathedral, just nine miles away. Our Favourite Line “An architect’s dream in Lincolnshire.” – Caroline Seebohm, 1987 Find out more.

Six Reasons You Should Visit Caerhays Castle in Cornwall This Spring

Spring has officially been declared in Cornwall! As the landscape bursts into bloom, there's no better place to embrace the season than Caerhays Castle. Famed for its breathtaking National Collection of Magnolias, this historic estate offers a spectacular springtime experience, from guided walks through vibrant gardens to exclusive lectures and family-friendly events. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or looking for the perfect Mother’s Day treat, here are six unmissable reasons to visit Caerhays Castle this spring. 1. Marvel at Magnolia Month (1st March – 30th April 2025)Spring at Caerhays is synonymous with Magnolia Month, a celebration of its world-renowned collection of over 80 different magnolia species. Walk among stunning blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple, soak in the fresh spring air, and experience one of Cornwall’s most beautiful seasonal displays. 2. Join an Exclusive Lecture & Garden Tour with Charles Williams (7th March 2025)For a deeper dive into the estate’s botanical heritage, join Charles Williams, Caerhays’ custodian and a leading magnolia expert, for an exclusive lecture and garden tour. Discover the fascinating history and conservation of these spectacular trees, learn about rare hybrids, and see firsthand why Caerhays is a global leader in magnolia cultivation. 3. Celebrate Mother’s Day and Support CoppaFeel! (30th March 2025)Make Mother’s Day extra special by celebrating the culmination of Magnolia Mania at Caerhays Castle. 25% of every entrance ticket on March 30th goes directly to CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. 🌸 Join a Free Guided Garden Walk at 10:30 AM with Charles Williams and immerse yourself in the stunning magnolia displays. 🌸 Wear Pink! Help us "paint the garden pink" by donning your favourite pink T-shirt, beanie, or even knee-high socks in support of CoppaFeel! 🌸 Donate to CoppaFeel! while enjoying a breathtaking morning walk. The one-hour walk is free, but donations are welcome. 4. Discover the Williams Caerhays Mineral Collection (21st March 2025)Uncover the hidden geological treasures of Caerhays in a fascinating lecture by Courtenay Smale, Curator of the Caerhays Mineral Collection. Learn about the estate’s rare minerals and gemstones, as well as its significant contribution to Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. 5. Easter Weekend Adventures for the Whole Family (19th – 21st April 2025)Hop into spring with a fun-filled Easter weekend at Caerhays! Enjoy exciting Easter egg hunts, interactive family-friendly activities, and seasonal treats, all set against the spectacular backdrop of blooming magnolias and rhododendrons. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Easter while exploring one of Cornwall’s most beautiful historic estates. 6. A Scented Rhododendron Garden Walk & Talk (12th April 2025)Magnolias aren’t the only floral highlight at Caerhays! Join Charles Williams for a guided walk focusing on scented rhododendrons. Learn about the estate’s rare and aromatic varieties while wandering through fragrant spring gardens. If you’re a garden enthusiast, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Plan Your Visit to Caerhays Castle With stunning gardens, exclusive events, and meaningful celebrations, Caerhays Castle is a must-visit destination this spring. Whether you’re captivated by magnolias in bloom, eager to explore Cornwall’s history, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors, there’s something for everyone at this magnificent estate. 📍 Secure your tickets and find more details on upcoming events at HeritageXplore.com. 🌸 We can’t wait to welcome you this spring!

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 23, 2025

Whether it’s for a birthday with a loved one, to mark a special occasion, or just to relax in style and enjoy a lovely experience at Carlton Towers, their sumptuous three-course Sunday Lunch is sure to put a smile on your face. All meals are prepared by their wonderful in-house chef and their professional team are on-hand. Tables from 12:30pm onwards

March 29, 2025

For a number of nights throughout the year, Carlton Towers opens it’s doors to offer the perfect and elegant setting for guests to enjoy the ultimate fine dining experience. Their talented in-house chefs create menus that innovate and indulge the senses. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and a glass of fizz in our opulent staterooms. Their team will be on hand to provide the best service and ensure you have a memorable evening. £59.00 per person - Includes a three-course meal and a glass of fizz Bar Open From: 7pm Dining: 7:30pm

March 29, 2025 to May 11, 2025

This exhibition is included in your general admission tickets to the castle between March 29th 2025 - 11th May 2025. Step into the heart of history and emotion with Motherhood at Belvoir, a stunning exhibition at Belvoir Castle that brings the timeless journey of motherhood to life. Through an evocative collection of art, photography, and historical artifacts, this exhibition celebrates the resilience, love, and sacrifice of mothers across generations. Set within the grandeur of Belvoir Castle, each piece tells a story that bridges the personal and the universal—offering visitors a chance to connect with the joys and challenges of motherhood throughout the ages. Wander through the exhibition and be inspired by the stories of women who shaped the lives of their families and, in turn, history itself. Discover this unique celebration of motherhood, where every room, artifact, and moment reflects the enduring legacy of love. At Belvoir Castle, the beauty of the past meets the power of the present in a truly unforgettable experience.