- Heritage

Bede's World Museum

Discover the world of the Venerable Bede, who lived and worked at the monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow 1300 years ago…

Newcastle Castle Keep

The Castle Keep was built by Henry II between 1168-1178 and is one of the finest surviving examples of Norman Keep in the country. It stands within a site which also contains an early motte and bailey castle built by Robert Curthose, the son of William the Conqueror. It is managed by the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the second oldest antiquarian society in the world…

Chatsworth

The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is one of the country’s greatest Treasure Houses, renowned for the quality of its art, landscape and hospitality. Home of the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations. Today Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynold and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal, Sean Scully and David Nash. The garden is famous for its rich history, historic and modern waterworks and sculptures, the Victorian rock garden and the maze. Younger visitors also enjoy the working farmyard and woodland adventure playground and the 1000 acre park is open for walks, picnics and play. 2011 continues to offer great things for our visitors. There will be an entirely new exhibition celebrating the life of the 6th Duke of Devonshire. Visitors will also witness the Queen of Scots and Leicester Apartments being restored to Regency bedrooms over the course of the year. In addition there will be an exhibition curated by the Duke and Duchess themselves, of their favourite things from the Collection. All this and work on the Masterplan continues with the major conservation of the house. Our programme of events sees the return of the spring festival of Tulips, International Horse Trials, Country Fair and a new Festival of Innovation. The season ends with a visual celebration of traditional Christmas carols entitled "Deck the Halls"…

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall sits on a rocky outcrop above the River Wye near the market town of Bakewell. Looking much as is would have done in Tudor times. There has been a dwelling here since he 11th century but the house we see today dates mainly from the late 14th century with major additions in the following 200 years and some alterations in the early 17th century including the creation of the Long Gallery. William the Conqueror’s illegitimate son Peverel, and his descendants, held Haddon for 100 years before it passed to the Vernon family. In the late 16th century the estate passed through marriage to the Manners family, in whose possession it has remained ever since. When the Dukedom of Rutland was conferred on the Manners family in 1703 they moved to Belvoir Castle, and Haddon was left deserted for 200 years. This was Haddon’s saving grace as the Hall thus escaped the major architectural changes of the 18th and 19th centuries ready for the great restoration at the beginning of the 20th century by the 9th Duke of Rutland. Henry VIII’s elder brother Arthur, who was a frequent guest of the Vernons, would be quite familiar with the house as it stands today. Haddon Hall is a popular location for film and television productions. Recent films include Pride & Prejudice and the BBC dramatisation of Jane Eyre. Gardens Magnificent terraced gardens with over 150 varieties of rose and clematis, provide colour and scent throughout the summer…

Carnfield Hall

Unspoilt Elizabethan manor house. Panelled rooms, 17th century staircases, 1600 Great Parlour. Since 1502 home of Revell’s, Wilmot’s, Radford’s & Cartland’s - the latter Birmingham industrialists and inveterate hoarders. Fascinating contents - portraits, costumes and fans, royal curios - Prince Imperials Suits, Pr. Charlotte’s stockings. Dust and cobwebs add to its Dickensian atmosphere. Walled garden and park…

Eyam Hall

This beautiful, unspoilt Jacobean manor house was built by the Wright family in 1671 and is still their much loved family home. The guided tour tells the story of generations of Wrights with portraits, tapestries, costumes and family possessions. The walled garden is included in the tour. The former home farm is now a working craft centre and licensed restaurant…

Hardstoft Herb Garden

Consists of two display gardens with information boards and well labelled plants…

Melbourne Hall & Gardens

This beautiful house of history, in its picturesque poolside setting, was once the home of Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb. The fine gardens, in the French formal style, contain Robert Bakewell’s intricate wrought iron arbour and a fascinating yew tunnel. Upstairs rooms available to view by…

Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood Country Park

Includes the ruins of the brick medieval home of the Grey family and childhood home of Lady Jane Grey. Also has a medieval deer…

Donington-le-heath Manor House

Medieval manor c1280 with 16th-17th century alterations…