LEEDS CASTLE, KENT

 

Leeds Castle in Kent is a 19th century castle with roots dating back almost 1,000 years, that today draws visitors from far and wide to explore its beautiful structure, positioned picturesquely on an island in the middle of a lake. Leeds Castle was originally constructed as a fortification in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur, an Anglo-Norman lord under William II.

In 1278, Leeds Castle was bought by Eleanor of Castile, following which it took on a different role as a royal palace to her husband King Edward I. He expanded it, likely adding further elements such as the lake and an impressive barbican spanning 3 islands.

Leeds Castle passed through numerous royal hands over the coming centuries, hosting a myriad of important guests including Henry VIII, who visited it on several occasions. Henry VIII also extensively renovated the castle as a residence for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Eventually falling into private ownership under King Edward VI, Leeds Castle survived the English Civil War in the hands of the Parliamentarians and later acted as a prison for Dutch and French prisoners of war.

Today, Leeds Castle is a major leisure destination and houses a maze, a golf course, and what may be the world’s only dog collar museum.

BIRMINGHAM, MIDLANDS

Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham is an industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart. There’s a whole host of quirky adventures waiting to be discovered in the city – from cultural festivals to unique street art tours. Find a funky scene at the Custard Factory, home to up-and-coming designers, artists and independent cafes and bars. Or satisfy your fashion fever at the Bullring, Mailbox Malls and the achingly cool Grand Central complex.

From cruising down the city’s forgotten underground canals with an expert guide to checking out the home of the infamous Peaky Blinders, or celebrating the city’s eclectic cuisine with an unforgettable meal on the Balti Triangle, Birmingham’s blindingly brilliant!

 

FOXTON LOCKS, LEICESTERSHIRE

 

An iconic series of locks and a grand feat of engineering on the Grand Union Canal. Foxton Locks is a Grade II listed site, and home to the longest, steepest staircase flight of locks in Britain. These locks have been an essential part of travel, trade and leisure for over 200 years. Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat.

Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

KENILWORTH CASTLE, WARWICKSHIRE

 

Kenilworth is one of England’s most spectacular castles. Once standing at the heart of a vast hunting ground and surrounded by a huge man-made lake, it represented a rich prize to the generations of great men who owned and embellished it – among them John of Gaunt, Henry V and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The castle’s fortifications were dismantled in 1650, and the ruins later became famous thanks in part to Walter Scott’s 1821 romance Kenilworth. Today only the Leicester Gatehouse is habitable, and the rest of the castle is a glorious ruin, though thoroughly accessible to visitors. English Heritage took over operation of the castle in 1974, and under their auspices, the fine Tudor stable block was restored to house exhibitions on the castle and its history.

BOTANY BAY, BROADSTAIRS, KENT

 

 One of the most photographed bays in the UK, Botany Bay is famous. This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. When the tide is out, Botany bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay's shape the ends are cut off at high tide. Botany Bay is the northernmost of seven bays in the popular Kent resort of Broadstairs. This sandy beach is deservedly popular with clean sands and a Blue Flag award for water quality. It was named after Botany Bay in Australia as local smugglers were caught on the beach and deported to Botany Bay, hence the name. The bay is very attractive with chalk cliffs, golden sands and some rock pools. There’s a small (somewhat inadequate) car park but you can park on the nearby streets off Marine Drive. The approach to the beach has beach huts and flights of shallow steps. There is an RNLI lifeguard service in high season and dogs are banned in the daytime from May through to September. Despite these minor niggles, the beach remains very popular. As well as being popular for sandcastles and beach sports, Botany Bay is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, sunbathing, fossil hunting, body boarding and kite-flying. It also has a deck chair rental service. Nearby coastal walks offer superb views of Botany Bay from the Viking Coastal Trail and Kent Coastline Walk.