CASTLES - FORTS - RUINS - RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS

Brockenhurst Hampshire. Tel 01590 612345 Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John. The Domus, once the lay brothers' refectory, houses an exhibition of monastic life. view a series of modern embroidered wall hangings depicting scenes from medieval life.

Halstead Essex. Tel 01787 460261 The castle's Norman keep is 110 feet high and built c.1140 with four floors to explore, including a magnificent banqueting hall spanned by a remarkable 28ft arch. Visit the Minstrels' gallery and take a walk in the castles beautiful grounds, see the 19th century Dovecote.

London Greater London. Tel 020 3166 6000 Explore five amazing palaces plus three special exhibitions. Each palace has its own individual character and world significance. They are quite simply the places where defining moments in our history took place. At last, a truly magnificent event in the heart of the city.

Hastings East Sussex. Tel 01424 444412 Walk around the ruins of the cloistered chapel, the East gate and the chapter house. Enjoy the stunning views across the town and explore the dungeons carved out of the rock beneath the north gate, then enter the medieval siege tent and see the first Norman castle.

Edenbridge Kent. Tel 01732 865224 Discover 700 years of history at this romantic, double-moated 13th century castle that was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the intriguing second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. View the fine furniture, paintings, tapestries, antiques and gardens.

Maidstone Kent. Tel 01622 765400 Visitors to Leeds Castle are transported through 900 years of the castle's history, an eclectic mix of period architecture, sumptuous interiors and family treasures waiting to be discovered. Visit our aviaries, gardens, Knights realm playground, maze and castle craft café.

Rochester Kent. Tel 01634 718742 Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect English warships moored nearby at Chatham dockyards. Step back in time and find out about life in the castle with an audio tour.

Oxford Oxfordshire. Tel 01865 260666 Take a guided tour today and let the characters reveal their fascinating stories entrenched in the building’s 1,000 year history. After your tour, you will be inducted into the castle’s prison and wider site where you will be able to explore at your own leisure. A past stretching far beyond your imagination.

Halisham East Sussex. Tel 01323 833816 Enjoy the castle, gardens and grounds, set within 300 acres of woodland with themed formal gardens. The 15th century moated castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe and is one of the earliest examples of a brick built building in England.