HISTORIC HOUSES - STATELY HOMES - GARDENS

Cambridge Cambridgeshire. Tel 01223 336265 This tranquil 40 acre (16 hectares) garden offers year round interest to visitors. The Garden has a collection of over 10,000 labelled plant species in beautifully landscaped settings, including Rock Garden, Lake, Glasshouses, Winter Garden and Woodland Walk.

Bourne Lincolnshire. Tel 01778 591205 Grimsthorpe is a historic castle, park and garden. The Castle is the centrepiece of the estate. Once inside you can see the collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and objects d'art that fill the state rooms. Thrones and furnishings from the House of Lords are some of the items on view.

Doddington Lincolnshire. Tel 01522 694308 A visit to Doddington offers a unique insight into family life through the ages and the challenges of looking after such an estate in the 21st century. The Gardens are just as spectacular as the hall itself, remaining faithful to the original Elizabethan layout. Also open to school and group visits.

Nationwide. English Heritage exists to make sure the best of the past is kept to enrich our lives today and for future generations. We have over 400 sites nationwide ranging from small town gardens and public parks to great country estates and historical monuments. Become a member and come and visit our stunning gardens and buildings.

Stamford Lincolnshire. Tel 01780 752451 Enjoy a day out at one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. Visitor facilities include a guided tour, gardens and beautiful walks around the historic parkland laid out by Capability Brown and still occupied by a herd of fallow deer, the Orangery restaurant and gift shop.

Sudbury Suffolk. Tel 01787 310207 A romantic, moated, mellow red brick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting and a restoration project with an unrivalled ability to captivate the visitor. Visit the hall, extensive garden throughout the year plus step back in time to Tudor England with our re-creations of everyday Tudor life.

Lovingland Suffolk. Tel 0871 222 4244 Set in a beautiful 5,000 acre estate and widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful stately homes in Britain. As a visitor today you'll enjoy the finely preserved experience of a Tudor period mansion and complemented by the ambition of its surrounding pleasure gardens and yew hedge maze.