I remember watching a movie a while back about how King John, after signing, and then ripping up,…read morethe Magna Carta, laid siege to this castle. I don't think it has been repaired since (though I think there are other reasons it is in the state it is in). It is one of William's castles, namely because they all pretty much look the same. It is still cool to go in and explore, and even though it is ruined, there is still a lot to check out here.

One of my favorite castle ruins, the imposing Rochester Castle, a mighty Norman tower-keep of…read moreKentish ragstone standing 113 feet, was built c. 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury. It stands on the east bank of the River Medway. Rochester is the tallest keep (central tower) in England and has been the commanding presence of the city and river crossing for over nine centuries. The castle and keep take up half of the Roman-built walled city. From the 12th into the 14th centuries Rochester Castle played an important role in defending against invasion and uprising threats. After falling into disrepair, King Edward III reconstructed the castle and it was fully functional by 1400. Over the next three centuries it was, once again, neglected and vandalized until the city took command of the property. Though the castle's center wooden flooring no longer exists there are passageways and stairs that carry visitors to the top of the keep, offering impressive views in all directions. The English Heritage now has responsibility for preservation and its doors are open to the public. This castle is a must see when visting the South of England.

Penshurst Place evidently still resembles that which Sir John de Pulteney, a former Mayor of…read moreLondon, constructed between 1338 and 1341. it has a rich history. Penshurst changed hands between a few dukes after Sir John and, in 1483, was inherited by Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham. Edward was the son of Henry Stafford (the 2nd Duke) and Katherine Woodville, sister to Queen Elizabeth (wife of King Henry IV). King Henry VIII had visited Edward (whom he considered a threat to the crown) at Penshurst in 1519 and even though the king had been lavished with what today would be over £1 million as a gift, King Henry VIII had Edward convicted of treason and executed in 1521, at which point the king took control of the estate. Henry used Penshurst as a hunting lodge but it was also where he stayed when he visited nearby Hever Castle while courting his future 2nd wife and queen, Anne Boleyn. Fast-forward to the king's divorce from his 4th wife, Anne of Cleves and Penshurst became hers, for a short time, as part of the settlement. Sir Ralph Fane (also Vane), who was knighted on the field of combat, was granted Penshurst in 1550 by Edward VI, the 13 year old King of England. However, less than two years later, Fane was convicted and hanged for treason, at which time the manor was given to Sir William Sidney by Edward VI as a reward for Sidney's services as steward and tutor to the household. Penshurst has remained in the Sidney family since 1552! By the late 1700's, the estate had started falling into disrepair. Restorations began in 1818 and the estate did well until damage was sustained during World War II. As a means to assist funding restorations in 1947, Penshurst Place was opened to the public. The family's stewardship of the manor has resided, since 1991, with Philip Sidney, 2nd Viscount De L'Isle MBE, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Kent. Though a fairly narrow building it is long and when one is touring through the various rooms you can glimpse much of the history that is held within the walls, from paintings that adorn the walls to mannequins wearing period clothing, from armor that had been worn to fancy lace and elaborate bedding. When visiting anywhere near Kent, England, Penshurst Place should be on the short list to tour. It doesn't take a long time but the history is worth your time.

Had a wonderful tour here while I was in England, beautiful gardens, and lots of history here.read more

Ightham Mote (pronounced 'Eye-tum Moat') is one of my favourite spots to take friends and visitors…read more The setting, on a hot summer's day, is just perfect: you approach through a lovely, quiet valley (astonishingly so, given how close you are to London), and suddenly, there is a beautiful 14th Century Manor-House, set in a wide moat, surrounded by delightful gardens. The house itself dates from 1320, with additions dating to around the early 1500's. Set around an internal courtyard, features include the original 14th century Great Hall, Old Chapel, Crypt, and a Tudor chapel with a painted ceiling, with motifs reflecting the marriage of Catherine of Aragon to Henry VIII. The house features classic overhanging Tudor wooden-framed walls. The gardens are small but delightful, but the parkland around is very extensive (over 500 acres - 200 hectares). There are both cycle-ways and marked foot-paths around the estate for the more energetic visitor. Being owned by the National Trust, there is an excellent small shop and cafe, with details on accessibility on its web-site.

This is a charming historical building and gardens. Dating back to the 13th century, it reflects…read morethe layers of renovation over the ages all on top of the original 'bones'. It also has a wonderful feel to it of a house someone really lived in, as opposed to a cold museum. Oh, and be sure not to miss the painting of the house and moat by Winston Churchill in the library! The gardens are also lovely, small scale, with some very pretty topiary. All this is set into the background of the moat, which provides a cool feel on a warm summer day. The cafe is also nicely run with a good selection of fresh items for lunch or snack. All in all, a very worthwhile stop!!

The Chiswick House & Gardens is a beautiful little garden in west London that many people don't…read moreknow about. I have been here during the fall when it is completely quiet, and during their magical lantern festival at night when it is packed with crowds. The grounds are well kept, and the lanterns are most amazing. The lanterns along the little lake are especially stunning thanks to the water reflection, but it's also extremely cold thanks to the water. There are three "rest stops": the cafe upon entrance, the marshmallow roasting station in the middle of the tour (but no warming huts which is desperately needed as it's humid and bone chilling in London), and a small fair ground at the end of the tour with hot food, hot drink, and a ferries wheels. The only problem is that it is so freezing cold, and their inadequate toilets especially for women created a huge problem: long queues, chilling cold temperature inside the loos, and generally uncomfortable dirty conditions. It is to be expected with any festivals but still the organizers could have done a better job at regular cleaning and providing directions.

We just headed here this weekend for the Magical Lantern Festival. Hence my rating and review is of…read morethe festival. However, we did see some gorgeous marble statues and the gardens (what we could see of them in the dark) and Historic House, looked like this place definitely merits another visit. The Magical Lanterns are stunning. After the London Lumiere festival, I was a bit skeptical of what would be on offer. But I was blown away by the displays. Budget 2 hours for the walk itself, especially if you are visiting on a night with crowds. We picked up hot coffees and churros at the entry. Feasted on hot chocolate and hot toddy from Beltane and Pop and roasted marshmallows on the firepit at the midway stop. And there was a good selection of meals at the exit point with a covered marquee to enjoy it in. We however decided that we wanted a proper sit down restaurant that was well warmed for dinner and hence walked across to Chiswick high street for a meal. Do note, that these are all pop ups and food trucks - I assume they are only here during the festival. They do have a permanent coffee shop on the premises that was open. But the number of wailing children on this occasion, kept us away.

Magnificent palace located in a far out London suburb. This palace was for a time, the home for the…read moreCourtaulds family who built a magnificent house attached to a mediaevel hall. The hall was all what remained of a Royal palace. But its foundations have been partly excavated and exposed for public viewing in the magnificent gardens. If you love art deco interiors, then you will love this place which still remans fresh and contemporary with its numerous en suite bathrooms and fitted bedrooms. And a simply beautiful lobby with a unique domed ceiling. Do buy a bag of carp food and have fun feeding the greedy fishes!

My fiancé and I visited from the US and we're looking to visit some unique attractions in England…read more This is one of them. A beautiful Art Deco house! The staff was very friendly. They have beautiful gardens to stroll in as well. If you can appreciate vintage/antique Art Deco architecture you'll enjoy walking around this palace. They also have a tea room at the end of the walk which we enjoyed a pot of tea and a slice of maple walnut coffee cake. Very good.

Marble Hill House in Twickenham is such a lovely spot. The house itself is free to explore, with…read morebeautiful history and charming gardens all around. The surrounding park is perfect for a stroll, with plenty of space for picnics, walks, and dog walkers. A quiet, pretty spot!

Marble Hill House is an elegant 18th century villa which borders on the Thames very near to…read moreRichmond.It has been recently transformed with hand painted Chinese wall paper in its dining parlour.The property was originally built for Henrietta Howard the mistress of George 11.

Ham House was built in 1610 and was lavishly remodelled in th 1670s when it became the centre of…read moreRestoration court life and intrigue. Today the house is thought to be the most haunted in England. It still has a large portion of rare original furnishings and paintings as well as its lavish interior. Coupled with this there are extensive and beautiful 17th century gardens.

Beautiful House! You will be amazed by the paintings and…read moresculptures that are both in/outdoors of the house which was built in 1610. I really enjoyed that peaceful place.. P.S Dolphin chairs are another things to be checked in the House :)

There are 2 parts to Knole, the House and the Park. The Park…read moreis huge and free to visit as long as you don't use the Car Park, otherwise there is a charge. In the Park there are plenty of nice walks, the deer strolling around and beautiful scenery. As a bonus then there is a coffee shop at the House that you can use when the House is open. The House is an interesting visit most renowned for the connection to Henry VIII. The story is well told and it is the antique chair collection, including a rather threadbare orginal 'Knole' sofa, that makes it noteworthy.

A wonderful place for history buffs... Belonged to a bishop, went to the Crown, given to a…read morefavourite, inhabited until recently. Brideshead stuff. The house / manor is set in a park where deers roam free, it's quite unusual and a nice side memory. The rest can only be told in pictures, so do visit the National Tust website (I've attached a link).