English Heritage has re-opened six of its most popular attractions for pre-booked travel trade and group visits. They join Stonehenge, which has now been successfully welcoming pre-booked groups since early July.
It has introduced a central booking system which is now open for travel trade and groups to visit the following sites:
· 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex – groups can re-imagine the most famous battle in England’s history on the battlefield trail, visit the abbey ruins, its gatehouse and rooftop viewing platform
· Audley End House and Gardens, Essex – the Capability-Brown landscape, gardens, 1880’s Service Wing, Stable Yard and organic Victorian walled kitchen garden are all now open and the Jacobean house with its Robert Adams interiors, stunning furnishings and artworks re-opens on September 17
· Dover Castle, Kent – explore the colourful interiors and rooftop of King Henry II’s magnificent Great Tower, walk the castle battlements and discover the role the castle played in two world wars at the Port War Signal Station
· Osborne, Isle of Wight – visit the family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with several opulent ground floor rooms open as well as the estate’s stunning gardens, grounds and their private beach
· Stonehenge, Wiltshire – a 2.6 mile circular walking route now leads visitors to the Stone Circle (shuttle buses are prioritised for those in most need). There’s also an exhibition at the visitor centre filled with archaeological finds from the World Heritage Site and complete with a virtual stone circle which visitors can stand inside
· Tintagel Castle, Cornwall – legendary birthplace of King Arthur with a dramatic new footbridge leading across to visit the island, plus an exhibition to see and the chance to visit Merlin’s Cave
· Wrest Park, Bedfordshire – discover three centuries of landscape design evolution in 92-acres of magnificent grounds dotted with statues, buildings, woodland areas and water features
English Heritage has selected these key sites to open for group visits as they have plenty to offer for interesting days out, as well as the space and facilities to ensure government Covid-19 guidelines for social distancing and hygiene measures are met. Pre-booking is essential to limit visitor numbers and ensure effective social distancing.
Each site also has gift shops and cafés where food and drinks can be bought for eating outside. Face masks must be worn in all indoor areas and on the Stonehenge shuttle bus. Once on site, group members should stay within their bubbles/households to meet government guidelines. No guided tours are currently available.
English Heritage’s 15 per cent discount (10 per cent at Stonehenge) for groups of 11 or more applies on bookings to each of these historic sites. One tour leader and one coach driver are admitted free with each group (and do not count towards group numbers).
To book travel trade/group visits to any of these sites, email at least seven days ahead to: bookings@english-heritage.org.uk
