Exploring England’s North Country

Travel England’s North Country with the Great British Heritage Pass - explore the stunning northern regions and English heritage properties of York, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Sheffield and more.

Begin your journey in England’s North Country by starting off in Carlisle and exploring Carlisle Castle, one of Britain’s best border castles, dating back 900 years, and where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. Next head off to Hadrian’s Wall and discover the Housesteads Roman Fort, the most complete Roman Fort in Britain, situated on top of a steep ridge overlooking National Park countryside.

Gibside, by Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is the next step on your tour of Great Britain, where you can commune with nature in this ‘forest garden,’ which embraces many miles of riverside and forest walks.

Continue south and you will encounter Castle Howard in Yorkshire, a magnificent 18th century house with outstanding collections and 1,000 acres of parkland, featuring statues, temples, lakes and fountains.

Move on to the Treasurer’s House in York, where you can take a guided tour of the ‘Ghost Cellar.’ You can also visit the elegant townhouse that dates back from medieval times, with fine furniture and paintings.

The journey continues as you head off to Clifford’s Tower, a proud symbol of the might of Britain’s medieval kings, originally built by William the Conqueror. You can also enjoy magnificent views of York and the surrounding countryside.

For Peter Rabbit fans, head west towards Windermere and the Lake District National Park to visit Hill Top, where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her children’s stories. The house contains her furniture, china, and a collection of pictures.

Head south of the park and discover Holker Hall and Gardens, the elegant stately home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, which includes 25 acres of award-winning gardens with water and woodland features.

The final step on your journey takes you towards the coast and Muncaster Castle and Owl Centre, a haunted 13th century castle with Europe’s oldest leading collection of rhododendrons. It is also the home of the World Owl Trust and undercover Meadow Vole Maze.