Great days out for spring and Easter at listed properties

By Andy Duarte Insurance Advisor

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The first burst of blossom and sight of daffodils and tulips is a sure sign that spring is within touching distance. And that means you might be planning some days out to places of interest from now until Easter and beyond. We’ve made a list of some of our favourites – and guess what? They’re all listed or close to listed properties – which means you’ll get a slice of history alongside a good walk and maybe even a cream tea.

1. Wray Castle, Cumbria

Way up in the north is where Wray Castle has stood since 1840. Although not an ancient property, this neo-Gothic structure on the shores of Lake Windermere offers up plenty for the modern-day visitor to see and do. As well as parkland and walking trails, you can take a boat trip on the lake (don’t forget to see the Gothic Revival boathouse, either), stroll in the arboretum, and stop off at the art and photography exhibition. With ties to Beatrix Potter and her family, Wray Castle and its grounds is the perfect place to spend time this spring.

2. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

There’s always at least one interesting thing going on at beautiful Blenheim Palace and grounds – and spring is shaping up to be a great time to pay a visit. As well as the Easter weekend and holiday activities specifically for younger visitors, there’s a jousting tournament and food festival in May, and a flower show in June. And throughout 2024, there’s an exhibition commemorating the life of one of Blenheim’s most famous past residents – Winston Churchill. It’s 150 years since he was born at the palace, and he even proposed to his wife here. And if you’ve never been to or inside this incredible building, that alone is worth a tour.

3. Hythe Pier, Southampton

If you live near or are planning on visiting the Hampshire coast this spring, Hythe Pier is a piece of history on the water. Stretching an impressive 640 metres from Hythe itself into the Solent, it was opened back in 1881 to aid the ferry steamers that were travelling between Hythe and Southampton itself. Even before the pier was opened, this boat passage had been operational from as early as the Middle Ages, but the structure – which is still functional – transformed this maritime journey. The original cast-iron substructure, slim columns and cross-bracing are very typical of its time, being both functional and elegant. And one element of particular note is the electric railway that opened on the south side of the pier in 1922 and is (probably) the oldest public pier train in the world that’s still in operation.

A person uses a whisk to mix melted chocolate in a bowl. Nearby are truffles, a strainer, and chunks of dark and white chocolate.

4. The Artisan Bakehouse, Easter chocolate workshop, Ashurst, West Sussex

Here’s something a little bit special. How about booking onto an Easter-themed chocolate-making course, and perhaps staying on the premises of The Artisan Bakehouse in a 16^th century cottage? You may be making edible bunnies alongside truffles and other incredible delights, but this course is strictly for the grown-ups. There are also some residential cottages that can be rented, and other baking courses such as breadmaking. And if you want to make a weekend of it, you’re just a short drive from the rolling south downs, the historic town of Steyning, plus historic properties such as Arundel Castle and Petworth House and Park.

5. Wine weekend at Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Waddesdon Manor can usually be relied upon to offer up something more than the magnificent French-chateaux-style house, landscaped gardens, art collection, aviary, and woodland play area. But across the Easter weekend, guests can enjoy the rare treat of a wine tasting from the world-famous Rothschilds Estates. Whether you’re a wine buff or newcomer, there are up to eight examples of the grape to sample while in the cellars, while an expert team are on hand to talk you through each wine. This event is £12.50 a head, and of course, just for the grown-ups. This spring, there are plenty of other gastronomic experiences and drink tastings, so check out the Waddesdon event diary here to find your perfect outing.

6. City of York, north Yorkshire

Let’s end on bigging up a whole city of listed wonders and great days out this spring. If you’re heading to this intriguing walled city, here are just a handful of the must-visit places we recommend.

Why not start with a trip to Clifford’s Tower? Built originally by William the Conqueror as a defence garrison against the northern rebellions, it then went on to have a darker place in history. In 1190, the Jewish community of the town found themselves hemmed in the tower as a mob baying for blood prepared to murder them. The Jews in the tower took the decision to end their lives by suicide, rather than face a violent murder.

Now Clifford’s Tower has opened up and extended to create an immersive experience. There’s a new roof deck, where visitors can enjoy amazing views across York, as well as walkways and staircases that have been off-limits for many centuries.

Other recommendations include of course York Minster, and the much more recent and rather chilling York Cold War Bunker. Almost every one of the ancient city walls lanes has a unique story to tell, and you can book walking tours to get the full sense of history. Venture out a little bit further and there are the remains of Beadlam Roman Villa, Kirkham Hall Priory and Steeton Hall Gateway. See here for a host of amazing days out in and around York this spring.

While we can’t confirm arrangements for what the weather decides to do around Easter, we hope that our list of events and days out around listed and historical properties provides plenty of ideas for days out.