Get out and about again

As the nation emerges from lockdown, English Heritage will be allowing the public to visit outdoors at more than 50 historic sites from tomorrow just in time for Easter, including:

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland

The Quarry Garden is one of several spaces surrounding this 19th-century manor house and medieval castle. You can also explore wildflower meadows and woodland trails.

Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

A statue of Venus forms the focal point of the Fountain Garden, where a small private chamber is set into the wall.

Elsewhere, the lawns are a carnival of colour, bursting with 5,000 plants and flowers.

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall

The story of King Arthur is a fascinating fairy tale. His supposed home was this fifth century clifftop castle.

A new footbridge connects this area to the mainland, and a path leads to the beach.

Down House, Kent

Charles Darwin lived with his family here. The gardens doubled as an outdoor lab.

Visitors can follow his Sandwalk, a trail surrounded by native trees, or explore greenhouses filled with plants.

Whitby Abbey, North Yorks

This Gothic masterpiece has been an inspiration for many writers and poets. Bram Stoker gleaned ideas for Dracula and Caedmon, the first named English poet, also found ideas flowed after touring it.

Founded in 657 as an Anglo-Saxon monastery, it was destroyed by the Vikings and rebuilt in the 13th century.

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex

Find out how the Norman victory resulted in the common law, or stroll around the grounds. The Harold Stone marks the spot where King Harold fell. ■■Visitors must pre-book slots online. Various prices apply. Visit english-heritage.org.uk