Discover UK and European cultural gems

15/08/2018

Many of our sites are on the doorstep of some of the UK and Europe’s most interesting and inspiring cultural gems.

Whether it’s a historic property, a scenic steam train journey, a museum or trade exhibition, or even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can stay at a wide range of perfectly placed sites that make a great base for a cultural holiday.

Best of all our Great Savings Guide has a whole host of fantastic offers for the cultural gems featured below.

Don’t forget, as a Club member you can also save 25% off on a Historic Houses Association membership, where you can take a peek behind the scenes at some of the most beautiful historic properties in Britain.

Please note: The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw, amend or replace any individual venue or offer without prior notification.

 

Devon and Cornwall

Tiverton Castle, Devon

This historic medieval castle, originally built in 1106 by order of Henry I, was later rebuilt, enlarged and altered down through the ages. Tiverton Castle is steeped in history, and was once home to the powerful medieval Earls of Devon and of Princess Katherine Plantagenet. Captured during a siege during the Civil War by Fairfax, it now houses a fine collection of arms and armour, some pieces of which can be tried on!

Great savings: Two for the price of one

 

Chambercombe Manor, Devon

A stunning 11th century historic manor house, Chambercombe Manor is mentioned in the Domesday Book with many original features. With three acres of beautiful gardens, tea rooms and gift shop, this manor house is perfect for soaking up the culture in Devon.

Great savings: One half price adult or child when accompanied by one full paying adult

Stay at: Willingcott Club Site and Hore Down Farm CL

 

South East England

Leeds Castle, Kent

With 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens, maze, daily activities, free flying falconry displays, special events and year round attractions, Leeds Castle is one of the best days out in Kent, you will want to come back time and again! Open all year, there is something new for everyone to discover every day.

Great savings: 20% off admissions

Stay at: Bearsted Club Site

 

East Anglia

Holkham Hall, Farming Exhibition and Walled Garden, Norfolk

Rolling parkland surrounds this magnificent stately home with a farming exhibition, walled garden restoration project, nature trail, cycle and boat hire, gift shop, cafe and many events or family entertainment.

Great savings: 20% off standard admission

Stay at: Fakenham Racecourse Club Site and Mill Farm CL

 

Oliver Cromwell’s House, Cambridgeshire

Visit the former Lord Protector's family home. Experience what domestic life would have been like in the 17th century in a variety of re-created period rooms as well as an exhibition detailing the Civil War. Visit Mrs Cromwell's kitchen, try dressing up or playing with the toys of the time or venture into the haunted bedroom if you dare!

Great savings: Two for the price of one

Stay at: Fields End Water Club Site

 

Southern England

New Forest Centenary Club Site

You won’t have to travel far for this cultural gem. The New Forest Centenary Club site is full of culture in its own right, as it was part of the Second World War Airfield. Soak up the history as you explore the site, and make sure you stop by the memorial to the New Forest Airfields.

Stay at: New Forest Centenary Club Site

 

West Somerset Railway, Somerset

Enjoy a heritage steam ride through 20 miles of glorious Somerset coast and countryside between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead. The West Somerset Railway has 10 stations/stop off points along the line with shops, museums and cafes.

Great savings: Buy one adult Rover Ticket and get one half price

Stay at: Minehead Club Site and The Tom Stewart Field CL

 

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens, Somerset

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval site is open for all to enjoy. Surrounded by a breath-taking moat, with resident swans, visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells. This cultural gem features a new children’s play area called The Dragons Lair, making this trip one for all ages.

Great savings: Two for the price of one or 20% off a family ticket

Stay at: Cheddar Club Site and Primrose Caravan Park CL

 

Cotswolds & West Midlands

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Warwickshire

Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps and explore the house where he was born and grew up. Explore his life story at the fascinating Famous Beyond Words exhibition, journey back in time with captivating tales by costumed guides and enjoy live performances with Shakespeare Aloud!, the resident acting troupe.

Great savings: 30% discount on the Full Story ticket

Stay at: Warwick Racecourse Club Site and Monks Barn Farm CL

 

British Motor Museum, Warwickshire

Fun for all the family, the British Motor Museum houses informative and interactive exhibitions, charting the history of British motoring from the 1890s to present day. Come and explore over 300 vehicles and experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British Motor industry.

Great savings: £2.00 off per person for up to five people

Stay at: Warwick Racecourse Club Site and Manor Farm CL

 

Peak District & East Midlands

Major Oak, Clumber Park

Children will enjoy Clumber Park as it is part of what was once Sherwood Forest and the reminders of the area's most famous resident, Robin Hood are plentiful. The Major Oak is a must as legend has it that Robin Hood hid here, along with his merry men. It was also voted ‘Tree of the Year’ in a public vote run by the Woodland Trust.

Stay at: Clumber Park Club Site

 

Church of St Mary & All Saints

Marvel at the twisted spire of the Church of St Mary & All Saints, the largest church in Derbyshire, and take a tour if you’re interested in learning more. You can also enjoy a walk along the canal to Chesterfield and discover the vibrant market.

Stay at: Poolsbrook Country Park Club Site

 

Crich Tramway Village, Derbyshire

A great day out for all the family! Experience vintage tram rides, exhibitions, woodland walk, children's play areas, tearooms, pub and shops. Visit the village’s website for details on special events held throughout the year.

Great savings: Two for the price of one

Stay at: The Firs Club Site and Moor Edge Farm CL

 

Cumbria & North West

Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site

Explore the wonder of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site from the peace and quiet of our Englethwaite Club site. The wall itself spans 73 miles from sea to sea, so you can enjoy beautiful walks through the countryside.

Stay at: Englethwaite Hall Club Site

 

South Tynedale Railway

Enjoy a scenic ride through the North Pennines on the South Tynedale Railway. There’s even a Discovery Centre where you can learn more about the railway, plus an engineering workshop. Take a picnic or enjoy refreshments in the cafe. Free car parking is available and dogs are welcome.

Great savings: Two for the price of one

Stay at: Teesdale Barnard Castle Club Site or Englethwaite Hall Club Site

 

Holker Hall & Gardens, Cumbria

Holker Hall and Gardens combine the beauty of nature with the richness of local heritage. This lovely Victorian home, in its spectacular parkland setting, offers a warm welcome to visitors of all ages. Holker has its own brasserie, gift shop and food hall.

Great savings: Two for the price of one on House & Garden entrance

Stay at: Meathop Fell Club Site and Old Barn Farm CL

 

Paradise Mill, Cheshire

Step back into the 1930s with a guided tour of the Paradise Mill. See 26 restored Jacquard looms and watch as they weave their magic!

Great savings: Two for the price of one

Stay at: Buxton Club Site

 

Yorkshire

Burton Constable Hall, Hull

Whales, Wonders and Woodland Wildlife: East Yorkshire's "Hidden Gem". Meander upstairs and downstairs through 30 evocative grand rooms filled with fine art and furniture, visit the stable lad's bedchamber, blacksmith's shop, tack rooms and the restored workings of the 18th century stable clock and of course see the skeleton of a 60ft Sea Monster.

Great savings: Two for the price of one

Stay at: Bridlington Club Site

 

North East England

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Once home to the Kings of Northumbria, this spectacular castle overlooks the Farne Islands and vast beaches. Discover a fascinating collection of artwork, porcelain, china and armour.

Great savings: 20% reduction on admissions

Stay at: Berwick Seaview Club Site

 

Scotland

Dunottar Castle

Explore the spectacular ruin of Dunnottar Castle towering 160ft above the North Sea. Steeped in history, the castle is a history buff’s dream and a photographer’s paradise. You can even hire fishing equipment in the harbour to extend your trip.

Stay at: Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Club Site

 

The National Wallace Monument, Stirling

The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in Scotland. It commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero.

Great savings: Two for the price of one

Stay at: Blair Drummond Club Site and Robertson Lane Farm CL

 

Scotland’s Secret Bunker, Fife

Scotland's best kept secret for over 40 years, a farmhouse conceals the entrance to an amazing labyrinth, 100ft underground. Had there been a nuclear war, this is where Scotland would have been governed from within.

Great savings: One free child when accompanied by one full paying adult

Stay at: Balbirnie Park Club Site

 

Wales

The Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth

Travelling on the Vale of Rheidol Railway is the finest way to explore the stunning Rheidol Valley. Opened in 1902, the railway has been delighting passengers young and old for over a century. A blast of the whistle and the hiss of steam and you're away!

Great savings: 10% discount on full-line return tickets

Stay at: Shawsmead Club Site and Penygraig Farm CL

 

Great Orme Mines, Conwy

Take a trip through mines nearly 4000 years old and get a feel for the conditions our prehistoric ancestors faced in their search for valuable copper ores. The mines boast a shop with quality gifts, gemstones, fossils, Celtic jewellery, books and maps.

Great savings: One free child with every full paying adult

Stay at: Riverside Touring Park Club Site and Hafodty Farm CL

 

Ireland

Russborough House & Parklands, Co. Wicklow

Take a guided house tour of this Stunning Palladian Mansion which overlooks the Blessington lakes at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. The parklands offer a maze, fairy trail, playground, 18th century walled garden, sheep dog demonstrations and birds of prey centre.

Great savings: Two for the price of one admission for the guided house tour

Stay at: Hidden Valley Holiday Park and River Valley Holiday Park

 

Crag Cave, Co. Kerry

A unique, all weather visitor attraction at the gateway to County Kerry, Crag Cave is formed of limestone and is a colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over one million years old, this natural attraction has dramatic sound and lighting effects.

Great savings: Two for the price of one on cave admission

Stay at: Fleming’s White Bridge Caravan and Camping Park and Glenross Caravan and Camping Park

 

Discover more savings on local attractions with the Great Savings Guide, sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

 

Overseas

Venice, Italy

Explore the beautiful city of Venice from the comfort of our site at Ca' Savio, just 10 minutes away via water taxi. Admire the colourful houses of Burano, take gondola rides along the canals and get lost in stunning museums and galleries.

Stay at: Ca’ Savio, Italy

 

Seville, Spain

A holiday to Andalusia would not be complete without a trip to Seville, the capital of the region. Be wowed by the stunning Gothic architecture of its cathedral and palaces, and soak up some culture with excellent Flamenco shows.

Stay at: La Aldea, Spain

 

Château de Villandry, France

Head to the Loire Valley on your visit to France and stop by the beautiful Château de Villandry. Admire its stunning architecture and the breathtaking gardens.

Stay at: Le Parc de Fierbois, France

 

Barcelona, Spain

Explore Barcelona from your site at Vilanova Park with ease, with organised shuttle buses from the site into the city taking less than an hour. Be enchanted by the likes of Park Güell, one of many places in the city with fascinating Gaudí architecture, plus the Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter. 

Stay at: Vilanova Park, Spain

 

Porto, Portugal

Porto has plenty to discover, starting with jaw-dropping views from the cable cars which hover over the Douro river. Soak up all the culture the city has to offer with open top bus rides, Segway tours and bicycle tours, making sure you stop for some port wine. Our site at Angeiras is a 40 minute bus ride from the city centre, and the bus stop is right outside the campsite.

Stay at: Angeiras, Portugal

 

Dordogne, France

Discover cultural gems in Dordogne, like the cave drawings of the prehistoric Lascaux caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only 20 minutes from site. Venture further out to find the Château de Marqueyssac, a 17th-century château and gardens, or the Château de Beynac, a stunning fortress perched high on a cliff.

Stay at: Le Paradis, France

 

Paris, France

If France's capital is more up your street, stay a stone's throw from the city of Paris and explore cultural gems like the Château de Versailles. The Château is only a 10 minute drive from our site at Huttopia Versailles, and you can also make good use of train links which run directly into the centre of Paris to visit the city's cultural gems including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.

Stay at: Huttopia Versailles, France

 

Delft, Netherlands

Soak up some culture in the picturesque town of Delft, the home of Johannes Vermeer and Pieter de Hooch, two famous Dutch painters. You'll also be a short 20 minutes from The Hague, and one hour south of Amsterdam where you can find an abundance of cultural gems, including Anne Frank's House.

Stay at: Delftse Hout, The Netherlands

East Lancs Railway near Burrs Country Park Club Campsite by Joseph Carter
great savings guide, with sticker

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Members can save up to 50% on top attractions across the UK.

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Tips and advice for touring all year

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