Attraction Reviews
The Mary Rose, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Built in 1510 and launched the following year, the Mary Rose was one of Henry VIII’s new warships, and the largest in the fleet. Designed purely for battle, she saw action during the next 30 years, but sank quickly during the Battle of the Solent in 1545. No definitive reason has ever been found.
The British Museum, London
First opened to the public in 1759, the British Museum houses one of the world's most extensive collections on the history of human culture. Every part of the world is covered in this immense building, designed in classical Greek style, and which is free to enter (with the exception of some special exhibitions).
Human Evolution Gallery (Natural History Museum)
On 18th December 2015, the Natural History Museum opened a new permanent gallery on human evolution. It features the known history of human, and close ancestor, evolution, from chimpanzees to Cheddar Man. Exhibits include replica, cast and actual skeletons from across the world and species, including recently discovered Homo naledi hand, jaw and skull fossils.
Kents Cavern, Torquay, Devon
Kents Cavern is an important prehistoric cave system, notable for both its archaeology and its geology. The cave system was formed by water in the early Pleistocene, and shows many of the usual geological features of a calcium-rich area. The oldest bones found within the caves, belonging to a cave bear, are around 500,000 years old.
Powderham Castle, Devon
Work began on Powderham Castle by the Courtenay family in 1391, on land that had been in the family (on the mother, Margaret de Bohun’s, side) since at least the Domesday Book. The senior branch of the Courtenay family were the Earls of Devon, seated at Tiverton Castle, who lost their title (twice) under the Tudors.
Dartmoor Prison Museum, Devon
Dartmoor prison, in one of the most inaccessible parts of southern England, was initially built to house prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars. It then held American prisoners from the 1812 War, before closing in 1816. It wasn’t until transportation of criminals ceased in the Victorian period that the prison reopened in 1850, this time to house convicts. It has been a penal prison ever since.
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon
Berry Pomeroy Castle is a late medieval castle owned and managed by English Heritage. Its original walls were built in the late 15th century as one of the last traditional personal castles, and it was occupied until falling out of use in the 17th century by first the Pomeroys and then the Seymours.
The Tower of London
So much history, and so much to fascinate, has centred on the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror just outside the City of London, the Tower was both royal home and fortress. It has played host, and prison (and sometimes both) to some of the most famous names in history.
RAF Museum, Cosford, Shropshire
This RAF-run museum houses a large collection of aeroplanes and linked items, such as engines, and includes some historically significant pieces, like the world’s oldest spitfire. It has good facilities, including car-parking, a shop and a café, and is free to enter. Furthermore, it has good access and disabled facilities and, at least during half-term, activities aimed at children.
Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon
Once the largest house on Henley Street, Shakespeare’s birthplace was probably given as part of Mary Arden’s dowry upon her marriage to John Shakespeare, a glover who was later to become mayor of Stratford. Upon John’s death, William inherited it and turned most of it into a tavern, called the Swan and Maidenhead.
