The National Trust

The fort was built in the 1890s as part of a series of facilities set up to keep a potential invasion from London. One historian revealed the incredible story behind the site

The UK is full of stunning places to visit, but one particular spot combines breathtaking scenery with a captivating glimpse into the past. A military historian recently explored the location and revealed the remarkable story behind its construction.

Military history specialist Dr Jen Howe shared the tale of Reigate Fort on Instagram. Now under the ownership of the National Trust, the fort was constructed on top of Reigate Hill in Surrey in 1898. And the purpose behind its creation is extraordinary.

According to the National Trust, which manages the site today, the fort was erected to fend off a possible French invasion as part of the London Defence scheme. This comprised a 72-mile network of defences consisting of 13 military installations intended to safeguard the capital. Beyond storing equipment and ammunition, there were also proposals to excavate enormous trenches to keep invading armies at bay from London.

Beginning her Instagram slideshow, Dr Howe remarked: “POV: You stumble into a world of forgotten military history just 30 mins from London.” Detailing the history of Reigate Fort, she continued: “Built in the late 1890s to defend London from a French invasion that never actually came. These buildings held shovels and guns, ready to build one huge trench around London…”

The National Trust notes that, by 1906, it was decided the British Navy possessed sufficient strength to repel any prospective invasion, and Reigate Fort was decommissioned. It was sold the following year. In 1972, it and the other mobilisation centres were designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments by English Heritage in recognition of their significance to British military history. The site welcomes visitors every day, reports Surrey Live.

Those who visit can view two sets of gates – the first are steel and spiked, while the second are heavier and bulletproof. The tool store and the magazine – where munitions and explosives were once kept – are also on display, along with the underground casemates, which would have served both as storage facilities and as shelter from enemy bombardment.

Dr Howe also drew attention to a nearby memorial dedicated to nine US airmen, who died when the B-17 Flying Fortress they were aboard came down on Reigate Hill in March 1945. “A few metres on and you’ll find a tragic site,” she said.

“On March 19, 1945, nine US airmen were coming home from Germany when their plane went down in a thick cloud. None of them made it.

“They had an average age of 21. The oak wing tips laid out are the exact distance of the aircraft’s tips, and a haunting reminder of what fell here.”

According to the National Trust, the memorial sculpture was crafted by Surrey artist Roger Day, and was unveiled on the 70th anniversary of the crash. Both elements of the memorial are carved from ancient Surrey oak, positioned the same distance apart as the aircraft’s wingtips, with metal salvaged from the crash site incorporated within the sculpture.

Dr Howe also drew attention to another nearby structure. “Just beyond and you’ll find a mysterious WW2 structure,” she said. “Even historians aren’t too sure what it was used for.”

In the caption accompanying her post, she wrote: “40 minutes from London there’s a stretch of the North Downs where, in the space of a single walk, you pass a Victorian fort built to protect London from a French invasion that never came, a mysterious WW2 structure, a clearing where a US bomber crew were killed on their 13th mission together, and a WW2 training ground.

“Reigate is a genuinely beautiful walk, with wide open chalk downland, extraordinary views, ancient woodland. But the hidden military history adds so much to this place. You may not even notice these things if you didn’t know where to look!”

Lavenham in Suffolk is home to over 300 preserved Tudor houses and charming timber-framed buildings – and was used as the filming location for Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Tucked away in Suffolk lies a remarkably well-preserved village, famed for its collection of over 300 Tudor houses, instantly recognisable by their timber-framed design.

During England’s Tudor period, this very village was among the country’s most affluent areas, but today it serves as a living museum for history enthusiasts and tourists seeking a glimpse into the past.

Lavenham is the quintessential ‘higgledy-piggledy village’, boasting a variety of architectural styles, but it’s the Tudor buildings that truly set it apart.

So much so, that hundreds of its structures are listed and thus protected to maintain their original appearance, whilst the National Trust owns some of its most significant sites, renowned for their historical importance within the village.

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The area’s grandiose atmosphere is rooted in the village’s wool trade history, as it gained fame for producing high-quality lavender blue broadcloth.

However, when the trade declined in the 17th century, there were no attempts to rebuild; instead, efforts were focused on preserving what already existed.

Historic Buildings

Among these stunning structures stands a 15th-century Tudor building located on Main Street, known as the Crooked House.

This particular spot inspired the well-known nursery rhyme There Was A Crooked Man, and much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, its upper section exhibits a noticeable tilt.

Dating back to 1395, this stunning edifice, now adorned in a vibrant orange hue, is owned by two ‘crooked men’, husbands Alex and Oli.

Visitors are invited to explore the interior and receive a warm greeting from its owners, complete with a guided tour of its captivating rooms.

In addition, the village is home to the Lavenham Guildhall, currently under the stewardship of the National Trust, and serves as a showcase for local history.

This bewitching structure sits at the very heart of the village and has functioned as a community hub throughout its 500-year existence, assuming new roles and changing hands over time.

A recent guest shared on TripAdvisor: “Was very impressed with our visit to this NT property. Instead of being stuffed with display cases full of historic relics, the approach here is to set up the Guildhall how it would have been used through its history and have minimal information boards and artefacts that support and demonstrate that approach.

“But the real stars here are the volunteer guides, and all three who were working the different rooms at the time we visited had fantastic knowledge that could bring the building to life.”

Harry Potter

Already famous in its own right, Lavenham elevated its status when it featured on the silver screen as the filming location for Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

The idyllic setting portrayed the location of Harry’s parents’ graves in the film. In a poignant and memorable scene in the movie, he and Hermione visit the village on Christmas Eve.

De Vere House served as the exterior of the Potters’ ruined home, which was later modified for the screen using computer-generated imagery. The Guildhall was also utilised, depicted as the abandoned house sitting in the backdrop of the village.

The already serene village gained an added sense of tranquillity when it was blanketed by a thin layer of snow as the two characters strolled down its Main Street.

However, it is widely understood that the Hollywood actors themselves did not actually set foot in Lavenham and were instead superimposed onto the village’s backdrop after filming in a studio.

This stunning 17th century estate was home to the Jones family for centuries and is now a real-life time capsule open to visitors

Near Moreton-in-Marsh in Oxfordshire sits a magnificent estate, which once belonged to the very same family for centuries.

Originally constructed as an enormous display of wealth and influence in the early 17th century, it has since transformed into a public space where visitors can explore and immerse themselves in British history.

Chastleton House remained a constant fixture within the same family for hundreds upon hundreds of years, as the estate continued to stay in their possession, handed down through the generations.

Today, the property stands in Oxfordshire as a genuine time capsule, barely altered, featuring an impressive great hall, gallery room and numerous collections that once belonged to the distinguished family.

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Guests can wander the grounds and take a guided tour of the rooms that contain countless memories for the Jones family.

One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Beautiful house and gardens with discrete but attentive guides. From the entrance to the exit, a fantastic visit. A huge family home with a fascinating past.”

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Early history

It’s thought that some form of settlement has stood in Chastleton for over 1,000 years, but by the 16th century, the site of the house as we recognise it today was owned by the Catesby family.

That was until Walter Jones bought the land and previous house from Robert Catesby, and it remained within his family for 400 years.

He demolished what remained of the original property and constructed a stunning building in its place, completed in 1612.

His acquisition was intended to mirror his illustrious legal career, and he sought to establish himself as a country gentleman, having now become a landowner.

Throughout the following century, the Jones family continued to form unions with several well-established gentry families, helping to cement this standing.

The final direct descendant of Walter Jones, however, was Arthur Jones, who inherited the estate in 1813 and carried out some structural enhancements to the residence.

Following his death, the property stayed within the family, though not with a direct descendant; rather, it was handed down to a distant cousin by marriage named John Henry-Whitmore Jones.

The final chapter of this family tree’s ownership concluded in 1991, when the National Heritage Memorial Fund purchased Chastleton and transferred it to the care of the National Trust.

Regrettably for the final occupants, the expense of maintaining the building was becoming far too substantial.

Preservation

The National Heritage Memorial Fund acquired Chastleton in 1991, and the majority of its original contents remained precisely as they were before it was transferred to the National Trust.

In an effort to maintain that mystical ambience that can only be attributed to centuries of tales and memories on the grounds, there was a plan to preserve the house, not restore it.

With this, they merely repaired parts that were damaged, which took a total of six years, to ensure the building was structurally sound and stable.

The stunning home was later reopened for the public to witness all its magic up close in 1998.

Visiting

It’s thought that one of the true treasures of the house is the Long Gallery, boasting the longest-surviving barrel-vaulted ceiling in the country. Due to neglect, the plasterwork required some refurbishment, which occurred in 1904.

Part of the room’s splendour is attributed to the mask heads located at the west end of the room, extremely rare survivals from the 1600s era, believed to have been used as a weapon to ward off evil spirits.

Beyond the confines of the house lies a vast, impeccably maintained garden, offering a sense of tranquillity and relaxation. Contributing to this glory is the Jacobean Pleasure Garden, also known as the Best Garden – a name that speaks volumes about its beauty.

To fully appreciate it all, visitors can embark on the Wilderness Walk, designed to provide not just a soothing stroll around the gardens but also the very best views of the house and the ever-changing gardens through the seasons.

One recent visitor said: “The house is amazing, a time capsule of a grand country house decaying over the years, with the fantastic result of being able to see how things really were without Victorian (or other) alterations. And top tip, do enjoy the Chastleton Teas at the church right next door.”

The property welcomes visitors from mid-March onwards with opening hours of 1pm until 5pm. Adult admission is priced at £15, while children’s tickets cost £7.50 and families can purchase a ticket for £37.50.

This spectacular Victorian mansion is Britain’s original smart home and the world’s first hydroelectric-powered building, featuring historic gardens and starred as Lockwood Manor in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Nestled within a spectacular mountain setting, this Victorian property stands as a genuine architectural trailblazer and the very first of its kind.

Cragside in Rothbury, Northumberland, holds the title of Britain’s original smart home, and it’s utterly magnificent. From the exterior, the enormous mansion looms over the water beneath it, all asymmetrical and striking, resembling something straight out of a film.

Its multiple pointed roofs and curved brickwork give it a distinctly Tim Burton-esque quality, and indeed, it has featured in numerous productions thanks to its remarkably distinctive beauty.

It appeared in the 2018 blockbuster hit Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom as the location for Lockwood Manor.

Yet it’s truly the fact this was the world’s first building powered by hydroelectricity and operated by hydraulics that makes it such an extraordinary marvel. Rivers, lakes and even waterfalls all work together to power the property and its enchanting gardens.

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History

Cragside was brought to life through the vision of William and Margaret Armstrong, with William serving as an engineer and industrialist responsible for numerous groundbreaking inventions.

Meanwhile, Margaret had extensive expertise in botanical life, which inspired the creation of the gardens.

What began as simply a sporting lodge in 1863 gradually evolved into a sprawling estate, developed over three decades. The architectural masterpiece was expanded in three principal phases between 1870 and 1884 by architect Richard Norman Shaw.

It quickly evolved into a hub of groundbreaking innovation as the married couple developed their revolutionary vision for electricity and power generation.

The property operates through hydraulics in an entirely unique manner, standing as the world’s first water-powered home. It pioneered central heating, electric lighting, gravity-fed plumbing, water-driven machinery and a hydraulic lift, delivering unprecedented levels of domestic comfort.

Contributing to the property’s pioneering spirit is the electric lighting, which was installed in 1878 using carbon-arc lamps in the Gallery room.

Working alongside chemist Joseph Swan, they advanced this further in 1880 by enabling the first residential installation of incandescent lightbulbs.

Following years of refurbishment and innovation, the property eventually passed to their great-nephew, William Watson Armstrong, after he inherited it.

As they had no children, he became the rightful heir to the estate, and following their passing, the home remained with his family for two additional generations.

Walking

Due to its breathtaking setting, Cragside provides an excellent location for extensive walks across and surrounding the grounds, featuring two particularly lengthy routes – one called the Hydro-power Trail and the other Views of Cragside.

Stretching a lengthy 6.5 miles, these trails are closer to a hike than a leisurely stroll and could occupy the majority of your visit, but the estate serves as an excellent launch pad for the adventure.

The Hydro-power Trail is one that guides you past every aspect of the technology used to harness water power.

On the other hand, the Views of Cragside route offers panoramic views of the Northumberland hills and beyond. It leads you past the Formal Garden, where you can pause to appreciate the meticulously arranged flower beds.

There are signposts scattered throughout the estate directing you to various trails suitable for a range of abilities. The most family-friendly and considered easy to moderate is Nelly’s Moss, which takes up to an hour to complete.

Visiting the estate

To fully enjoy all that Cragside has to offer, there’s no need to pre-book, and parking is included in your entry fee – National Trust members excepted, naturally. Adults are charged £27.00, whilst children pay £13.50 upon entry.

Families consisting of two adults and up to three children can opt for a family ticket priced at £67.50. The site opens its doors from 11am, with the house closing at 3pm and the remaining facilities open until 4pm.

The 13th-century National Trust castle features the UK’s largest private collection of South and East Asian artefacts and Britain’s best baroque terraced gardens

Nestled close to the English-Welsh border, in the town of Welshpool, stands a genuine fairy-tale fortress which appears straight out of a storybook and provides a vibrant splash of colour against its sprawling green backdrop.

Built in the 13th century, this mediaeval stronghold is brimming with stories and continues to evolve, much to the delight of those who visit.

For the perfect day spent appreciating historic architecture, discovering a different heritage and exploring the most spectacular of gardens, Powis Castle is the destination to seek out.

Its most recent ownership belonged to the same family, who resided in the castle from as early as the 1570s – the Herbert family. This continued until the castle and its grounds were handed over to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis.

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One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This site is stunning. I was blown away by how picturesque the place is.”

Another wrote: “This place really exceeded my expectations. The interior is super detailed and interesting, with some spectacular pieces of furniture.

“The gardens are truly beautiful on a lovely warm hillside and some stupendous giant yew trees. Has to be seen.”

History

The heritage of this fortress stretches back hundreds of years, encompassing numerous owners, as the property expanded and transformed, whilst preserving its original character throughout.

However, it all started in the 13th century when a Welsh prince, Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, established some independence. When he and the remainder of his direct lineage died in 1309, leaving no male heir, the castle passed to an heiress called Hawise. She then married Sir John Charlton from Shropshire.

The fortress came under attack during this period from Hawise’s uncle, who was trying to claim the lordship he believed he was entitled to instead of her, but was unsuccessful.

In response, they chose to repair the damage and constructed two imposing drum towers on either side of the castle’s west entrance. Charlton’s descendants remarkably remained lords of Powis for more than 100 years, until no male heir could be found.

Consequently, in 1421, the castle was split between two daughters, after which the fortress entered a sharp decline, desperately needing restoration following years of abandonment. Before long, it was taken over and lovingly rebuilt before being leased to the Herbert family.

Most significantly since that time, one of the most substantial changes occurred when the Clive family introduced what is now recognised as the Clive collection. A collection teeming with South and East Asian artefacts exhibited in the castle, and the largest private collection of its kind in Britain.

Clive Collection

What makes this fortress particularly unique is its fascinating array of artefacts housed within it. Originally assembled by two generations of the Clive family, comprising Robert and his son Edward, who had wed Henrietta Herbert, the daughter of the 1st Earl of Powis.

The collection was assembled during Britain’s colonial rule of India, when these artefacts were removed from their country of origin and brought to the castle, starting in the 1800s. Today it houses more than 1,000 pieces originating from South and East Asia.

According to its website, visitors can expect to discover an extensive array of ivories, textiles, statues of Hindu deities, decorative silver and gold, weapons and ceremonial armour.

Naturally, this remarkable collection carries with it a troubling past, one which connects the castle to a proprietor who played a role in the invasion of India. Robert Clive was directly employed by the East India Company, which sent armies to both invade and subjugate India.

In doing so, they exploited the nation financially and profited from the natural resources it possessed. This contributed to establishing the British Empire’s presence within India and, consequently, secured a lifetime of riches and prosperity for Clive, which is evident in the castle’s magnificence.

Gardens

Beyond the striking castle itself, the true highlight of the estate lies in its grounds and immaculately-maintained gardens. Part of its impressive display of flowers, plants and trees is attributed to the captivating hedging that encircles the castle.

It covers up to 8,500 square metres of the estate, with the yett, tumps and top terrace contributing an extra 7,000 square metres to that figure. And with this comes some extreme-gardening methods adopted by the National Trust to guarantee it stays in impeccable condition.

To put that into perspective, it states that one skilled gardener can spend up to 10 weeks annually working at height, using a hydraulic cherry picker to trim and sculpt the towering hedges. That represents just one element of these magnificent gardens.

What makes them particularly remarkable is their Italian-influenced design dating back to 1680. The gardens at Powis Castle are regarded as the finest surviving example of a baroque terraced garden in the entire country – blending both Italian and French influences.

Without a National Trust membership, it costs £18 for entry to the castle and gardens for an adult, excluding gift aid. Meanwhile, children will be charged £9, while families can choose a family ticket for a reduced price.

It’s worth noting that ticket prices are reduced during off-peak periods of the year.

Located an hour from London, this National Trust village features half-timbered Tudor buildings and a grand castle with world treasures

Venture just an hour from London to discover this fairytale village, transporting you backwards through time as its period buildings recreate a world from centuries past that has largely vanished today.

Chiddingstone stands as one of Britain’s finest preserved Tudor villages, making it an exceptional discovery for heritage enthusiasts and anyone seeking respite from life’s relentless pace.

The settlement is largely owned and maintained by the National Trust, helping safeguard its centuries-old structures and character which consistently attract inquisitive travellers.

This Kent village is cherished for its unmistakably English charm and period architecture, featuring half-timbered properties with stone-hung gables and red-tiled roofs. What’s more, it boasts an impressive castle and a bustling high street, perfect for leisurely wandering.

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The castle

Whilst the castle’s exterior presents stunning architecture, typical of what you’d anticipate seeing across England, its interior offers quite the juxtaposition.

What renders the structure so distinctive is its museum, which houses collections from across the globe spanning different eras and civilisations – Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart and Jacobite and Buddhist. Everything is accessible to visitors between March and October, allowing them to experience an entire world under one roof.

Beyond its impressive collections, the venue itself is steeped in history and magnificence, as guests explore the corridors of a 16th-century residence. Within, they can admire the Great Hall, discover a Victorian kitchen, library, and servant’s hall, and delve into its fascinating past in the Streatfeild room.

Henry Streatfeild was the figure who dramatically transformed the property during the 1800s, moving away from its Tudor design to mirror that of a mediaeval fortress.

Though, it was collector Denys Eyre Bower whose stewardship of the castle witnessed it evolve into a cultural landmark, sharing his passion with visitors worldwide.

One guest commented on TripAdvisor: “What a lovely property, from the massive holdings on display throughout the home to the acres of relaxing grounds. The reception gal was quite informative upon our arrival as to the layout for our self-guided tour as well as answering our questions post-tour. Don’t miss this gem.”

This year, guests can purchase a day ticket and enjoy complimentary returns for an entire year. Current door prices are £15.25 for an adult and £10.50 for a child, with reduced rates available for those who book online beforehand.

High street and village

With its genuine half-timber Tudor structures and cobbled walkways, wandering along the high street of Chiddingstone Road feels like stepping back through the centuries. Notable highlights include a café, shop and the 15th-century pub.

The historic Chiddingstone Stores and post office, which dates back to 1453, is situated within a traditional Tudor building and continues to function as such today.

Similarly unchanged is the village pub, known as the Castle Inn, boasting a welcoming atmosphere and superb beer garden.

It retains its Grade II*-listed status with numerous original features intact, including delightful fireplaces, tiled floors, oak panelling and bars. One visitor described their experience at the Castle Inn as ‘atmospheric’.

They commented: “If you’re looking for a traditional, friendly, country pub, this is it. Clean and friendly, with everything you need on your doorstep that goes with a village pub. Highly recommend.”

The village name, Chiddingstone, is believed to originate from the enormous sandstone located outside the settlement. Whilst unconfirmed, the ‘Chidding Stone’ is thought to mark where it all started, with several folklore tales surrounding its origins.