117 Old Ruins to Explore in England

Checkout places to visit in England

England

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. The area now called England was first inhabited by modern humans during the Upper Paleolithic period but takes its name from the Angles, a Germanic tribe deriving its name from the Anglia peninsula, who settled during the 5th and 6th centuries. England's economy is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, with an average GDP per capita of £28,100 or $36,000.

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Old Ruins to Explore in England

Great Witcombe Roman Villa

Great Witcombe Roman Villa was one of the largest Roman houses in Britain and was part of a cluster of very wealthy villas in the Cotswolds area. A rich family lived here, together with their slaves and freedmen, for around 200 years, until the end of the Roman period in Britain. The remains include a bathhouse complex and perhaps the shrine of a water spirit. Mosaic pavements hint at the villa’s opulence in Roman times.

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire in northern England to stop attacks by Scottish tribes. There were three legions working on it and in 10 years it was nearly finished. Set amongst the wild beauty of Cumbrian and Northumbrian landscapes, it still impresses today and stands as a testimony to the power and reach of the mighty Roman Empire. Today you can explore the Wall’s rich history and its dramatic landscape at over 20 fascinating sites.

Hailes Abbey

One of the beautiful abbeys which was founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall, Hailes Abbey is set amid delightful Cotswold countryside. Once the center of monastic life, the tranquil ruins are now the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic in a unique historic setting. Visit the new museum to discover the treasures of Hailes, uncovering stories of the monks who lived and worshipped at the abbey for nearly three centuries.

Hardknott Roman Fort

The fort at Hardknott has established early in the second century AD: a fragmentary inscription, dating from the reign of the Emperor Hadrian, from the south gate records the garrison as the Fourth Cohort of Dalmatians, from the Balkans. One of the highest Roman forts in Britain is set amid dramatic scenery on a notoriously difficult road.

Hardys Cottage

Hardy's Cottage is a beautiful secluded place to visit if you are following the Thomas Hardy Trail through Dorset. The cottage stands at the top of the hill off Cuckoo Lane in Higher Bockhampton and behind it stretches Egdon Heath, which Hardy wrote of in 'The Return of the Native'. The super cosy home will charm you with its antique decor and authentic north Indian cuisine among other features.

Haughmond Abbey

Haughmond Abbey is a ruined 12th-century Augustinian abbey in a lovely rural setting. The abbey roots go back to the 11th century when a small religious community was established here. The buildings fell into disrepair and the church was largely destroyed, although the remains of some of the domestic buildings remain impressive. The site is now in the care of English Heritage and is open to the public during the summer.

Heatherslaw Cornmill

Heatherslaw Corn Mill offers a fascinating experience for young and old alike. Using restored 19th century machinery and traditional methods, the watermill still produces 10 tons of flour every year. Traditional methods and original machinery powered by the River Till are used to grind locally grown wheat into wholemeal flour. Its huge water wheel, mill stones and gearing are all visible. Freshly milled flour and local "Berwick Biscuits" are on sale in its gift shop whilst the mill cafe serves c

Kendal Castle

Kendal Castle, probably the late 12th Century, is now a ruin, but worth exploring. From here you can get brilliant views over the town. his 13th-century castle, built on a drumlin, was the seat of power and administration for the barons of Kendal for over 200 years, most notably the Parr family. The site, which has been a ruin since Tudor times, is accessible to the public and managed by the South Lakeland District Council.

Kimbolton House

A majestic Norman castle which was the final resting place of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s divorced and banished Spanish Queen, Kimbolton Castle sits amidst wooded grounds close to the small town of Kimbolton. All that remains of the Norman castle is a low mound, surrounded by a ditch and covered with trees, which can be seen by looking up the hill from the Duchess Walk. It was one of the main attractions in this area and is famous among the tourists.

Kirby Hall

Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. While you explore, be sure to take in the incredibly rich decoration throughout the Hall, as well as the breathtaking view of the garden from the windows of the staterooms. It is a leading and early example of the Elizabethan prodigy house. Construction on the building began in 1570, based on the designs in French architectural pattern books and

Kit's Coty House and Little Kit's Coty House

Kit's Coty House and its neighbor, Little Kit's Coty House, are the remains of two megalithic 'dolmen' burial chambers. Kit's Coty is the larger of the two monuments, with three uprights and a massive capstone, while the smaller, Little Kit's Coty, is now a jumble of sarsens. Archaeologists have established that the monument was built by pastoralist communities shortly after the introduction of agriculture to Britain from continental Europe.

Kynren

Kynren is a spectacular outdoor theatre experience that takes place annually, usually between August and September. The open-air extravaganza had planned to add even more to their attraction in 2020 with a new show, new attractions and new dining. This family-friendly event is a feast for all the senses and a brilliant way to enjoy the long summer evenings in the North East.

Leicester Castle

It is the oldest surviving aisled and bay-divided timber hall in Britain. It still retains some of its original 12th-century timber posts. The complex is situated in the west of Leicester City Centre, between Saint Nicholas Circle to the north and De Montfort University to the south. A large motte and the Great Hall are the two substantial remains of what was once a large defensive structure. The hall is now encased in a Queen Anne-style frontage.

Lincoln Castle

A majestic castle which was built almost 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror, Lincoln Castle has witnessed some of the most dramatic events in English history. Within the Castle Walls is a Victorian prison giving an insight into crime and punishment in the Lincoln of the past. It now hosts an exciting events program throughout the year and offers free guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the history of Lincoln and its Castle.

Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

The Old Bishop's Palace is a historic visitor attraction in the city of Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral, the palace boasts sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond. An engaging audio tour will guide you around the palace and explain more of its history. The site lies immediately to the south of the Roman wall which had become the medieval defensive wall of the Bail, which enclosed both Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral.

Longtown Castle

Longtown Castle was built in the 1180's by the Norman lord, Walter de Lacy, inside a rectangular earthen enclosure that may date to the Roman occupation of Britain. It was one of a series of fortifications built by the Warlords of the Border Marches to control the troublesome Welsh border and act as a base for Norman operations into Wales. By 1452 the castle seems to have been abandoned perhaps as a result of the Black Death.

Maiden Castle

One of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe. Its huge multiple ramparts, mostly built in the 1st century BC, once protected hundreds of residents. When it was first built, the gleaming white chalk ramparts would have towered over the surrounding landscape. It is situated just 2 miles south of Dorchester in Dorset. It is truly an amazing place: even after more than 2000 years, the earthworks are immense, some ramparts rising to a height of 6 meters.

Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote

The picturesque ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th century Oxfordshire manor house, lie in a beautiful rural setting beside the River Windrush. They include a fine hall, tower and nearby dovecote. The Hall was a fairly typical if impressive manor house. The buildings surround three sides of a square; the fourth side towards the River Windrush was closed off by a wall. The great tower at the south-west corner seems to be a later addition to the house, as part of the adjoining west wing had to b

Mrs Smith's Cottage

This is a beautiful cottage located in Navenby, Lincolnshire and owned by North Kesteven District Council. It was the home of Hilda Smith from 1922 until 1995, just before her death at a remarkable 102 years of age. One of the iconic attractions in this area and is an example of the olden ages.

National Trust - Belton House

Belton House is a Grade I listed country house in the parish of Belton near Grantham in Lincolnshire, which was built in 1685-8 for Sir John Brownlow. It has over 1300 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland to explore. There are a variety of walking routes around the estate and through the parkland and woods as well as around the lake.

Map of Old Ruins to explore in England