Since 1994, we’ve supported more than 53,000 heritage projects across the UK. With new openings made possible by our funding – such as the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, the UK’s only dedicated space of its kind – you're in the right place if you're planning your next day out.

Where will you visit?

Spurn Lightship

Where: Hull Marina, Hull

Built in 1927, the Spurn Lightship guided ships through the waters of the River Humber. It has now been restored as part of the Hull Maritime project, with new interpretation and displays that bring its full story to life.

We’ve invested over £18.5million in the Hull Maritime project to protect historic sites and share the city’s maritime heritage.

Book your free ticket to visit the Spurn Lightship in its new permanent home from Wednesday–Sunday.

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

Where: Clerkenwell, London

Quentin Blake has brought to life countless stories by popular authors, including Roald Dahl and Dr Seuss. His work, which spans seven decades, now has a permanent home in Clerkenwell, London.

Our £3.9m grant has helped create three galleries to showcase the breadth of illustration, with regularly changing exhibitions and a community garden and public green space.

Plan your visit to the museum which is open Wednesday–Sunday.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark

Where: Newark, Nottinghamshire

The Grade I listed building in Nottinghamshire has been transformed into a vibrant community hub after restoration removed it from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

Our investment of over £3.2m has protected the building for future generations, including conserving over 120 stained glass windows.

The church is open daily and offers guided tours taking visitors through more than 800 years of history.

Annesley Walled Garden at Castlewellan Historic Demesne

Where: Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down

The 12-acre walled garden dates back to the 1850s. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s finest examples of a grand Victorian formal garden with collections of rare and exotic trees, shrubs and plants.

It’s part of the Castlewellan Historic Demesne project, which has used our grant of over £3m to protect and rejuvenate Castlewellan Forest Park, including restoring the arboretum which sits at the heart of the garden, adding 600 new trees to it. 

Entry to Annesley Walled Garden is free and open daily.

Union Chapel

Where: Islington, London

The Sunday School Hall is within the Grade I listed Gothic Revival Union Chapel and was once used by Victorian children who couldn’t afford education. It’s one of the last remaining Akron plan halls – a scheme from the 19th century that designed buildings to house Sunday Schools.

With our grant of over £3.2m, the hall has been renovated and its 200-year-old collection including music, social justice and London history has been transformed into a catalogued archive.

To celebrate, this summer it’s hosting the Your Story Festival with free community celebrations, including performances, exhibitions and talks.

Tomb of the Eagles

Where: The cliffs of South Ronaldsay, Orkney

The Tomb of the Eagles has been a crucial part of the islands’ history for 5,000 years.

Our grant of £101,607 has helped South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust bring the site into community ownership. It has supported staffing and making the visitor centre accessible to all, including hands-on tour options, as well as opportunities to engage communities.

The archaeological site is open to the public daily.

Visit heritage throughout the summer

Which heritage attraction will you visit first? We’d love to see your trip. Tag us @HeritageFundUK on social media.

If you’re looking for more options, explore the projects we’ve funded.