Have a happy heritage bank holiday!
It’s time to put away schoolbags, hang up work clothes and head outside for the first May bank holiday! So here are ten of our favourite things to do in the great outdoors which could help make your break extra special.
Say hello to some wonderful wildlife
- A pair of peregrine falcons is currently living in Derby Cathedral’s 16th-century tower. See if you can spot them from the cathedral green below!
- Or if creepy crawlies are more your thing, visit the beautiful North Pennines and keep an eye out for some of the strange, colourful and rare invertebrates being celebrated by the Cold Blooded and Spineless project.
- From bats under bridges to ‘alien invaders’ and playful otters, a walk along the Montgomery Canal’s wildlife trail provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the Welshpool waterway’s inhabitants.
Get out and active
- Bradford’s Lister Park is great for an active family day out, take a stroll through the flower and botanical gardens, visit the seven historical buildings and even take a boat out on the lake!
- Take a trip to the Lake District to see Windermere, England’s largest lake. As well as stunning views and a diverse array of wildlife, the area offers plenty of adventurous activities for all ages.
- Follow in the footsteps of giants at County Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway. Discover the myths and legends behind the ancient rock columns and take a hike on the coastal path to view them in all their glory.
Discover something new
- Take a tour through gardens of past eras and discover the 170 species of herbs, and the wildlife they attract, in the Herb Garden of London’s Geffrye Museum.
- Get a hands-on insight into 600 centuries of rural life at Weald and Downland Open Air Museum and see craftspeople and farm animals at work.
- Walk over the River Severn and enjoy spectacular views of the gorge on the Ironbridge – the world’s first cast-iron bridge and an iconic symbol of the Industrial Revolution.
Celebrate stunning coastlines
- The UK has miles of stunning coastline perfect for a day out; why not visit the Suffolk Heritage Coast, the Inner Forth close to the heart of Scotland or the South West’s Jurassic coast which spans 95 miles and millions of years of the Earth’s geological history.
Where are you going?
Each of these sites has received Heritage Lottery Fund grants and are well worth a visit. With another bank holiday weekend later this month we’d love to hear about your favourite heritage spots – why not share your photos and ideas with us on Twitter @heritagelottery.