Ten of the best places to visit in the UK, from top family day out to the place with the greatest loos
The winners of the 2018 UK Heritage Awards have been announced – these are the winners in the ten main categories.

Among the judges were Jeremy Musson, a regular contributor to Country Life, in an event organised by the publishers of the Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens guide.
Some of the winners were well-known places – Alwnick Castle, for example, known to a generation as Hogwarts thanks to its starring role in the film adaptations of JK Rowling's books, taking the prize for 'Best Family Day Out'.
But there were surprises as well. Blenheim Palace, pictured above, was commended in the 'Contribution to Heritage' category, but pipped to the title by a collaboration between English Heritage and Google to bring online 2,000 little-seen objects.
Here the winners in the ten main categories:
Best Family Day Out – Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Judges' verdict: 'A family visit to Alnwick Castle promises a true cornucopia of entertainment.'
Commended: Llanfaiach Fawr Manor, South Wales
Best Place to Eat – Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Judges' verdict: 'Castle Howard’s special Afternoon Tea is reason enough to visit Sir John Vanbrugh’s baroque masterpiece.'
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Commended: Stansted Park, Hampshire
Best Shopping Experience – The Queen’s Gallery, London
Judges' verdict: 'The shop at the Queen’s Gallery manages to cope with large visitor numbers, communicate the exceptional collection of works of art in the Royal Collection and maintain an air of prestige in exemplary style.'
Best Place to Stay – The Victoria at Holkham, Norfolk
Judges' verdict: 'The Victoria Inn’s location couldn’t be better; less than a mile from England’s best beach, views over Holkham National Nature Reserve and with brilliant access to Holkham Hall.'
Commended: Head Gardeners’ Cottage, Floors Castle, Borders
Best Event/Exhibition – The International Autojumble at Beaulieu, Hampshire
Judges' verdict: 'Loyal exhibitors love it, look forward to it and often arrange their diaries around it.'
Commended: Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire; Houghton Hall, Norfolk
Best Wedding Venue – Myres Castle, Fife
Judges' verdict: 'Myres Castle aims to combine impeccable service with the relaxed feeling of staying with friends.'
Commended: Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire
Best Contribution to Heritage – English Heritage and Google Arts & Culture
Judges' verdict: 'A ground-breaking collaboration... free, instant access to treasures not normally available to view, including Frank Wilkins’ 1820 painting of the Battle of Hastings or a 360° curator-led tour of Osbourne House.'
Commended: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire; Special Recognition: Portchester Castle, Hampshire
Best Hidden Gem – The Charterhouse, London
Judges' verdict: 'The survival and preservation of so much history - all just moments from Smithfield Market – is extraordinary, and a visit is truly fascinating.'
Commended: Bridge End Gardens, Suffolk
Best Loos – Hampton Court Palace, Richmond
Judges' verdict: 'Taking a fun approach, visitors have the chance to keep learning about Henry and his wives during time spent in the loo. Specially designed graphics reveal Tudor beauty tips and silhouette you in costume in the mirror in a unique experience.'
12 wonderful things to do in 2018 which showcase the very best of Britain
If you're looking to make more of life in Britain over the next 12 months, Country Life's suggestions are here
Things to do: Music in the gardens, the buildings of the Weald & Downland and a circus at the cathedral
Keep your diary up-to-date with our selection of unmissable events and things to do in the next few weeks.
Things we never knew you could do with garlic... from jam to vodka
Leslie Geddes-Brown has discovered all manner of things to do with garlic.
How to make chocolate-and-orange upside-down tea cake, with orange whipped cream
So much more than marmalade – our kitchen garden cook Melanie Johnson finds delicious things to do with oranges.
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secrets
When it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
-
Betty is the first dog to scale all of Scotland’s hundreds of mountains and hills
Fewer than 100 people have ever completed Betty's ‘full house’ of Scottish summits — and she was fuelled by more than 800 hard boiled eggs.
-
'A delicious chance to step back in time and bask in the best of Britain': An insider's guide to The Season
Here's how to navigate this summer's top events in style, from those who know best.
-
Burberry, Jess Wheeler and The Courtauld: London Craft Week 2025 explained
With more than 400 exhibits and events dotted around the capital, and everything from dollshouse's to tutu making, there is something for everyone at the festival, which runs from May 12-18.
-
New balls please: Eddie Redmayne, Anna Wintour and Laura Bailey on the sensory pleasures of playing tennis
Little beats the popping sound and rubbery smell of a new tube of tennis balls — even if you're a leading Hollywood actor.
-
Arthur Parkinson: ‘I want my chicken coop to look like the one from “Far from the Madding Crowd”’
In his second instalment of all things chicken keeping, our columnist outlines the dos and don'ts of hen house maintenance.
-
RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Everything you need to know, plus our top tips and tricks
Country Life editors and contributor share their tips and tricks for making the most of Chelsea.
-
What the cluck? Waitrose announces ‘trailblazing’ pledge to help improve chicken welfare standards
Waitrose has signed up to the Better Chicken Commitment, but does the scheme leave Britain open to inferior imports?
-
Having a ruff day: Kennel Club exhibition highlights the plight of vulnerable spaniel breeds
Photographer Melody Fisher has been travelling the UK taking photographs of ‘vulnerable’ spaniel breeds.