Battlefield Holidays
A major part of Britain's rich cultural heritage comes from its battlefields and military sites. From Roman remains to civil war battlefields, anyone interested in British history can find a point of interest almost anywhere in the country, with accessible and affordable campsites nearby.
Pitchup.com is the first site to give you all the information on British battlefield sites to visit, as well as nearby campsites where to pitch your tent or caravan. Alternatively, start by searching for all holiday parks and campsites within 15 miles of a battlefield.
The English Heritage site lists the 43 main battlefields available to visit in the UK, with details of battlefield tours around the country, and the Battlefields Trust lists 69 sites of interest grouped in historical periods - Roman, Saxon and Viking, medieval, Wars of the Roses and the civil wars. The Battle of Hastings in 1066, probably the best known UK battlefield, is the site of many events and re-enactments.
The first listed battlefield to visit is from 991 (Maldon); the last from 1685 (Sedgemoor). The medieval battles were mainly between England and Scotland, with some between rival English regions - you can visit among others the site of Otterburn (1388). There are also several Roman forts and artefacts to see, particularly in Hadrian's Wall Country.
The Wars of the Roses and the Civil Wars are the main source of UK battlefields history, and most of the main battles can still be traced today. Several are now heritage sites with accompanying information centres, which are perfect for a day out from your campsite.