With lots of beautiful scenery to explore across this bank holiday weekend, a visit to one of the English Heritage sites could be the perfect fit for you and your family.

Although some Covid restrictions remain in place, rules have eased to allow you to meet people and socialise outdoors.

Here are five English Heritage sites you could visit this May bank holiday weekend.

Penrith Castle, Penrith

English Heritage's website states: "Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park."

Before you go

Opening Times: Open in line with the surrounding parkland. 7.30am-9pm from March 31 to September, and 7.30am-4.30pm from October to March 30.

Access: Disabled visitors can access the park from Ullswater road (opposite the railway station). Paths are generally good around the park, though there are steps to access some areas of the castle.

Parking: Parking is available around the town, with a few spaces at the park entrance.

For more information click here.

Ambleside Roman Fort, Ambleside

English Heritage's website says: "On the shores of Lake Windermere, the well-marked remains of Ambleside Roman Fort date from the 2nd century. It was probably built under Hadrian's rule to guard the Roman road from Brougham to Ravenglass and to act as a supply base."

Before you go

Parking: There is public charged car parking throughout Ambleside. Please consider using public transport. See the Stagecoach website for details of services around the Lake District.

Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

Please be aware: Farm livestock is likely to be present.

To find out more information click here.

Ravenglass Roman Bath House, Ravenglass

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

The remains of the bath house of Ravenglass Roman fort, established in AD 130, are among the tallest Roman structures surviving in northern Britain - the walls stand almost four metres high.

Before you go

Parking: There is charged public car parking in the town at Ravenglass, not managed by English Heritage. The bath house is signposted from the car park.

More information can be found here.

Brougham Castle, Penrith

In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century.

The English Heritage website states: "The grounds of Brougham Castle are open. All indoor areas remain closed. Our shop is open but all other indoor areas remain closed, and safety measures are in place to keep everyone safe. You need to book your visit in advance."

For more information click here.

Furness Abbey, Barrow

The English Heritage website states: "The grounds of Furness Abbey are open. Our shop is open but all other indoor areas remain closed, and safety measures are in place to keep everyone safe. You need to book your visit in advance."

The impressive remains of an abbey founded by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east end and west tower of the church, the ornately decorated chapter house and the cloister buildings.

English Heritage is carrying out emergency conservation work to stop the ruined Abbey church sinking into the soft ground. This follows earlier routine inspections which revealed serious cracks in the walls. Medieval masons used large pieces of oak in the foundations and after 500 years, this timber is now gradually giving way.

For more information or to check safety measures, click here.