5 steps for the successful Pokémon Trainer
Pokémon are attracted to landmarks, historic sites and interesting places - which means you're likely to spot a few at our sites this summer if you're playing the game.
We're happy to welcome Pokémon trainers, but we want to make sure that you have fun and stay safe on your quest to catch 'em all. Check out our guide below for catching Pokémon safely, and start planning your visit.
Step 1: Do your research and come prepared
Be prepared for anything by planning your visit to our sites in advance. We have over 400 historic places to choose from, including castles, abbeys and Roman ruins - that's not even counting the blue plaques in London!
You can find lots of information about our places online before you come, including areas which need special access permission (such as going into the Circle at Stonehenge).
Make sure you have everything you need for a day's adventure. Bring extra battery power with you - some of our sites are huge so you'll need an extra bit of oomph to make sure you don't run out of steam. (You also won't be able to plug in to charge up your device on site).
A bottle of water and snacks are always handy, but do check in advance if the site you're visiting has a café or picnic spot - Pokémon hunting is thirsty work, and you'll deserve a break!
Find Somewhere to VisitStep 2: Join forces and stay focused
Ancient monuments, castles and stately homes are known habitats for rare and legendary Pokémon, so if you're playing the game, get a group together to go hunting for Pokémon. By sticking together, you'll have more eyes on potential specimens to add to your Pokédex.
Tips on hunting for Pokémon safely:
- Take your time exploring - you might miss out on Pokémon (or history!) if you run
- Don't get too close to the edge of walkways and platforms
- Watch out for our water-features and slopes
- Remember that you're at a historic site. Please don't climb on our monuments and buildings, or try and access areas that aren't open to the public.
Not everyone visiting our sites this summer will be a Trainer, so please respect the people around you too.
Step 3: Talk to our teams
We only know of one gym at our site that is in a restricted area, but if you find any Pokéstops or Gyms that you can't get to we'd appreciate it if you'd let our site teams know, and we can see if there's anything we can do. Don't forget - if you can't get there, neither can a rival team.
We'll be compiling a gallery of Pokémon known to be lurking at our sites from your screenshots (here's how to send them to us). If a rare Pokémon is just out of reach, check back here and see if there's somewhere else you can visit to try and capture it.
Step 4: Take Tips From History
The world of Pokémon is full of fascinating creatures to learn about, and you need to be strategic to win your battles or take over a Gym. But that's nothing new...
English history is full of examples of real battles being won (and lost) and brave knights fighting for their honour. You can watch these being re-enacted all over the coutry this summer.
Modern Pokémon trainers might also want to take inspiration from famous historical collectors like Charles Darwin at Down House, or trainers like William Cavendish who once taught horses to perform spectacular exercises at Bolsover Castle.
We've got all sort of ways to #banishboredom this summer, so make sure you mix a bit of real history with Pokémon mystery.
More to Explore
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Playing with the Past
With fascinating stories and worlds so different from our own today, these are just some of the video games to have notably drawn inspiration from England's rich history.
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Top 10 Castles
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Minecraft: Build a Castle
We teamed up with The Yogscast to recreate historic castles in Minecraft. Let Master Builder Sjin guide you through the steps in our videos, then build your own crenellated creation.
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History at Home
We're here to help you discover the best stories of England’s past from the comfort of your home.