10 of the best family-friendly days out with English Heritage

Gillian Thornton

Gillian Thornton

If intangible lists of dates and battles put you off history, take time out to explore England's heritage through its imposing castles, grand gardens and ancient monuments.

Queen Victoria’s favourite, Osborne House
Queen Victoria’s favourite, Osborne House © Chris Dorney - Dreamstime.com

School history lessons come vividly to life as you walk in the steps of the people who shaped the country, a great way to give the next generation a passion for the past.

Many English Heritage* properties offer added extras in the form of costumed characters, hands-on activities and treasure trails with something for everyone from tots to grandparents.

Plus, as well as being able to enjoy unlimited visits and free parking, each 'Family' membership allows each adult member to bring up to six kids free of charge.

Become a member: see the latest offers on English Heritage memberships for families*, as well as individual, joint and senior options.

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Queen Victoria led a high-profile life as monarch for more than 60 years but Osborne House* was where she could relax with her beloved husband Prince Albert and their nine children.

Visit the Swiss Cottage where the Royal children played in their miniature house and gardens, have an ice cream on the private beach where Albert taught them to swim and the sumptuous rooms packed with personal possessions.

Dover Castle, Kent

With views across the English Channel to France, Dover Castle* ticks all the boxes for a castle visit with attitude. Everything about this hilltop fortress is an open invitation to learn more about the past with a history spanning more than 900 years.

Mighty Dover Castle, Kent
Mighty Dover Castle, Kent © Valerie2000 - Adobe Stock Image

Experience the life of medieval royalty in the Great Tower, explore the Wartime Tunnels that played a pivotal role in World War II, and, new for 2024, enjoy Dover Castle Under Siege displays, reopened medieval tunnels and a themed play area.

Audley End House & Gardens, Essex

Nothing is out of bounds in the 1830s Nursery Wing at Audley End House & Gardens*, once one of England's grandest Jacobean houses. Children can dress up in Victorian costumes, play with toys and even climb on the beds.

Explore the extensive park and gardens, landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, meet the horses in the stable yard and let off steam in the outdoor play area. Keep an eye out for themed weekends across the year, too.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Fascinated by our prehistoric ancestors? Then Stonehenge* is a must-do. This extraordinary ancient monument was erected 4,000 years ago, but who by and why?

Iconic Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Iconic Stonehenge, Wiltshire © Steven Vacher - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Discover the story at the visitor centre, step inside the reconstruction of a Neolithic village and walk the perimeter of the Stone Circle for a family photo with an unmistakable backdrop. Then refuel in the picnic area or on-site café.

Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland

Every visitor remembers the toilets at Housesteads Roman Fort*, high on a dramatic ridge in the most exposed section of Hadrian's Wall. The communal Roman conveniences date from the 2nd century CE when 800 soldiers lived here on the edge of the empire.

The views over the rugged countryside and the UNESCO-listed wall are outstanding, but so too is the atmosphere of this isolated fort and those famous loos!

Wrest Park, Bedfordshire

Plant lovers and garden enthusiasts will love discovering three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park*, but younger visitors will simply enjoy it as a wonderful place to play.

The Orangery in the grounds of Wrest Park
The Orangery in the grounds of Wrest Park © Karen Roe - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Beyond the café, play area and formal gardens lies a green paradise of woodland bisected by tempting avenues, a Baroque pavilion overlooking the Long Water, a Chinese bridge and many other features to inspire young imaginations.

Stokesay Castle, Shropshire

Built by one of the richest men in 13th-century England, Stokesay Castle* is the best-preserved medieval manor house in England and the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of life for the well-to-do in the Middle Ages.

This period place is one of several English Heritage properties that offer seasonal adventure quests for children with a puzzle and activity booklet to complete as you tour the house and grounds.

Down House, Kent

In an age when we are all being encouraged to look after our planet, the home of scientist Charles Darwin has a lot to teach children, and their parents, about the environment.

Down House, Charles Darwin’s family home
Down House, Charles Darwin’s family home © Jim Bowen - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Explore the charming 19th-century family home of Down House* with a multimedia guide narrated by Sir David Attenborough; discover recreations of Darwin's nature and evolution experiments in the gardens, and have fun following the family trail.

Wellington Arch, London

Repurposed as a victory arch commemorating Wellington's victory over Napoleon, the former entrance to Buckingham Palace stands on a traffic island between Hyde Park and the royal residence.

The Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, London
The Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, London © QQ7 - Adobe Stock Image

But few people realise that the viewing terrace of the imposing Wellington Arch* offers one of the most unusual panoramas in the capital. Visit mid-morning and you may even see the Household Cavalry pass underneath.

Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland

A coastal walk and an atmospheric ruin make a great combination for active families all year round. Follow the 1.3-mile trail to the remains of Dunstanburgh Castle*, begun in 1313 as a show of power, strengthened as a fortress against the Scots and then a fierce battleground in the Wars of the Roses.

Watch out for birds and mammals along the wild shoreline as you approach the twin towers of the keep.

Climate in England

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The above guide shows the climate in London. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in the towns, cities and counties of England.

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Gillian Thornton

Gillian Thornton

Posted on Tuesday 15th October 2024 in: Culture Family UK

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