Family Days Out
A mum and dad walk down the beach in front of Deal Castle in summer with their young son and daughter. The dad is carrying his son on his shoulders, and his son swings his cap in the air.

Family Days Out

Looking for somewhere where you and the family can get out in the fresh air together and create memories? Our special historic places offer extraordinarily good value and are full of heart-warming adventures for parents and children alike.

Experience the beauty of spring at breathtaking castles, abbeys and stately homes, or stretch little legs and fire up imaginations with our family events and activities.

Read on for tips and suggestions and to find out what's on. Find a site near you and book your tickets today.

SEARCH FOR FAMILY DAYS OUT

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A young girl cheers with a massive smile on her face and her arms in the air as she explores the play area at Dover Castle. She's wearing red-and-white striped leggings, a denim shirt and sandals.

Our top outdoor play areas

Once you've finished exploring a castle, or wandering through the grounds of a stately home, head to the play area so your little adventurers can burn off their extra energy.

We've picked out our favourite outdoor play areas for you and your family to discover.

Find Inspiration
A relaxed, smiling mum and dad and two daughters walk in the sunshine in the grounds outside Warkworth Castle and Hermitage.

Top 10 castles

We asked English Heritage members which of our castles were their favourites. These are the results.

Check out which castles our members love and the reasons they think these unique sites are the best.

Check out the top 10
A young blonde girl wearing a sunhat peeps around the stone walls of Launceston Castle.

Brilliant family days out for under £20

Looking for a family experience that won't break the bank?

From mighty Norman castles to atmospheric abbeys, we've listed our top picks for English Heritage family days out on a budget.

Days out on a budget
A mum and dad and their two sons walk in the Italian garden at Wrest Park in the height of summer. The boys are wearing bright blue football shirts and shorts.

Summer Garden Highlights

From the afternoons Queen Victoria spent painting landscapes at Osborne to the 19th-century loos built in Brodsworth's backyard, discover how our gardens have been shaped by history.

This summer, take a walk through our historic gardens as sweet smelling roses, royal myrtle and freshly clipped topiary tell a sensory story from the past. You can even pack a picnic and feast among the flowers like our ancestors might have done.

Find a garden
Photo of two children walking through Audley End House in Essex

MEMBERS RECOMMEND: BEST SITES FOR KIDS

Happy kids equals happy parents! We asked our members which sites are their children's favourites.

Did your favourite make it onto the list?

Find a site near you

Family Guides

Inspiration and top tips for visiting

It can be tricky to plan a day out with the little ones. To give you peace of mind for your visit, we've prepared helpful guides packed with useful info. Browse the guides, find out what you can look forward to, and get the answers to questions about our facilities at some of our favourite historic places.

Browse all family guides

More to Explore

  • Top 5 things to do in July

    This July, we’re gearing up for a feel-good summer. Enjoy fun-filled family days out all summer long and allow yourself to be transported back in time with our legendary events.

  • Dog-friendly days out

    We love dogs as much as you do, so there's no reason to leave your furry friend at home. We've got lots of options for dog-friendly days out at our castles, abbeys and historic gardens.

  • Members do more

    Help to keep the story of England's history alive for future generations. Join today and enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic places, for yourself and up to six children.