Family Days Out
A young blonde girl in a sunhat peeps around the old walls of Launceston Castle. She is smiling.

11 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 11 picks for English Heritage family days out on a budget.

Bought online, in advance, a standard family ticket for two adults and up to three children for these sites will cost you less than £20. 

1. Old Sarum, Wiltshire

Climb the mighty ramparts of this Iron Age hillfort for views over the Wiltshire plains. Stand in the footprint of Salisbury's original cathedral and conquer the royal castle which stood high on the motte. Find out how the Romans, Normans and Saxons all left their mark on this impressive landscape.

Pack a picnic, and enjoy the 29 acres of rare grass chalk land. Look out for butterflies and kestrels, which are often seen hovering over the outer bailey. In the summer, you can play is croquet or giant jenga on the lawn.

Visit Old Sarum

2. DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND

Enjoy a 1.3 mile walk along the rugged Northumberland Coast to reach the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, a medieval ruin with a once-great, twin-towered keep.  

The paths around the perimeter of Dunstanburgh give adults and kids alike excellent opportunities to see large varieties of birds, flowers and mammals at close range, particularly nesting seabirds and birds of prey.

Visit Dunstanburgh Castle

3. WELLINGTON ARCH, LONDON

There aren't many London attractions where the whole family can visit for less than £20, but at Wellington Arch you can!

Wellington Arch was originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace, but later became a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Look out for the huge bronze statue of the Angel of Peace at the top. 

Time your visit right, and you can watch the Household Cavalry passing through the arch on their way to and from Changing the Guard. The traffic will stop as the soldiers mounted on horseback pass beneath you: it's an unforgettable sight.  

Visit Wellington Arch
Image: Pickering Castle (copyright Historic England)

4. PICKERING CASTLE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Pickering Castle has a colourful history, having been used as a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings. This splendid 13th-century castle is now set in the heart of the North York Moors National Park.

Don't miss the spectacular views from the top of the keep, the wildflower meadows and unique wildlife to discover alongside the castle's centuries-old story.

Visit Pickering Castle

5. RESTORMEL CASTLE, CORNWALL

Climb up the stone staircase from the courtyard at Restormel Castle, one of the  most remarkable castles in England, and you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Cornish countryside.  

Enjoy the wall walk around the inside of the inner ward before exploring the grounds. Visit in spring, and you'll be treated to daffodils and primroses; summer visitors can enjoy rhododendrons; if you stop by in autumn, look out for the black pheasant who lives in the surrounding woodland.  

Visit Restormel Castle

6. Yarmouth Castle, ISLE OF WIGHT

One of Henry VIII's most sophisticated coastal fortresses, today Yarmouth Castle offers visitors one of the best picnic spots on the whole of the Isle of Wight! Enjoy your packed lunch sitting right on the gunners' platform, with gorgeous views across the Solent. 

Explore the castle to learn more about Tudor life. Upstairs, above the Tudor Dining Room, you'll find a children's room containing books and Tudor games and toys.

Visit Yarmouth Castle

7. MEDIEVAL MERCHANT'S HOUSE, HAMPSHIRE

Step back in time at the Medieval Merchant's House in Southampton. Tucked away within easy walking distance of the busy city centre, this historic property is a wonderfully restored 14th-century treasure. Once a residence and a place of business, visit today, and you can learn all about life in medieval Southampton, and admire replica medieval furnishings.

Don't miss the medieval herb garden, where you can enjoy a picnic on the grass nearby.

Visit the Medieval Merchant's House

8. Jewel Tower, London

The intriguing Jewel Tower in the heart of Westminster in London dates back almost 650 years. It was built around 1365 to house Edward III's treasures and was known as the 'King's Privy Wardrobe'. It's one of only two buildings from the medieval Palace of Westminster to survive the fire of 1834.

Climb the stairs and enjoy three floors of artefacts and exhibitions, including a fascinating show about the history of Parliament. Look out for the speaker's robes, an Anglo-Saxon sword, historic weights and measures and Norman stone capitals. 

Visit Jewel Tower

9. Lanercost Priory, Cumbria

Visit Lanercost Priory in Cumbria and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this stunning site. There is a great deal for you to see in this best-preserved of Cumbrian monasteries. The east end of the noble 13th-century Church survives to its full height. You can admire some fine monuments within its dramatic tripe tier of arches.

Lanercost's cloisters include a beautiful vaulted 13th-century refectory undercroft. Outside, there's plenty of space for picnics, and a gift shop to explore. 

Visit Lanercost Priory

10. Launceston Castle, Cornwall

Climb to the top of Launceston Castle's Keep, and you'll be rewarded with wonderful views across the Cornish landscape. Launceston was once the capital of Cornwall and the castle controlled the main entry route into the county.

Today, you can learn all about the castle's 1,000 year history, from its time as one of Cornwall's great strongholds, to a bleak prison, to a World War II hospital. Don't miss the dressing-up box. Pack a picnic and enjoy space to relax and play in the castle's grounds. 

Visit Launceston Castle

11. Totnes Castle, Devon

Climb the steep steps of up to the keep of Totnes Castle in Devon, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramas across the valley. The wall walk extends all around the top of the keep, giving great vantage points over the bustling town below. If you look closely, you can still see arrow slits in the mighty castle walls.

You can also explore the inner bailey, and enjoy the moat walk around the outside. Spot 150-year-old trees as you choose where you want to enjoy your picnic.

Visit Totnes Castle

More to Explore

Discover more great places and events to visit with the family.