Family Days Out
A family exploring Portchester Castle on a wintry day

Family Days Out

Looking for somewhere where you and the family can get 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 our 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

A little boy peeps through a rectangular door cut into a tree trunk in one of the many play areas at Walmer Castle and Gardens

Our best history-themed playgrounds

Once you've finished exploring a castle, or wandering through the grounds of a stately home, head to one of our unique, history-themed play areas so your little adventurers can burn off their extra energy.

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

Let's play!
A family of five wrapped up in winter coats and boots enjoy the sunshine at Dover Castle

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 father and daughter look out a castle window

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
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 December

    This December, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits. Go on a walk through history, try traditional Victorian crafts and join us for a month full of festive events.

  • Things to do on a rainy day

    If you're looking for rainy-day ideas, we have plenty of historic places in which the family can hide, play and enjoy a great day out, whatever the weather may have in store.

  • 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.