Family Days Out
Photo of two adults and three children walking in the grounds of Dover Castle in the winter

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 winter 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

Photo of a parent with a child on their shoulders and a dog looking at the coast by Tintagel Castle in Cornwall

THINGS TO DO IN WINTER

Find plenty of things to do during the colder months at our historic sites.

From bracing historical walks to comforting Victorian cookery, find inspiration for fun days out and delightful days in this winter. 

Find extraordinary things to do
Photo of Belsay Castle in the snow on a sunny day

ENGLISH HERITAGE GARDENS IN WINTER

There's nothing like a fresh winter walk through a beautiful historic garden. Our castles, halls and stately homes are enchanting in the colder seasons, and now is the perfect time to make the most of rewarding garden walks and sparkling wintry views.

Find extraordinary things to do

HALF-TERM HISTORY MAKERS

Join characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands on shenanigans at our sites across the country this February half-term.

Just click the site nearest you below to book online and save 10%.

Photo of two children on a climbing frame at Eltham Palace in London

MEMBERS RECOMMEND: BEST PLAY AREAS

We know how important it is to keep the kids entertained, and a play area is always a helpful place to run off some steam. We asked our Members which sites have the best children's play areas and why. 

Find a play area near you
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
  • Pendennis Castle

    Discover the wartime tunnels and climb to the top of the mighty Tudor keep at Pendennis Castle. The recreated gun deck brings the noise and drama of a castle under attack to life.

  • Warkworth Castle

    With imposing stone walls, huge fireplaces where kitchen staff worked over roasting spits, and restored furnished rooms, step into medieval life at Warkworth Castle.

  • Down House: Home of Charles Darwin

    Step back into Victorian family life at Charles Darwin's family home. Explore the garden where Darwin conducted his most famous experiments and learn about his greatest discoveries.

  • 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

    With a family exhibition and play area, as well as a new viewing platform on the rooftop of the gatehouse, explore the battlefield of a major turning point in England's story.

More to Explore

  • Top 5 things to do in February

    This February we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you to step into history. Prepare something special for the one you love on Valentine’s Day, learn about LGBTQ+ history and enjoy a fun-filled February half-term. 

  • 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.

'step into englands story