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.
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 InspirationBest Rainy Days Out
The weather can be unpredictable in spring, but don't let that put you off exploring. We have plenty of weather friendly places where families can hide, discover and play.
Check out our rainy day info, see our map of rain-proof historic sites and enjoy a great day out whatever the weather may have in store.
Don't let rain stop play!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.
Discover days out on budgetSummer 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 gardenMEMBERS 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 youFamily 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Top 5 things to do in June
This June, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits. Celebrate the summer solstice, learn about LGBTQ+ historical figures and plan your summer holidays.
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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.
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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.
