The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Britain’s Castles are alive with the stories of the past and the events, exhibitions and activities of today. So whether you fancy a majestic fortress, grim prison or luxurious mansion you’ll find a great family day out at one of Britain’s castles… royalty, here we come!
taking in the views @ Framlingham castle in Suffolk
Framlingham Castle isn’t just for history buffs – it’s perfect for a family day out.
Step into the past with live reenactments, where kids can meet characters like Bloody Mary and learn how to be a knight or a royal advisor. Expect fun activities like sword skills, squire training, archery and jousting.
Music lovers, listen up! Framlingham Castle is the very castle Ed Sheeran sang about in “Castle on the Hill.” Walk in the footsteps of both real royalty and music royalty.
Spend the whole day exploring – embark on a wall walk for stunning views, and check out the history of the castle through a ‘time tunnel’ slide. It’s a blend of history, fun, and a bit of pop culture, making it a hit for the whole family!
Use the super fun audio trail that’s been designed specifically for kids.
courtesy of Wadhurst Castle Cottages
If your kids love “The Jungle Book,” then Bateman’s is a must-visit.
This National Trust gem is not just any old Jacobean mansion – it was the home of Rudyard Kipling himself from 1902 to 1936. You can feel Kipling’s spirit in every room, especially his study where he penned many of his famous works.
Kids will have a blast exploring the mill and following the seasonal trails and playing the outdoor play area. The house is packed with treasures from Kipling’s era, including original Jungle Book illustrations. And don’t miss out on a delicious cream tea at the cafe – it’s the perfect treat after a day of adventure!
Bring your ‘bear necessities’ and dive into the activities at Bateman’s. Whether it’s puppet making, exploring the Natural Play area, wildlife spotting in the gardens, or listening to poetry, there’s always something exciting happening. Keep an eye on their website for the latest fun exhibits and events like tree climbing which ties in with the number 1 thing to do on the National Trust’s list of 50 Things to Do Before You’re 11 3/4.
courtesy of visitscotland.com
Dunnottar Castle is a stunner! Perched on a cliff in the north of Scotland, it’s surrounded by ocean on three sides. Yes, it’s a bit of a trek to Aberdeenshire and then up the many stairs, but the views are absolutely worth it. Think of all those steps as bonus exercise with a side of fresh sea air!
This place is Instagram gold and a family memory-maker. How many castles sit dramatically on cliffs overlooking the sea? Turns out, quite a few, but Dunnottar still holds its own. It’s hosted big names like Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace and even played a part in saving the Scottish Crown Jewels for Charles II.
Explore the different buildings from the barracks to the keep, and don’t miss the chapel and drawing room, which are in great condition. Bonus tip: While in Scotland, swing by The Tall Ship in Glasgow for another budget-friendly family day out from our list of 15 family days out under £15?
Check their Facebook page for updates.
Wear comfy shoes! There are lots of stairs and paths to explore, and you’ll want to check out every nook and cranny of this epic castle.
courtesy of English Heritage
Osborne House, once Queen Victoria’s holiday retreat, is perfect for families! Queen Vic herself said, “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”
The grounds feature the charming Swiss Cottage, where the royal kids learned cooking and farming – practical skills with a royal twist.
While you’re on the picturesque Isle of Wight, don’t miss the Dinosaur Expedition, a budget-friendly adventure from our list of 10 Family Days Out For Under £15.
Explore Queen Victoria’s private beach where her children, including future King Edward VII, learned to swim and collected seashells. Wander through the Royal Collection, packed with the Queen’s personal treasures, and stroll the very corridors where she entertained world leaders and royalty. Plus, there are fun children’s trails to keep the kids engaged all day.
Pack a picnic! The grounds are perfect for a leisurely family lunch with a royal backdrop.
courtesy of stmawesandtheroseland.co.uk
if you fancy a trip back in time look no further than Pendennis Castle. This clifftop fortress, built by Henry VIII, was a key player in defending Britain right up until WWII. Get ready for a day packed with fun, adventure, and a sprinkle of education.
With a moat and tunnels carved into the cliffs, your kiddos will be in a hide and seek paradise. Plus the castle boasts a treasure trove of interactive exhibits where kids can learn how the castle kept Britain safe. There are loads of Instagram-worthy snaps of the Fal and coastline for older kids and teens. Plus they can geek out on wartime defences and find out how messages were sent back in the day.
Don’t miss The Noonday Gun when history comes alive as an original working gun is fired. It’s loud, it’s thrilling, and it’s a hit with kids (and grown-ups!).
Just a mile down the road is St Mawes Castle, Pendennis’ sister fortress. While it’s less kid-centric, it’s one of the best-preserved Tudor castles in Britain. A quick visit here can add an extra dash of history to your day.
Sudeley Castle in the autumn
Once home to Katherine Parr (the savvy wife who survived Henry VIII), Sudeley Castle is the perfect spot for some family fun and a little time travelling.
This picturesque castle has been rebuilt, revamped, and even royally owned since the 11th century.
Highlights include a Kid’s Trail – grab a trail map at reception; an Adventure Playground and lots of Arts and Craft days
The castle has been dubbed “the most romantic in England,” so maybe sneak in a moment for a stroll with your partner – just don’t let the kids see!
courtesy of breconbeacons.org
Carreg Cennen perched high above the village of Trapp in Wales, is the perfect spot for an epic day out. This 13th-century marvel offers unbeatable views and a treasure trove of adventures for kids of all ages.
Don’t forget to bring a torch! Kids will love exploring the secret passage that leads to a large natural cavern. Inside, they’ll find a magical spring rumored to grant wishes. The castle’s exhibitions are also packed with fascinating history designed to spark young imaginations.
It’s always worth bringing a picnic but the cafe here also serves hearty meals that should keep everyone energised for more exploring around the ruins.
courtesy of visit-hampshire.co.uk
A boat trip out to a massive castle, a secret (very good) cafe, and a great walk back home. There are masses of dark passages to explore, strange crevices and well-signed shell storage bunkers to explore. The kids will love playing hide and seek on this day out! The views from the top are spectacular.
This is a castle built at the time of Henry VIII, Charles I was imprisoned in Hurst Castle in 1648. The history does not stop there, the castle was important during the Napoleonic wars and in World War 2, making the contents of the castle eclectic and exciting for kids and adults. Located on a spit of land on the South Coast, the views are amazing, the Isle of Wight is hard to miss.
Get there by boat! The boat trips are run by Hurst Marine and cost £8 for adults, £6 for kids return (under 3s go free. You don’t need to book, the ferry runs every 20-30 mins.
Learning lots about history. There are lots of children-specific activities during school holidays and the castle is very child-friendly, especially if your kids are at all interested in military history.
dressing up in period costume @ Holyroodhouse
Located at one end of the Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse is the King’s official residence in Scotland. Enjoying a magnificent setting next to Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano!), Holyroodhouse has provided the stage for many important historical events in Scotland’s past.
There’s a dedicated family room at the Palace with lots for younger children to do, including period dressing-up costumes, traditional games like quoits, and a range of books, drawing activities and worksheets. There is also an interactive family guide which will take you throughout the castle including seeing Mary Queen of Scot’s chambers. The castle is really child-friendly and geared towards making sure kids have a fun and educational time. Check the kids section of the website before you visit for loads of top tips and things to look out for.
The Family Garden Trail and Family Abbey Trail: these worksheets include spotters’ tasks, drawing activities, puzzles and more, and can be collected from the family room (at the end of the Palace tour, before you venture in the grounds and abbey ruins) or downloaded before your visit.
joining in on the family activities that will allow them to experience and see more of the castle.
courtesy of en.wikapedia.org
Castle Howard is a beautiful 18-century palace and the star of ITVs Victoria, the 2008 film of Brideshead Revisited and featured in Bridgeton. The interiors repaired following a devastating fire in the 1940s are gorgeous – fancier than Buckingham palace dare we say!
With 1000 acres of parkland, kids can explore the Walled Rose Garden, feed the resident peacocks and ride the little train which is pulled by a tractor to the lake. During the summer families can boat on the lake. Inside, it is still a family home, but visitors can still access a lot of the rooms. All kinds of family events take place throughout the year.
Don’t miss a visit at Christmas too! It’s a truly magical day out as Castle Howard is transformed for the festive season. You can ogle at the magnificent decorations as you journey through the House’s grand staterooms. Open fires, candle light and live music evoke all that we love about this special time of year, with the iconic 25 foot traditional Christmas tree adorned with over 3000 baubles providing a breath-taking highlight in the Great Hall.
If your kids are Harry Potter fans, then Alnwick Castle is a must visit location. It starred as Hogwarts in the first two movies. You’ll see lots of familiar places during your visit. Plus, any Downton Abbey fans will also recognise it from older Christmas Specials.
Beyond its Harry Potter links, Alnwick Castle holds of lots of interactive events suitable for children throughout the holiday periods. Longbow demonstrations, falconry, cannon firing and funny jester shows to name a few.
Plus, a 30 minute drive further north brings you to Bamburgh Castle and the gorgeous Northumberland coast.
Take a picnic to eat in Alnwick Gardens and then visit one of the UK’s largest second hand bookshops – Barter Books – housed in the town’s old railway station.
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
