Where’s the best place to take the family on a day out? Discover the castles, stately homes and historic sites you can spend the long summer days exploring
1. Dover Castle, Kent
The ‘Key to England’ for more than 900 years, Dover Castle boasts a long and immensely eventful history – meaning there’s nearly a millennium’s worth of secrets, scandals, intrigue and mystery to discover on your next visit. Climb the Great Tower to meet medieval royalty or head underground in the Wartime Tunnels.
Whats on: On 11 and 12 August, visit the castle and travel back in time to 1544, where you can join King Henry VIII in a colourful Tudor pageant, complete with the sounds of drums and cannons.
2. Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
One of the most spectacular castle ruins in the country, Kenilworth is the perfect spot for feeding imaginations and banishing boredom. Follow in the footsteps of royalty, discover secret nooks and crannies amongst the ruins and get hands-on with action-packed events and activities.
What’s on: On 21 and 22 July, the castle will be hosting a sandcastle building workshop with the sand sculpture experts Sand in Your Eye.
3. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Boasting an awe-inspiring location, fascinating history and top-notch visitor centre, it’s not hard to see why Whitby Abbey is popular family day. It is a beautiful and magical place, steeped in history, and makes the whole family feel part of something bigger – amazing memories to be made.
What’s on: From 23 July – 2 September, Whitby Abbey are hosting a series of fun sea-themed activities with the Hands on History Crew.
4. 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
This incredible spot inspires, and it’s not hard to understand why. Spend the day exploring the atmospheric ruins, learning in the interactive Discovery Centre and of course, visiting the very spot where King Harold is said to have fallen in 1066. It truly is a magical and amazing place to visit.
What’s on: Head over to the battleground on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July for a masterclass in the birds of war. With a plethora of falcons and hawks soaring above, you’ll have the opportunity to hear legendary tales from medieval times and discover how to best use your bird in battle.
5. Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
With its spectacular location on one of Britain’s most dramatic coastlines, Tintagel is an atmospheric spot; a place of mystery and legend that offers endless opportunities for discovery, exploration and imagination. Steeped in Arthurian legend and with glorious coastline views, there is much exploring to do.
What’s on: From 25 July to 31 August, the Hands on History Crew are offering a series of action packed events for children, including epic tales at the Castle.
6. Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping action of a medieval joust, the sights and sounds of a Tudor gun battle, or the excitement that comes from descending the castle’s historic tunnels, this spectacular coastal fortress is a standout favourite among adventure-seeking families everywhere.
What’s on: Visit Pendennis Castle between 31 July and 2 August for an epic Tudor Pageant.
7. Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
This great hilltop crowning fortress offers all of the ingredients required for a fabulous day out. As well as the stunning panoramic views from the keep, you can get hands-on with the interactive exhibits, transform into a character from history with the castle’s dressing up box, and meet Carisbrooke’s most beloved residents, the donkeys.
What’s on: Come to Carisbrooke Castle to watch a legendary joust between the four best knights in the kingdom in a battle between good and evil. Medieval musicians and soaring falcons set the scene.
8. Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
One of Wrest Park’s most appealing attributes is the sheer amount of space it affords for running around, exploring and discovering. With more than 90 acres of historic landscape surrounding the mansion, you could spend days here and never get bored.
What’s on: A temporary exhibition displays a series of prints and engravings inspired by the magnificent wallpaper in Wrest Park, until 22 July.
9. Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
This magnificent 12th-century fortress has a long and colourful history – just one of the many attributes that makes it a top family destination. Take a step into the past using the castle’s themed trails and lively audio tour, and burn off some energy on the incredible wall walk.
What’s on: From 23 to 27 July, Framlingham Castle is hosting a masterclass in chivalric etiquette: spend the day with courtly experts learning to be a knight or princess.
10. Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
This Jacobean manor makes a fun day out, with beautiful grounds, fully restored historic stables and costumed characters in the Victorian Service Wing.
What’s on: Come on 4th or 5th August for the Stables Weekend, to witness first-hand the life of a horse on a Victorian estate.