The best family days out from English Heritage

I’ve got a very long overdue catch-up with one of my best friends next weekend – and having finally managed to get our ludicrously busy diaries in sync, we were busily trying to work out where to go when I came across this list of the best family days out from English Heritage.

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My usual meet-up essentials are a pub for Sunday roast/café for cake (or both), somewhere for Minnie to run around outside (weather permitting) and something to entertain the four adults as well. Petting goats and feeding bunnies is all very entertaining for a two-year-old but I wouldn’t ask my friends to give up their Sunday for it.

As they’re in Oxfordshire and we’re in west London, there’s a whole lot of city and countryside to choose from. So as a starting point, my first instinct is to check out the National Trust and English Heritage anyway – interesting buildings for us, grounds for Minnie, café on site (usually) and pubs nearby (usually).

Plus if you have annual membership! it’s free to visit – which leaves a few more pennies for cake. Here’s the top 10 which made the list.

1. Dover Castle, Kent

There is nearly a thousand years’ worth of secrets, scandals and intrigue to unearth at Dover Castle, with the Great Tower to climb and the Wartime tunnels to discover – easily one of the best English Heritage sites for kids (and adults!), it was fantastic even on a distinctly chilly day when we visited.

Check out my review of our day out at Dover Castle – or click here for more ideas of English Heritage Kent sites

2. Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

One of the most spectacular castle ruins in the country, Kenilworth is a great place to let your imagination run wild, with plenty of hidden corners, events and activities and the chance to walk in the footsteps of royalty.

3. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire

An incredible setting, fascinating history plus a fun audio tour for kids, there are also regular events for children and families during the holidays at Whitby Abbey.

Read more about the best things to do in Whitby with kids

4. 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex

As well as the chance to visit the spot where King Harold is said to have fallen in 1066 and the history of the island took and abrupt turn, there’s an interactive Discovery Centre and atmospheric ruins to explore at Battle Abbey.

Time your visit right and you can even see a recreation of the famous battle during the autumn

If you want to add some beach to your day out in East Sussex, here are some of my favourite sandy beaches in Sussex as well as more things to do in Sussex with kids

5. Tintagel Castle, Cornwall

Although I haven’t yet been here with Minnie, the ruins at Tintagel are one of my personal favourite places in the south west – even leaving aside the Arthurian legends woven around the castle, the location on the coast is amazing.

For more ideas of English Heritage Cornwall sites, click here – and for more ideas of things to do in Cornwall with kids, check out my top picks, plus ideas for rainy days and free days out in Cornwall

6. Pendennis Castle, Cornwall

Another Cornish spot, Pendennis Castle is more action packed with medieval jousts, Tudor gun battles and historic tunnels, so perfect if you want a spot of adventure with your history.

7. Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight

Having just visited the castle (and its donkeys) recently I’d definitely agree with Carisbrooke Castle making the cut – dressing up, incredible views from the walls, loads of room to run around plus the chance to meet those furry four-legged inhabitants. Perfect.

For more ideas of English Heritage Isle of Wight sites, click here 

8. Wrest Park, Bedfordshire

It’s the gardens and grounds at Wrest Park which are the big draw for families here – 90 acres in total with audio trails for kids and an activity backpack, not to mention a play area if that’s not enough to burn off everyone’s energy.

9. Framlingham Castle, Suffolk

I’ve visited Framlingham Castle several times, including with my daughter, and it’s definitely one that’s lots of fun with kids. The 12th century fortress has themed trails for children, an audio tour and a walk around the walls – unlike some more ruined sites, this is one to give a sense of how life was lived in its heyday.

Check out my review of a day out at Framlingham Castle with kids

10. Audley End House and Gardens, Essex

Audley End House really does have something for everyone – beautiful grounds, a themed play area, restored historic stables and a Victorian service wing to explore, so you can be entertained on rainy days as well as outdoors.

Here’s what we thought of a visit to Audley End House

Tintagel image courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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