A group of two adults and three young children wearing winter coats and hats gather on a wooden bench at Wrest Park.

Family Days Out

Looking for somewhere where you and the family can get together and create memories this winter? Our special historic places offer extraordinarily good value and are full of heart-warming adventures for adults and children alike.

Experience our 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 near you.

SEARCH FOR FAMILY DAYS OUT

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An image of a child in a waterproof coat jumping over a puddle at Kenilowrth Castle.

Stop hibernating. Start exploring.

Days out are back and we’ve got lots of ideas to get you out and about in 2026.

Check out our brand-new Adventurer’s Checklist: it’s the best way to get your family and friends back out exploring English Heritage sites together.

Start exploring

Find the flock trail

A group of adults look at a large light blue and orange sculpture of Shaun the Sheep in the grounds of Wrest Park.

Herd your family together for a baaa-rilliant trail at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland this winter.

Grab a trail map and track down 12 super-sized sculptures of Shaun the Sheep designed by different artists.

Book in advance and save 15% on your admission. English Heritage members get free entry. Click an image or site name below to book your visit to Wrest Park or Belsay Hall today!

Photo of Long Water at Wrest Park with the Archer Pavilion in the distance and ducks swimming in the water

Big Garden Birdwatch at Wrest Park

Explore 96 acres of beautiful grounds and join in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Big Garden Birdwatch at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January.

Children can get involved in crafting activities 11am - 3pm on the Saturday, and on the Sunday, you can join a free guided birdwatch and talk.

Find out more about the Big Garden Birdwatch at Wrest Park
A man and a woman look out of the ruined large windows at Kenilworth Castle with two young children. They are wearing waterproof coats and jumpers.

10 historic places to visit whatever the weather

Don't let the weather stop you this winter. We've got loads of sites open for you to get out and explore England’s history - just don't forget your coats and wellies!

Please check opening times for each site before you go.

Find places to visit whatever the weather
Photo of a young child sitting at the top of a grassy bank in winter clothes at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire while another child runs behind them

Guide to going out

Families are unique, as are the personalities within them! The secret to a truly great day out with your family isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. That's why we created this guide to help you find the perfect day out to suit you and your family.

Do your children have lots of energy to burn? Do you want to be inspired? Or perhaps discovering more about our heritage sounds more like you? Whatever you enjoy, we've got you covered.

Find your perfect day out
Photo of a young child climbing through a rope tunnel at the play area at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland

Our best history-themed playgrounds

Once you've finished exploring a castle, or wandering through the grounds of a stately home, head to one of our unique, history-themed play areas so your little adventurers can burn off their extra energy.

We've picked out our favourite outdoor playgrounds for you and your family to discover.

Find a playground 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
Photo of two English Heritage sensory backpacks including binoculars, a plush sheep toy, ear defenders and a fidget widget, with Dover Castle in the background

Sensory backpacks at Kent sites

These free-to-borrow backpacks are designed to help visitors with sensory processing needs have a more enjoyable experience - simply ask on site to borrow yours.

Each backpack contains tools like fidget widgets, plush toys and ear defenders to help manage sensory input and reduce stress. Whether you’re visiting as a family, with a carer or independently, these backpacks are designed to make it easier to explore our sites in a way that suits you.

 

Visit Kent

More to Explore

  • Top 5 things to do in January

    'Tis the season to stop hibernating - and start exploring! With hundreds of historic sites to discover, days out are back and we’ve got lots of ideas to get you out and about.

  • What's On

    Feel great at our unmissable historic events taking place across the country. From Shaun The Sheep to inspiring art, there's something for everyone this winter.

  • Become a member

    As an English Heritage member you can delve far deeper into our history. Join today to get unlimited access to the spectacular places where history really happened.