Playshapes at Belsay Hall
Playshapes is a unique, interactive art installation where visitors can use their imaginations to create new structures and sculptures, and then climb and have fun on their own creations!
Book now and saveOur 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.
Let's play!Top 10 castles
We asked English Heritage members which of our castles were their favourites. These are the results.
Check out which castles our members love and the reasons they think these unique sites are the best.
Check out the top 10Brilliant 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.
Days out on a budgetExplore our magical gardens in autumn
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 autumn, pull on your wellies and take a walk through our historic gardens as the leaves fall and the autumn colours show off our amazing sites in this, the most magical of the seasons.
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-
A Family Guide to 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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A Family Guide to 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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A Family Guide to 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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A Family Guide to 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 November
This November, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits. Discover the fascinating true story behind Bonfire Night, enjoy memorable days out and get ahead with the Christmas shopping!
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Things to do on a rainy day
If you're looking for rainy-day ideas, we have plenty of historic places in which the family can hide, play and enjoy a great day out, whatever the weather may have in store.
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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.