Top 10 Family Days Out
Which is the best English Heritage site for families?
That's the question we posed to our Facebook followers, and hundreds of you got in touch to tell us about your favourite places.
Here are the top 10 choices for the best English Heritage places to take your family, accompanied by some of your comments on what makes these places so special.
1. Dover Castle, Kent
The 'key to England' for more than 900 years, Dover Castle boasts a long and eventful history – meaning there's nearly a millennium's worth of secrets, scandals, intrigue and mystery to discover on your family's next visit. Climb the Great Tower to meet medieval royalty or head underground into the Wartime Tunnels to ensure big smiles all round! Plus there are new adventures to be had with the new Dover Castle Under Siege visitor attraction and playground.
'Dover Castle has so much to do both inside and outside for kids, with plenty of space for them to roam - they'll enjoy every minute of it!'
'A brilliant mix of histories for children of all ages. Space to explore and run about, plus amazing views of the Channel to boot!'
Explore Dover Castle2. 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. Kids can follow in the footsteps of royalty, discover secret nooks and crannies amongst the ruins and get hands-on with our action-packed programme of events and activities.
"Kids have plenty of open spaces to feed their imagination. There are so many fun activities throughout the year, they can never get bored!"
Explore Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden3. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Boasting an awe-inspiring location, fascinating history and top-notch visitor centre, it's easy to see why Whitby Abbey was voted third most popular family day out by our Facebook fans.
"It's a beautiful and magical place, steeped in history. It makes children feel part of something bigger – amazing memories to be made!"
Explore Whitby Abbey4. 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
Many of our Facebook fans commented on the magical feeling that this incredible spot inspires within them, and it's not hard to understand why. Families can spend the day exploring the atmospheric ruins, learning in our 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. The grounds and abbey are a place where the whole family can enjoy this unique site."
Explore 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield5. 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.
"Kids can experience the amazing history of Tintagel and imagine themselves part of an Arthurian legend!"
Explore Tintagel Castle6. 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 Pendennis Castle's historic tunnels, this spectacular coastal fortress is a standout favourite among adventure-seeking families everywhere.
"This is a beautiful castle with plenty for all the family to see and do."
Explore Pendennis Castle7. Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
This great hilltop-crowning fortress offers all the ingredients required for a fabulous family day out. As well as the stunning panoramic views from the keep, children can get hands-on with the interactive exhibits, transform into a character from history with our dressing-up box and (of course!) meet Carisbrooke's most beloved residents, the donkeys.
"It has a load of history and in the holidays they have jousting etc. The donkeys are great too!!! Lots of things to do."
Explore Carisbrooke Castle8. Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Clearly one of Wrest Park's most appealing attributes is the sheer amount of space it affords families to run around, explore, discover and just simply have a bit of fun. With more than 90 acres of historic landscape surrounding the mansion, children could spend days here and never get bored.
"Down every path there's another amazing building, statue or water feature to discover. My three boys love it here whatever the weather!"
Explore Wrest Park9. Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
This magnificent 12th-century fortress has a long and colourful history – just one of the many attributes that makes Framlingham Castle a top family destination. Kids can take a step into the past using the castle's themed trails and lively audio tour, and burn off some energy up on the incredible wall walk.
"Fab day out for all the family. Love the museum, rolling down the hills, looking at the castle and the views. Lots of learning to be had also!"
"It's a castle, good and proper. Ramparts, towers, bridges, the lot. It makes magical childhood memories for anyone who visits."
Explore Framlingham Castle10. Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
It's clear from our Facebook fans that Audley End is a popular choice for families. Beautiful grounds including a specially themed play area, fully restored historic stables and the Victorian Service Wing all make for a lively visit, whatever the weather!
"Lovely house, lovely gardens, many activities for the children, a lake, good parking and good food – an ace adventure for the little ones."
Explore Audley End House and GardensMore to explore
Discover more great places to visit across the country with the kids this season, from mighty Norman castles to atmospheric abbeys.
