Family Days Out
Looking for somewhere where you and the family can get together and create memories this December? 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!
Get in the festive spirit
Asking yourself 'what Christmas events are on near me'? We've got plenty of fun-filled events and activities across the country for the whole family.
Take the kids to meet Father Christmas or enjoy festive fun at our historic sites.
Find Christmas events near youFind the flock Christmas trail
Herd your family together for a baaa-rilliant Christmas trail at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland this festive season.
Grab a trail map and track down twelve super-sized sculptures of Shaun the Sheep designed by different artists. Once ewe’ve found the flock, toast marshmallows around the fire and get hands-on with Christmas crafts.
Book in advance and save 15% on your admission. Members get free entry. Click the image or site names below to book your visit to Wrest Park or Belsay Hall today.
10 historic places to visit whatever the weather
Don't let the weather stop you this December. 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 weatherGuide 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 outOur 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 youTop 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 our top 10 castlesBrilliant 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.
Find a budget family day outMEMBERS 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 for kidsFamily 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.
New 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.
More to Explore
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Top 5 things to do in December
This December, we’ve got plenty of inspirational ideas for the festive season and beyond, whether you're looking for Christmas fun or a quiet Twixmas walk.
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What's On
Feel great at our unmissable historic events taking place across the country. From Shaun The Sheep to festive fun, there's something for everyone this November.
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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.