Family Days Out

Outdoor Play Areas at our historic places

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

Once you've finished exploring a castle, or wandering through the grounds of a stately home, head to the play area so your little adventurers can burn off their extra energy.

Outdoor play areas

Each of our outdoor play areas has its own historical theme so the kids can learn about the story of England as they play.

  • Audley End House and Gardens

    The Audley End play area is filled with horse-themed equipment and is right next to the café. Kids can climb to the top turret of the wooden house in the centre of the play area to be rewarded with views of the orchards and horses behind the walled garden.

  • 1066 battle of Hastings, abbey and battlefield

    You'll find this play area near the café at Battle Abbey, the site of the Battle of Hastings. Lovingly carved from wood, it features all sorts of fun apparatus based on the theme of 1066, including climbable barrels and even an enormous wooden ox.

  • Belsay Wild Man play area

    Release your inner Wild Man at the Belsay Wild Man play area, which features towering climbing frames, winding slides, swings and lots more to explore. There's also a dedicated area for toddlers. It's tucked away in the woodland and is right beside the refurbished cafe in the old coach house.

  • Bolsover Castle

    Inspired by the towers and turrets of Bolsover Castle, this play area has it all. Swings, a slide and even wooden 'castle battlements'. It's right outside the café so kids can let off steam while you take some time out for yourself.

  • Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

    The play area at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is based on the history of the family who lived here. Parents can relax on a picnic bench with a coffee from the nearby café while the kids climb, swing and slide through history.

  • Eltham Palace and Gardens

    The Courtaulds lived at Eltham Palace in the 1930s and loved to travel. That's why this playground was designed on the theme of 'around the world'. It's right next to the café so you can watch your children play while enjoying a well-earned cup of tea.

  • Wrest Park

    Situated near the café this play area is inspired by Wrest Park, including its very own wooden pavilion to climb and explore. For daring adventurers there is even a zip wire to ride on, but there's plenty here to keep kids of any age entertained.

  • Witley Court and Gardens

    Nestled in the woodland by Witley Court, you'll find a wooden adventure playground complete with a tree-house, slides, scramble net and wobbly bridge. Younger children can also explore the nature inspired musical instruments and wooden animal rides.

  • Walmer Play Area

    Little adventurers will love our natural play trail in Walmer Castle's restored woodland walk. Featuring wobbly bridges to cross, hollow tree trunks to climb and giant nests to hide in, it's a place for imaginations to run wild in a natural setting. 

Find a place to visit

Where better to let little imaginations run wild than at a historic castle, abbey or house? 

Whether you fancy going exploring in Charles Darwin's back garden, or climbing the tallest tower at Dover Castle, a day out at one of our sites will keep everyone entertained.  

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