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Three people splash in the shallows on a beach by a rocky headland

Keep cool at our sites

Looking for places to keep cool this summer? Whether you’re looking for indoor spaces or shady gardens, we have you covered (pun intended). What’s more, many of our sites have cafés, shops and ice cream stands where you can grab a cooling treat. 

Don't forget, if you're a member you get free entry, and if you're not, you can still get 15% off your ticket price by booking in advance.

Cool Castles

Photo of a family having fun with Dover Castle in the background

Castles are some of the coolest places to be with their thick walls, cavernous rooms and large basements. And good news, we have castles all over the country. Here are just some of our favourite spots to find shade and soak up some history.

  • Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

    Stroll through opulent state rooms with stunning views towards the Peak District, and enjoy the coolness of the Little Castle's basement. 

  • Conisbrough Castle, South Yorkshire

    Keep the heat at bay by exploring Conisbrough's unique cylindrical tower with stunning views (and hopefully a cooling breeze) at the top.

  • Dover Castle, Kent

    Whether roaming the Great Tower or going underground in the wartime and medieval tunnels, there's plenty of space to get out of the sun at Dover Castle. 

  • Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire

    Lovely thick walls, a tree-lined walk from the visitor centre and a shady moat offer visitors to Goodrich plenty of space to get out of the heat.   

  • Stokesay Castle, Shropshire

    England's finest (and most picturesque) medieval manor house has lots of indoor space to explore, and beautiful views from atop the tower where you can embrace the Shropshire air. 

  • Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Northumberland

    A formidable castle means thick walls and a fine tower to explore, from the wine cellars and the kitchens to the great hall and chapel.

Shady Gardens

A large country house is seen beyond a formal garden from the shade of a willow arch

When the sun is high, you can’t beat our historic gardens with their plentiful shady nooks and crannies. Enjoy a stroll or simply sit and luxuriate surrounded by trees, flowers and bushes carefully looked after by our expert gardeners.

  • Audley End House and Gardens, Essex

    Audley End House's award-winning gardens are full of treasures, including a colourful parterre, ornate bridges and an organic Walled Kitchen Garden. 

  • Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland

    Explore the shade of the fascinating and other-worldly Quarry Gardens, with its dramatic ravines and cliff-faces creating backdrops for an array of exotic trees and plants. 

  • Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire

    Shady woodland walks and the extensive gardens at Brodsworth Hall offer the perfect place to enjoy the South Yorkshire air. Mazy, meandering paths reveal fresh delights for all ages around every corner.  

  • Eltham Palace and Gardens, London

    Escape the heat of the city in the beautiful gardens that surround the stunning Eltham Palace. Wander through the sunken Rose Garden and enjoy the sounds of the cascades of water leading from the Rock Garden to the moat. 

  • Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent

    The gardens of Walmer Castle offer plenty of spaces to relax in the shade of beautiful trees and plants. Follow the winding woodland walk to the Glen Garden or relax next to the water in the tranquil Queen Mother's Garden. 

  • Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire

    Lose yourself and escape the heat in Witley's paradise of wild gardens, with their abundant wildlife, winding paths, rustic bridges, surprise lake vistas and flowering shrubs from all over the world. 

Coastal sites

Please play on a sandy colours beach next to beautiful blue water

Sometimes the quickest way to cool down is with a paddle at the beach (and maybe a cheeky ice cream). Alternatively, enjoy coastal breezes and fresh sea air atop the cliffs. 

  • Deal Castle, Kent

    A literal stone's throw from the pebble beach, Deal Castle is the perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze. Plus cool off with an adventure in the discombobulating 'Rounds'.

  • Osborne, Isle of Wight

    Enjoy Queen Victoria's own personal beach and deep your toes in the cooling waters of the Solent, before heading to the beach-side café for an ice cream. 

  • Pendennis Castle, Cornwall

    Fill your lungs with the finest Atlantic air as you look out from Pendennis' cool keep and wartime bunkers. St Mawes Castle (a refreshing boat ride away) also offers indoor space to explore and beautiful gardens to enjoy the breeze. 

  • Tintagel Castle, Cornwall

    After embracing the ocean breeze from the bridge and island, head down to Tintagel Castle's beach and explore the atmospheric Merlin's Cave (tide allowing). 

  • Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Tyne and Wear

    Enjoy the cool breeze of the North Sea from Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a short Metro ride from Newcastle city centre. Relax and watch the ships pass on their way to and from the docks of the Tyne. 

  • Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire

    Sat high atop the cliffs, Whitby Abbey commands fine views (and fresh, salty air) of the town, coast and sea. 

Two children sit laughing in sunglasses and sunhats

Enjoy a Great British Summer

Celebrate a classic Great British Summer at our sites across the country.

Enjoy the fairground activities, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive in to some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream and soak up the summer.

Plus, kids can grab a souvenir passport and collect special stamps to complete their summer adventure.

Plan your summer days out