If you need a break from London’s hustle and bustle, there is no better way to enjoy the great British outdoors than spending a family day exploring the amazing heritage sites. This stunning places offer great opportunities for visitors and tourists to learn about our rich history, marvel at the stunning architecture of old palaces or just take a walk in the beautifully landscaped gardens. Here is a list of some of the best English Heritage sites, perfect for a family outing this summer.
With just one ticket you’ll practice defending your own castle and burn off some energy in the Siege Play Area, climb the Medieval Great Tower to discover the pomp and pageantry of King Henry II’s court or take a tour in the Secret Wartime Tunnels where the story of Operation Dynamo is brought to life. Check out the new viewpoint for that perfect selfie or group photo with the castle in the background, and round off your day with delicious food and drink in one of the cafés.
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
Kenilworth Castle’s story spans more than nine centuries. Its massive Norman keep dates from the 1120s and the fortress endured one of the longest sieges in medieval English history in 1266. Kenilworth’s greatest period began when Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley took possession of the castle in 1563. He spent fortunes turning it into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen. Climb up to the queen’s apartments for fantastic views over the castle and surrounding countryside.
The ruins of Whitby Abbey crown a clifftop over the historic fishing port of Whitby. The headland has hosted St Hild’s Anglo-Saxon monastery, the great medieval abbey and a Stuart mansion, and it’s long been the focus of myths and legends.
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
From the drama of 1066 to the peace of a ruined abbey, there’s plenty for the whole family at Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror’s Norman invaders met King Harold’s English army in this very place. Discover the story of the famous battle for yourself with interactive displays in the visitor centre. Then, accompanied by an audio tour, you can see where the Normans advanced against the English, and walk the battlefield, hunting out dramatic wooden figures.
During the 5th to 7th centuries, the island fortress of Tintagel was the stronghold of post-Roman Cornish rulers. Memories of Tintagel’s past glories inspired many legends, and in the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote that King Arthur was conceived here. The castle’s atmospheric ruins stand partly on the mainland and partly on the island. In medieval times the two halves were connected by a bridge. Today, you can cross our own footbridge to explore the rugged island and visit the iconic sculpture of Gallos – a life-sized artwork inspired by the legend of King Arthur. When the tide’s out, you can enjoy the small sandy beach and explore the atmospheric Merlin’s Cave
Climb to the top of the Tudor keep and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas. Follow the tunnel down to the Half Moon Battery to be transported back to the Second World War. Pendennis Castle is home to many impressive historic guns. Join a volunteer-led talk to discover how they worked. Stretch your legs on the Castle Explorers trail around Pendennis Castle, before taking a break at the the Royal Artillery Barracks, where you’ll find a soft play area and a cafe.
Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
Carisbrooke Castle is a great fortress which began life as an Anglo-Saxon earthwork defence against Viking raids. The Normans raised the shell keep on its towering mound, which you can climb up for amazing views. The castle’s best-known modern residents are the much-loved Carisbrooke donkeys. They still demonstrate the treadwheel, which once raised water from the castle well. Meet them in their stables and hear their story in a film hosted by Jupiter the cartoon donkey.
The house at Wrest Park is a 19th-century mansion in the style of a French chateau, but its grand gardens are its real glory. Together, they tell a story of 300 years of garden design – and they’re a great place for a fantastic day out. Right in front of the house you’ll find formal gardens, the Long Water and the Archer Pavilion. Elsewhere you can explore the enchanting Bath House; the Chinese Bridge and Chinese Temple; and stroll along the intricate woodland paths of the 18th-century Great Garden.
Discover the stories of medieval aristocrats, a Tudor queen and Georgian poorhouse children at Framlingham Castle. Follow the wall-top walk round Framlingham’s defences and you can see 800 years of history from above. There are helpful panels with info about the castle’s surroundings – the pretty market town, the castle’s outer earthworks and the Mere. Don’t forget to look up at the tall Tudor chimneys which crown some of the towers! Each one has a different brick design.
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Audley End House and Gardens is the best place in England to discover how a great house worked in the past. You can explore the great hall, state rooms and intimate private apartments, all decorated with fine furniture and works of art. In the 1830s nursery, kids will love trying on costumes and playing with replica toys. Upstairs in the Coal Gallery, see how servants kept the house stocked with coal and hot water.
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