Enjoy the sunshine-filled days this summer by spending the day at one some of the country’s most exciting historical locations! There are castles, events and attractions galore to make family memories and so much history to learn.
Read below to see our best picks for a historical family-friendly day out this summer…
South West England
Situated 400 yards off Mount’s Bay, this iconic Cornish landmark is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South West. At low tide, you can cross the ancient causeway where a legendary giant once walked.
The Joust at Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire
The knights from the Cavalry of Heroes bring their spectacular jousting display to the Castle grounds over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Take the family to experience the excitement of a medieval joust on 28th or 29th August.
Discover 2,000 years of history at this fascinating historic site in Bath. Costumed Roman characters, trails, a child-friendly audio guide and programme of activities welcome families to the remains of one of the finest spas of the ancient world and temple ruins.
Stonehenge Kids’ Dig and Summer Explorer Quest, Wiltshire
Include this iconic prehistoric monument in your plans for the summer holidays. From 23rd July to 4th September young visitors can become archaeologists unearthing artefacts from the past, explore the Neolithic houses and test their strength at the pulling stone.
South East England
Spellbound Summer at Hever Castle, Kent (E)
Dress the part, pick up your broomsticks and look out for the Sorcerers as you learn their tricks of the trade in this fascinating castle dating back to 857! Find out how to cast spells and how to perform the perfect wand-waving technique.
Visit this wonderful 14th century moated castle with a ruined interior, where there are lots of fun activities for children and where they can let their imaginations run wild!
Festival of History at Arundel Castle, Sussex (E)
Enjoy a wonderful family day out with a rolling programme of historical activities and demonstrations throughout the day, together with the clash of steel and armour in the tournaments!
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire
Discover legendary ships such as The Mary Rose, fascinating galleries and unique artefacts at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can explore the history of Britain’s Navy over 500 years.
Bottom and the Mechanicals at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey (E)
Hear unexpected tales and be introduced to special items from the Palace’s amazing collections, discovering stories on its rich history in a fun and entertaining way.
Weald and Downland Living Museum, Sussex
Families can wander amongst a fascinating collection of historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, enjoying lovely gardens, farm animals, walks and a mill pond.
Tilbury Docks, Essex ????????????
Enjoy a family visit to this historic site on the Thames Estuary, as you explore the magazine houses used to store vast quantities of gunpowder!
Once a fearsome fortress, families can now explore Framlingham Castle’s towering walls. It was behind these walls that Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England.
Knight’s Tournament at Dover Castle, Kent (E)
Be part of the action, hear and see clashing swords as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at the Dover Castle Knights’ Tournament!
Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
Pick up your Top Secret Mission Packs on arrival and set off to learn about the achievements of codebreakers during World War Two. The once top-secret world of Bletchley Park is now an exciting heritage attraction.
Oxford Castle and Prison, Oxfordshire
Costumed character guides bring this atmospheric site to life for all ages. Young would-be knights in the family? On selected dates this summer they can enrol on an hour-long session at Knight School during their visit and train for medieval battle.
East of England
Midlands
Roman Weekend at Wroxeter Roman City, Shropshire
The Ermine Street Guard is setting up camp at Wroxeter on the 13th and 14th August. Watch as this Roman re-enactment society demonstrates the battle tactics, combat skills and artillery power of the Roman army.
Tudor Family Fun at Mary Arden’s Farm, Warwickshire
Enjoy a taste of life in William Shakespeare’s time. On selected dates Mary Arden’s Farm is running Family Activity Days and Tudor Family Experience Days. Try writing with a quill or make a lavender bag to protect yourself from the plague.
Wars of the Roses Live at Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Jousting, sword fighting, stunts and storytelling! This spectacular live show runs daily throughout the summer holidays, from 23rd July to 4th September, and is sure to be a highlight of a day out.
Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands
Chat to friendly historic characters, watch live demonstrations, join in street games and take a ride on a heritage vehicle. Spend a family day out exploring this fascinating open-air living museum in Dudley.
Wales
Medieval Festival at Beaumaris Castle, Isle of Anglesey
Explore the medieval encampment, watch knights train, meet the castle executioner and join Knights School over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Children aged 13 years and under may even be recruited for the main battle at the end of the day!
The Sealed Knot – Living History at Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire
Step back to the time of the Civil War over the weekend of 13th-14th August. The past will come alive with an army camp to explore, demonstrations of life and displays of arms and weaponry by The Sealed Knot, the UK’s oldest re-enactment society.
Summer Workshops at the Egypt Centre, Swansea
Learn about Cleopatra and childhood in ancient Egypt. Become an explorer investigating long-lost tombs. The Egypt Centre is planning four fun-packed weeks of activities this August for ages 6-11 years.
