The Best English Family-Friendly Attractions

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is a grand medieval fortress, home to the Percy family for over 700 years. Known as a filming site for "Harry Potter", it features opulent staterooms, gardens, and history blending Norman origins with modern heritage.

Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Norman architecture towering over the River Wear. Renowned for its soaring nave, intricate stonework and medieval stained glass, it remains a centre of worship and a symbol of Durham.

The Eden Project in Cornwall features massive biomes housing rainforest and Mediterranean habitats. This striking eco-attraction combines lush gardens, interactive exhibits and sustainable design, showcasing the wonders of nature and innovation.

Longleat in Wiltshire is a grand stately home and the UK’s first safari park. Renowned for its Elizabethan architecture, landscaped grounds, and wildlife drives featuring lions, elephants, and more, it blends heritage with family adventure.

The London Eye is a giant riverside observation wheel offering breathtaking views across the capital. Its glass capsules provide a smooth 30-minute ride, showcasing landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul’s, and the Thames from above.

The Tower of London is a historic fortress on the Thames, famed for its role as a royal palace, prison and treasury. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and centuries of history within its ancient walls.

Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle. A royal residence for over 900 years, it features grand State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and stunning grounds, offering a glimpse into Britain’s living history.

the most visited theme park in the UK with thrilling rides, an indoor and outdoor waterpark, 2 nine hole themed crazy golf courses and much more

Battle Abbey in East Sussex stands on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Founded by William the Conqueror, it features atmospheric ruins, a gatehouse, and battlefield views, bringing England’s most famous battle vividly to life.

Beamish Museum in County Durham is an open-air museum bringing the North East’s past to life. Explore recreated towns, farms, and pit villages, ride vintage trams, and meet costumed guides for an immersive journey through history.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses world-class collections of fine art, archaeology and decorative arts. Highlights include Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, ancient artefacts and exhibitions exploring Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a famous seaside amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and live shows. Opened in 1896, it remains one of the UK’s top attractions, blending nostalgic charm with record-breaking rides like The Big One.

Blackpool Tower, opened in 1894, is a seaside icon inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower. It features a circus, ballroom, and a SkyWalk with sweeping views over the coast, making it a highlight of the famous Blackpool promenade.

Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay showcases marine life from Cornwall’s coast to tropical seas. With walk-through ocean tunnels, coral displays, and fascinating sea creatures, it’s an engaging, family-friendly glimpse beneath the waves.

The Bluebell Railway in Sussex is a heritage steam line running through the scenic Weald. With restored stations, vintage carriages, and classic engines, it offers a nostalgic journey through English countryside charm and railway history.

Burghley House in Lincolnshire is one of England’s grandest Elizabethan mansions. Built for Sir William Cecil, it features lavish state rooms, a fine art collection, landscaped parkland by Capability Brown, and contemporary sculpture gardens.

Cadbury World in Birmingham offers a fun, interactive journey through the story of chocolate and the Cadbury brand. With themed zones, tastings and family-friendly attractions, it’s a sweet experience for all ages.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, in Buckinghamshire, preserves historic buildings from the region’s past. Set in beautiful countryside, it features reconstructed homes, farmsteads, and workshops that bring rural life through the ages vividly to life.

Chysauster Ancient Village, near Penzance, is a remarkably preserved Iron Age settlement. Its stone courtyard houses and lanes reveal how people lived 2,000 years ago amid sweeping views of the Cornish countryside.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge & Museum in Bristol celebrate Brunel’s engineering triumph. The bridge offers breathtaking Avon Gorge views, while the museum explores its design, construction and lasting legacy.

Cotehele, near Saltash, is a beautifully preserved Tudor house set above the River Tamar. With medieval interiors, gardens, and a working mill, it offers an atmospheric journey through centuries of Cornish history.

Crich Tramway Village in Derbyshire is a living museum where vintage trams run through a recreated historic village and countryside tracks. With exhibitions, period streets, and family activities, it brings transport history vividly to life.

Dover Castle in Kent is a mighty fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the “Key to England.” With medieval towers, wartime tunnels, and sweeping views, it tells centuries of history from Norman conquest to WWII.

Geevor Tin Mine, near Pendeen, is a preserved mining site offering underground tours and interactive exhibits. Set on Cornwall’s rugged coast, it vividly tells the story of the county’s tin mining heritage and community life.

Greenway in Devon, Agatha Christie’s riverside retreat, showcases her family treasures amid tranquil woodland gardens. Overlooking the River Dart, it offers a peaceful insight into the author’s life and surroundings.

Hill Top Farm in Cumbria is the charming 17th-century farmhouse of Beatrix Potter. Preserved as she left it, the cottage showcases her belongings and illustrations, with a beautiful cottage garden and links to her beloved children’s stories.

Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe, was the home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Set amid scenic parkland, it features richly decorated interiors, wartime history exhibits, and beautiful gardens to explore.

Hyde Park, one of London’s Royal Parks, spans 350 acres of open space, lakes and gardens. A historic site for public gatherings and recreation, it offers boating on the Serpentine, cycling, walking paths and cultural events amid natural beauty.

Ickworth House in Suffolk is a grand Georgian estate known for its striking Rotunda, art collections and landscaped parkland. Managed by the National Trust, it offers elegant interiors and scenic walks.

The Imperial War Museum explores conflict from WWI to today through powerful exhibits, personal stories, and military artefacts. Highlights include the Holocaust Galleries, Spitfire and Lancaster displays, and thought-provoking temporary exhibits.

Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, is the charming cottage where the author lived and wrote her famous novels. Today it’s a museum with personal items, manuscripts, and exhibits that bring her life and literary world vividly to life.

Lanhydrock in Cornwall is a magnificent Victorian country house set within wooded parkland. Known for its grand architecture, extensive servants’ quarters, and formal gardens, it offers a vivid glimpse into upstairs and downstairs life.

Legoland Windsor is a family theme park packed with rides, live shows, and millions of Lego bricks. Highlights include Miniland’s miniature landmarks, creative building zones, and themed adventures perfect for younger visitors.

The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden explores the history of the city’s transport, from iconic red buses to Tube trains. Interactive exhibits, vintage vehicles, and design displays showcase how transport shaped London’s growth and identity.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall are a vast restored Victorian estate with jungle-like valleys, romantic woodlands, walled gardens and iconic sculptures like the Mud Maid. A magical blend of history, nature and artistry.

Madame Tussauds London is a world-famous wax museum featuring lifelike figures of celebrities, royalty, and historical icons. With themed zones, interactive sets, and ever-changing displays, it offers an immersive mix of culture and entertainment.

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich explores Britain’s seafaring heritage through ships, maps, artefacts and art. Highlights include Nelson’s uniform and maritime treasures, all set within a grand UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is free.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth, celebrates the sea through interactive exhibits, historic boats, and maritime stories. Overlooking the harbour, it explores Cornwall’s deep connection with ocean adventure and trade.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire showcases over 250 vehicles, from early motoring pioneers to Formula 1 cars. Set within the Beaulieu estate, it combines automotive history with the abbey, gardens, and palace house.

The National Railway Museum in York houses iconic locomotives, royal carriages and railway treasures. It tells the story of rail travel through stunning displays and interactive exhibits, making it the world’s largest railway museum. Free entry.

The Natural History Museum in London is famed for its vast collection, from dinosaur skeletons to rare gems. Housed in a stunning Romanesque building, it offers interactive exhibits and world-leading science displays, perfect for all ages.

Oliver Cromwell’s House, in Ely, Cambridgeshire, offers an immersive glimpse into 17th-century life. Once the Lord Protector’s family home, it features period rooms, interactive exhibits, and insights into England’s turbulent Civil War era.

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight was Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat. Designed in Italianate style, it boasts lavish interiors, formal gardens, and private beaches, offering a glimpse into royal family life and Victorian splendour.

Penlee House Gallery & Museum, in Penzance, celebrates Cornish art and history. Housed in a Victorian villa, it features works by the Newlyn School artists alongside local archaeology and cultural exhibits.

PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, near Land’s End, explores how Cornwall connected the world through undersea cables. Housed in wartime tunnels, it reveals the evolution of global communication and Porthcurno’s vital role.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a maritime heritage site home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. With museums, exhibitions, and harbour tours, it showcases Britain’s naval history in an immersive waterfront setting.

The Science Museum in London explores innovation through interactive galleries, historic inventions, and cutting-edge technology. Highlights include space travel, medicine, and engineering exhibits, making it a hub of discovery for all ages.

Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park, near St Columb Major, rescues and cares for owls and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy close-up encounters, flying displays, and meet a variety of native and exotic animals in peaceful countryside surroundings.

The Severn Valley Railway offers a nostalgic steam train journey through stunning countryside between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. With heritage stations, vintage carriages and scenic views, it’s a classic West Midlands attraction.

The Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire showcases historic aircraft and vintage vehicles, many still flown or driven today. Set at Old Warden Aerodrome, it combines aviation heritage with beautiful gardens and a Swiss Garden to explore.

SS Great Britain in Bristol is a groundbreaking Victorian steamship designed by Brunel. Now a museum, it lets visitors explore the ship’s cabins, engine room, and dockyard, bringing maritime history vividly to life.

St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is a tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church. Linked to the mainland by a causeway at low tide, it features terraced gardens, harbour village, and sweeping coastal views steeped in legend.

The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland is a striking contemporary garden featuring a grand cascading fountain, enchanting rose and ornamental gardens, a bamboo labyrinth, and the famous Poison Garden. It also hosts the world’s largest treehouse restaurant.

The Beatles Story in Liverpool is an immersive museum dedicated to the Fab Four. With recreations of iconic locations, rare memorabilia, and multimedia exhibits, it traces the band’s rise from local beginnings to global fame.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, in Gweek, rescues and rehabilitates injured seals and sea lions. Set by the Helford River, it offers close encounters, woodland walks, and insight into vital marine conservation work in Cornwall.

Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent is a maritime heritage site with historic warships, Victorian ropery, and naval exhibits. Once a key Royal Navy dockyard, it now tells 400 years of shipbuilding history in an immersive setting.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy recreates an 18th-century seaport. Centred on the HMS Trincomalee, it offers immersive exhibits, historic ships, and lively displays bringing Britain’s naval past vividly to life.

The Roald Dahl Museum, in Great Missenden, celebrates the beloved author’s life and stories. Interactive exhibits, original manuscripts, and creative spaces inspire visitors to explore the magic behind his famous tales.

Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs is linked to the legend of King Arthur. Its medieval ruins, footbridge, and stunning sea views create a magical setting where history and myth intertwine.

Tower Bridge, London’s iconic bascule and suspension bridge, offers panoramic views from its high walkways and a glimpse of Victorian engineering in its engine rooms. A symbol of the city, it spans the Thames beside the Tower of London.

Step into the world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour near London. Explore iconic sets, costumes, props and behind-the-scenes secrets of filmmaking. Highlights include the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the breathtaking Hogwarts model.

Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is home to over 2,500 tree species from around the world. Famous for its vibrant autumn colours and quiet trails, it offers seasonal walks, a treetop walkway, and themed areas celebrating global woodland diversity.

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, near St Austell, is Cornwall’s only China clay mining museum. Set in a former clay works, it features trails, vintage machinery, and interactive exhibits revealing the industry’s impact on the region.

Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is the UK’s largest zoo, set across 600 acres of parkland. Home to elephants, lions, rhinos, and hundreds more species, it offers safari-style drives, walking trails, and sweeping views over the Chiltern Hills.

ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, home to over 14,000 animals. Its exhibits include Land of the Lions, Gorilla Kingdom and Penguin Beach, combining conservation, education and family adventure in a historic setting.

series of dioramas showing scenes from all the famous children's books, including Peter Rabbit's garden and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle's Laundry

popular family attraction with animal petting and feeding, undercover play area, pony rides, goat racing and walking. Fun for all the family

herbaceous borders, over 80 heritage pear and apple trees, over 100 varieties of snowdrops, display of antique garden equipment, children's garden and a garden trail for younger visitors. Truly, something for everyone

over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park

rescuing and conserving historic buildings, teaching traditional trades and crafts to ensure their preservation and sharing the untold stories of rural life

set in 90 acres with a variety of rides and attractions to suit all ages with a large indoor play centre, wildlife sanctuary, falconry centre and big fun farm

authentic 18th century scythe works with waterwheels and tilt hammers. The house, workshops, crucible steel furnace, waterwheels and dam create a unique atmosphere of life in centuries long past

attractions for all the family from the adventure playground, to go karts, with farmyard animals, a maze and character shows in the Alice Theatre

ancestral home of the Spencer family since the sixteenth century with a fine collection of antiques. Diana, Princess of Wales was laid to rest here

Suffolk's largest reservoir offers a whole host of activities. Sailing, Windsurfing, fishing, walking & cycling are the most popular. Camping is also offered

come & visit Lord Braybrooke's private steam & diesel railway that runs through pretty woodland for 1.5 miles. Spot the teddy bears that line the route

famous miniature village set in 4 acres with animated scenes, many with a sense of humour, capturing the essence of England's past

former home of The Priors of Nostell and Mayor of York - rediscovered behind modern facade in 1980s - restored to original 15th century splendour - magnificent Great Hall

maintained by the RAF, visitors can admire the only flying Lancaster Bomber in Europe, as well as Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Douglas Dakota

bringing the downland landscape & vegetation to life through a series of displays & an audio-visual show

a wealth of architectural history, with buildings dating from the 14C and a superb 30-acre garden famed for its rhododendrons and unique quarry garden

displaying exhibitions of contemporary and historic art in the spacious Saloon Galleries. The gardens are experiencing a renaissance with new planting schemes, enhancing the herbaceous borders

opened originally as a Victorian garden in 1843, with modern attractions including a water coaster, maze and themed areas

part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, where all the staff dress in period costume, with a host of restored Victorian buildings including shops, factories and schools

piston aircraft - military jets - Vulcan bomber nose section - helicopter - engines - flight simulator - regular events

collection of thatched buildings - date back more than 200 years - set in a valley that reaches down to the sea - working forge & mill - see the blacksmith in action - enjoy a traditional cream tea in the Old Bakery - explore the woodland or beach

little changed since completion in 1583 - wide variety of paintings - tapestries - porcelain - 17th century needlework - rare James I carpet - period furniture - tea barn

the home of the famous Brontë family containing the world's most comprehensive collection of Brontë manuscripts, letters, early editions of the novels and poetry

peaceful island with diverse wildlife, including the famous red squirrels and with spectacular views across the harbour

a formidable fortress spanning some 900 years of conflicts and sieges. Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned here for some 19 years

visit this modern masterpiece designed by Sir Basil Spence with the iconic tapestry by Graham Sutherland and the magnificent stained glass windows by John Piper

opened in 1980, the current collection of vehicles is acknowledged as one of the finest in the world, and the largest in public ownership

the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity crammed full of ingenious gadgets – most of them still working and with one of the largest rock gardens in Europe

a secret, wartime airbase now a museum and visitor centre, restored parkland great for walking and with the 18th Century mansion at its centre

all aboard for a spectacular journey operating between Kingswear and Paignton along a picturesque route bordering the Dart Estuary

local graphite mining led to the growth of the pencil industry. The museum gives an in depth guide to pencils and pencil making down the centuries

a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction of the National Fairground Collection of vintage exhibits, rides and engineering and artwork displays

an open air attraction offering animal interaction and outdoor play in the countryside with a wide variety of animals for llamas to racoons

built in 1888 with a new award winning Bolton Abbey station which is a reconstruction of the original and vintage steam locomotives

the Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain, around 350 still live free on Exmoor

a fine Georgian town house, exuding a welcoming feeling, with a richly decorated interior with many objects d'art and a special children's tour

UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other

carefully crafted sets and original preserved trawler interiors capture the atmosphere and essence of a remarkable way of life

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Thames. Step back in time, walking on the original marble floors and admiring the re-imagined 17th Century garden

a classic lat 18th Century mansion with political, wall paintings by Sir Jame Thornhill and extensive, relaxed gardens and parkland

a family run living heritage attraction with one of the last horse-drawn barges in Great Britain

the most remarkable Roman remains in the country, a real insight into Roman military life and discover the past behind the archaeological remains

an historic park in the heart of suburban Newcastle. It is a peaceful haven for residents, visitors and wildlife alike

Kielder Castle is the visitor centre for Britain's biggest forest with over 250 square miles to explore with exhibitions about forestry and conservation

explore the rich seam of local railway history and discover how the railways have changed all our lives, with a model railway to please all enthusiasts

step into this 125 acre oasis with peaceful tree lined riverside paths, picnic spots, a wetland boardwalk, and open air theatre and cinema in the summer months

a lovely 18th Century house with an unusual drawing room pained by Rex Whistler, a permanent 20th Century art collection and magnificent gardens

step back to the 1920s and discover how a grocer's family lived in a Midlands market town through their furnishings and household objects

founded in 1973 to preserve the history of cider making. The extensive collection includes cider mills, presses and advertising memorabilia

Explore Liverpool’s fascinating, diverse history, from port to sport, in this modern, purpose-built waterfront museum.

part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, this is a good place to start your visit which gives an interactive overview of all the World Heritage Site

go 140m underground to England's last deep coal mine, with 14 galleries to explore and blacksmiths to chat to and an adventure playground for children

with a world class collection of furniture, textiles and wallpaper and priceless paintings inside and room to explore outside - including cycle trails -

a welcoming house on the River Rye including a collection of high quality, miniature rooms and touring art exhibitions throughout the year

home to over 2000 animals in six different habitats and dedicated to protecting global wildlife heritage with feeding times and keeper talks

historic narrow gauge railway, located in the Western part of the Lake District National Park with two main stations, Ravenglass and Dalegarth

covering 2500 acres, escape to the great outdoors with wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds, just a stone’s throw from central London

the park is packed with activities, from cycle trails to an adventure playground - fun for all ages

come and meet the animals and learn about farming at this sheep and cattle farm with an up-to-date playground. Picnics welcome

dedicated to the local, coastal geology which has yielded many of Britains most important dinosaur fossils, with original Victorian exhibits and modern hands on galleries

discover the world of science behind the botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found in a variety of settings

set around Rudyard Lake, this narrow gauge railway runs throughout the year. The Lake is a family centre for picnics, sailing, boating, walking and fishing

meet the farm animals, watch a falconry display, or become a farmer for a day at this friendly family country park

housing one of the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes

the much loved country retreat of HM Queen Elizabeth ll. Explore objets d'art collected by the Royal family, or browse the classic cars in the Transport Museum

extensive garden of varied colour, perfume and sound with winding paths, majestic trees with self led family activities

the ancestral home of Patrick Lichfield, the fashion photographer, a glamorous estate mansion with sweeping parkland and a natural play area for children

set in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is the home of the world famous Aldeburgh Music Festival, with many craft shops and art galleries

experience 200 years of transport history walking down a 1940’s high street, board a tram or enjoy the pleasures of the carriage ride

sanctuary and working farm home to 500 donkeys in need of care, where visitors can meet the donkeys

designed by Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, stretching over 4 acres, these innovative gardens reflect their interest in the arts and weaves the story of their marriage and lives into them. Picnics are welcome

built in 1842 as the last resort for the destitute, the stories of the people who lived and worked here help tell the poignant history

the house, home of the quirky Museum of Curiosities, is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland

Warwick Castle brings history to life with grand medieval towers, dungeons, and interactive shows. Explore historic interiors, climb the ramparts, and enjoy live demonstrations from jousting to falconry in a truly immersive castle experience.

lose yourself along the 200ft long herbaceous border, formal knot and rose garden, waterlily canal or riverside walk. Has a wide range of year round events, including arts and crafts and gardening courses

internationally important wetland site, with up to 40,000 ducks, geese and swans visiting each year with five hides on the site for watching the wide range of wildlife that visit the reservoir

a family-friendly museum exploring social history and childhood in Victorian era Leeds with a street of shops and workplaces. There are also exhibits explaining the Suffragette Campaigns

set in a former Victorian sewerage works with displays of beam engines, showcasing Leicester's industrial, technological and scientific heritage

rare and exotic plants from world-wide locations with a mixture of formal and informal gardens with world famous camellias and magnolias

unique colony of nesting Mute swans which were established in the 11th century by monks to provide food for banquets and now a cage free sanctuary for free flying swans

offering a range of activities and attractions. A petting farmyard, a range of craft shops, children's playground and a train ride round the site