England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

recommended places to visit and things to do with children in England


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high above a meander in the River Irthing, in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian's Wall. A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of the Wall.

Housesteads Fort

near Bardon Mill

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

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immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur

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a romantic fairy tale castle with an intriguing past with a rare, original port culls in the gatehouse

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the quintessential romantic castle, Carisbrooke has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king's prison and a royal summer residence

Chedworth Roman Villa

Stow-on-the-Wold

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in a wooded Cotswold setting with beautiful mosaics and two bath houses with audio guides and Roman themed, children's activities

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impressive remains of a roman villa built around 75AD. Stroll around the recreated Roman gardens and enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the England

The Arthurian Centre

Slaughterbridge

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discover 1,500 years of legend with an exhibition room recalling the legends and history of King Arthur. Brass rubbing, nature trail and children's quiz

  • historic house
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11 acres if gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. The history of the ruined 18th Century house is depicted in the Gate House Museum

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with excavated remains and stunning reconstructions of original buildings and roman artefacts combine to give a unique insight the Romans in Britain during the second to fifth Century

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a prehistoric monument that was started in the Neolithic period, probably between 3,000 and 2,500 BC, consisting of 42 stones in a 40-meter diameter circle

Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle

Ashby-de-la-Zouch

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Ruins of 15C castle, formerly a Norman manor house. Fields nearby were the setting for the tournament in Sir Walter Scott's 'Ivanhoe'

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle

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overlooking the River Tees and dating back to the 14th Century and lived in by Richard lll

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enjoy the picturesque views of the Dart Valley from the remains of this small Tudor artillery fort

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these extensive remains were once an 11C motte-&-bailey castle built by William of Normandy's half brother

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tucked away in a deep wooded valley, this romantic ruin has the preserved remains of an Elizabethan mansion. An audio tour is available

Binchester Roman Fort

Bishop Auckland

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the largest Roman fort in County Durham. A small part has been excavated and is open to visit. Explore the remains of a Roman bath house with its amazing under floor heating system

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with over 80 miles of riverside, woodland and moorland paths, medieval buildings, picnic areas, tearooms and restaurants, gift shops and fabulous scenery there is something for everyone

Bowes Castle

Barnard Castle

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massive ruins of Henry II's 12th-century tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman fort guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines

Furness Abbey

Barrow-in-Furness

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the impressive remains of this medieval abbey boast an ornately decorated chapter house and cloisters with a small museum

Gibside

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

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a rare example of an 18th Century landscape garden, a tree lined avenue, pockets of peaceful woodland and adventure play areas

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climb the battlements for impressive views from the remains of this 13th Century round tower and keep

Restormel Castle

Lostwithiel

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commanding fantastic views, these ruins are in remarkably good condition. Picnics welcome

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sits atop a rocky promontory, remains of an artillery fort built by Henry VIII to defend Fowey Harbour. Access via a narrow winding foot path

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well-preserved, Neolithic 'dolmen' burial chamber - stands 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high - five standing stones, surmounted by a huge capstone with wide vistas from the top of the mound

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