England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

200 acres of world-renowned 19th century gardens, now restored after decades of neglect, offering secret corners and stunning displays

Island home to a medieval castle, reached by causeway, with Norman church and sub-tropical gardens.

largest, best-preserved of several mysterious tunnels associated with Iron Age settlements, thought to date from 5th or 4th century BC

stunning scenery and natural beauty at Cornwall's most westerly point with cliff top walks, the First & Last House, famous signpost

magnificent late Victorian country house, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home, including a rare book collection

miles of trails in this mixed woodland, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders with stunning viewpoints, picnic and BBQ areas

a fine Georgian villa designed by William Kent with a rich collection of Old Master Paintings and fine furniture. Free entry to the 65 acres of Grade I listed gardens with grand vistas, architectural delights, water features and a children's play area

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

lose yourself in the world's longest hedge maze, visit the Elizabethan stately home or drive through the world famous safari 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 a magnificent deer park, the ancestral home of the Russell family for nearly 400 years has many attractions, including a famous wild life reserve

dating back to the fourteenth century and closely associated with many historical events. Now best known as one of the locations for the Harry Potter films

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

lots to keep all the family busy here. From transport and industrial heritage to nature trails and craft workers

ruins of Norman abbey, built on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, with battlefield views, visitor centre and Victorian walled garden

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

designed in 1825 and completed in 1827 for William Beckford. The 120 foot tower, has uninterrupted views of the countryside, and was was constructed as a study retreat and to house Beckford's precious collection of art and rare books

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

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.

situated in the beautiful parkland of the Blaise Estate at Henbury, the Museum is housed in a late eighteenth century mansion. Here you can see all sorts of familiar - and not so familiar - items from homes through history

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

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

dramatic section of the coast with spectacular views across Bedruthan Beach, rock stacks and walks along the coastal path. Steep cliff staircase

set on the edge of the Black Country, a green oasis with panoramic views, geocaching, and perfect picnic spots

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

stretching across 3,000 acres of ancient woodland, steeped in history, but with delightful contrasts from the picturesque dingle to the remarkable pieces by Moore and Matisse

60 acre woodland garden with carpets of named snowdrops in early spring followed by rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias and rich autumn colours finish the season. School holiday entertainment for the children

explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

former home of Agatha Christie with a relaxed 1950s style with a large romantic wooded garden and a shop selling her novels

a site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife

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

dramatic West Exmoor coast, favourite landscape of the Romantic poets with spectacular coastal, moorland and woodland walks

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

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

historic house and grade 1 Cornish gardens with the national camellia collection within 865 acre park on Rame Peninsula

make the most of the great outdoors. From paddling on the Beaulieu River to cycling through the beautiful New Forest woodland, adventure awaits

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

surrounded by 250 acres of park and farmland with year round seasonal walks and a colourful Victorian formal garden accompanying the mansion

Queen Victoria's palatial holiday home offering a treasured insight with a visit to the private apartments and the Swiss Cottage where the children played

a suburban palace caught between town and country with a lake, magnificent house, elegant gardens and a natural play trail with rope swings and steppingstones

with 12 individual gardens depicting countries from around the world, fantasy and culture and Greek mythology. Rare plant fairs, Christmas Food and Craft Market with summer theatre productions. Home grown produce used in the excellent restaurant

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

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

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

a treasure trove of objets' d'art including the famous silver swan automaton surrounded by luxurious gardens and parklands with children's play area

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

an outstanding example of the Regency fashion for creating landscapes in a picturesque alpine style. Also boasts a collection of vintage aircraft and vehicles. Craft activities and trails for children during school holidays

spot kingfishers, hand feed geese at World Wetlands and stroll gentle, quiet paths to watch wildlife. Stunning views and children's play area

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

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

historic village with many buildings of architectural interest including the Hellfire Caves (not National Trust), shops and cafés

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

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

facilities include children and teenage play area, boating lake, roller skating rink, visitor centre and cafe, fishing platforms and sports facilities

65 acres with a reservoir at the centre with camping and 'glamping' facilities.the Home Farm is children friendly and includes a nature trail and horticultural garden

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

a place of enormous character, charm and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home with beautiful landscaped gardens

185 acres of extensive conifer woods and moorland with forest walks and viewpoints including a summit of 266m above sea leavel

enjoy magnificent views, woodland walks, and open heathland. Discover the rhododendron labyrinth and the many unique wooden sculptures. Children’s play area with a hazel maze and log train in the Natural Play Area

this popular beauty spot is set within an ancient valley with numerous walking trails to the falls & through the woodland - indoor & woodland theatre - petting zoo - reptile house - events & activities - picnic area

a handsome Georgian mansion with a fine collection of antiques and objets d'art, including the Charles Paget Wade Costume Collection

this beautiful stately home houses a vast collection of antiquities, chapel, library, sculpture gallery, laboratory, costumes, adventure playground & beautiful woodland gardens

once the home to Sir Francis Drake with contemporary furnishings and artefacts, an impressive medieval Great Barn and extensive gardens

historic harbour and short canal, now a regeneration project with visitor centre. Rowing boats for hire and a great place for a leisurely walk

Excellent preserved ancient villages, with an excellent example of an underground stone-walled passage, known as a ‘fogou'

a sensational survivor of ‘the wildwood’ that once covered much of Britain, where post-glacial melt waters have carved out some spectacular limestone cliffs and gorges

remains of 2,000 year-old settlement with traceable village street and houses, with an underground passage, known as a 'fogou'

holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family built in the Arts & Crafts style with a joyful atmosphere enhanced by music and a 30 acre garden

set in classical parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, now with an adventure playground, this period mansion is also a world class art gallery

fairytale fortress ruins are all that remain after the castle was destroyed by Parliamentarians in the 17th Century with stunning views of the coast

from majestic reservoirs, quiet forests and wild open spaces there is something for everyone to explore in the Upper Derwent Valley

7 hectare park with mountain views across Windermere, wild play area and multiple activities on and off the lake for all ages and abilities

this charming hamlet was the inspiration for many of Constable's paintings, famously 'The Hay Wain' and 'Flatford Mill'

founded in the twelfth century, these magnificent ruins echo with centuries old stories. Wonderful walking with ancient tree avenues and a playful water garden

awe-inspiring coastal views of St Ives Bay and the sheltered coves and sandy beaches, including a view of Godrevy Lighthouse

beauty spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor with spectacular cascades and a number of well defined walking trails and teeming with wildlife

beautifully preserved railway with Victorian and Edwardian steam engines. There is also a children's playground and woodland walks

where Jane Austen lived and wrote some of her finest work with letters, memorabilia, illustrated books and other contemporary artefacts

with paintings by world famous artists Rembrandt and Vermeer, this hidden gem offers a unique look at an elegant Georgian mansion

set in over 6000 acres of woodland, a welcoming Georgian house, holding the National Trust's largest fashion collection with interactive displays

the Gothic Revival house is surrounded by gardens which are a masterpiece of architectural planting, home to one of the most outstanding botanical collections in the country

20th Century gardens with hidden pathways and colourful borders using Mediterranean style planting, which takes advantage of the southerly location

with spectacular river and sea views, this Edwardian house boasts a rare collections of exotic plants. Generations of children return to hunt for Fred the ghost

set in a picturesque location surrounded by a deer park with family heirlooms in the castle and extensive grounds to explore

grand and tranquil historic house with an impressive ionic temple, a woodland play area and outdoor games for children. Picnics welcome

lived in by the same family since the fourteenth century with armour and portraits of the family down the centuries and extensive gardens and parklands. Picnics permitted

a magnificent Georgian house which has been a family home for nearly 300 years with extensive grounds with year round interest

with a nature trail and waterfalls, which is illuminated during the summer evenings, this gorge has been a popular visitor attraction for over 200 years

surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor, with a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Outdoor children's playground

late 17th Century house with sumptuous interiors including the Museum of Childhood. Explore childhoods of times gone by, play with toys and share stories

set in a magical landscape, an exciting garden created by the Duchess of Northumberland containing a 120 water jet Grand Cascade

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

medieval Manor House which was the ancestral home of George Washington, with a tranquil garden and a 'nuttery' - a haven for wildlife

with 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the world, the stunning arboretum plays a vital part in research and conservation