England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

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


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  • historic house
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • World War II
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spectacular setting atop the White Cliffs of Dover, this large fortress includes a Roman lighthouse and secret wartime tunnels

  • fortress
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • café
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  • archeology
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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.

  • fortress
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • royalty

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

  • archeological site
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Kenwood House

London NW3

  • art gallery
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  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • park
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • social history
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  • walking

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

  • fortress
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  • film/tv location
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • history

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

  • historic house
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • literature
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  • science
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  • wildlife

Down House was Charles Darwin's home, showcasing his study, extensive gardens, and insights into his groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

  • landmark
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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  • walking
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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

Blackbury Camp

Southleigh

  • landmark
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

remains on an Iron Age hill fort - impressive ramparts - now surrounded by woodland - walks - wildlife - ideal place for picnics

Bowes Castle

Barnard Castle

  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • walking

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

  • place of worship
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • visitor centre
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  • architecture
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  • local history
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  • social history
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  • religion
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  • royalty

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

  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • café
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • walking

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

Restormel Castle

Lostwithiel

  • fortress
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • limited opening
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • fortress
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • landmark
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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