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.

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

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

Bowes Castle

Barnard Castle

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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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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

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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