England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

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


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magnificent building housing 80 million specimens from across the natural world, arranged in four zones around a giant central hall

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set on a rocky promontory next to the Castle, one of the great Norman buildings of Europe, boasting a magnificent rose window

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packed with over 1000 years of history and set in splendid grounds, there is plenty to see and do including State Rooms, dungeons and falconry

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spectacular setting atop the White Cliffs of Dover, this large fortress includes a Roman lighthouse and secret wartime tunnels

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

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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

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  • Harry Potter
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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

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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

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the mills date from the eighteenth century and the story of how cotton changed our lives is told through interactive displays

Ham House & Garden

Richmond-upon-Thames

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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

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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

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

Overbeck's

Sharpitor

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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

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

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

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

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a fine Elizabethan mansion refurbished in the 17th Century with extensive collections of paintings and objets d'art

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two great beam engines, preserved in towering engine houses with industrial heritage discovery centre

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dating back to the fourteenth century with a recent up date in the twentieth, this majestic castle is surrounded by lovely gardens

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depicting life in the 17th Century, with Civil War exhibits, Cromwell's study, haunted bedroom and learn about contemporary cooking and taste the recipes in the kitchen

Wray Castle

Low Wray

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turreted Gothic revival mansion with church-like interiors and panoramic Lake District views with large, informal gardens

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containing much of the original machinery from the 1700s', this is the only remaining windmill on the Island. Spectacular views to be had from the cap

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