Houses

How do you keep the kids entertained on a rainy day? Head to one of the special places we look after for some great activities that won't be ruined by a downpour. They can run around in an indoor adventure play area, play dress up or take part in a house trail and search for clues.

Searching for indoor inspiration? You can play a piano in a Jazz Age house or have a game of pool in a Tudor home. Watch re-created early experiments into electricity, browse art exhibitions, or go behind the scenes at our conservation stores.

Dressing up is a fun way for children to get in touch with the past. We've picked our top places to try on costumes and play make-believe.

These hiding places were created to hide priests during a time when Catholics were imprisoned, tortured and killed. They're craftily disguised in some of our houses to baffle search parties.

With the return to school just around the corner, a trip back in time is just what's needed. Roman soldiers, hidden wartime bunkers and ancient forts wait to be discovered by your budding historians.