Enjoy some family fun
Looking for places the whole family will enjoy? Discover family-friendly cycling trails, places to get closer to nature and historic buildings where you can learn about the past.
Family-friendly castles to visit
We look after some of the most enchanting castles in the land, from fairy-tale fortresses to medieval ruins, where little knights and dragon-slayers can let their imaginations run wild. Here are our top picks for fairy-tale castles to visit with your family.
- Bodiam Castle, Sussex
- When it comes to fairy-tale castles, Bodiam ticks all the boxes. It’s stuffed with spiral staircases, battlements, towers and windows where arrows were once fired. Did you know a real knight once lived in this castle?Visit Bodiam Castle
- Chirk Castle, Wrexham
- This fortress includes a medieval tower, a dungeon and murder holes. Youngsters can transform into a knight by trying on the armour and taking part in a pike drill – but warn them to be careful not to get put in the stocks!Visit Chirk Castle
- Corfe Castle, Dorset
- Discover a 1000-year-old castle ruin with fallen walls, secret hiding places, and tales of treachery and treason around every corner. With a history shaped by warfare, Corfe Castle is the perfect place to slay some dragons with the family.Visit Corfe Castle
- Croft Castle, Herefordshire
- Croft Castle is actually a castellated manor house surrounded by medieval parkland, great for little knights to explore. There's even a mini version of the castle for children to storm, and a family room where knights, princesses and dragon-slayers can dress up.Visit Croft Castle
- Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
- This impressive castle dominates the Northumberland coastline and is one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northern England. With secret trails and ocean views, it's a great place to imagine what life what like in these ancient castles.Visit Dunstanburgh Castle
- Old Crom Castle, County Fermanagh
- The ruins of Old Crom Castle lie within a magical 2,000-acre estate, complete with ancient woodlands and tranquil islands. The castle survived two sieges, but was accidentally burned down in 1764. Today the ruins are a secluded monument, waiting for brave adventurers to explore...Visit Old Crom Castle
- Scotney Castle Kent
- What could be more in keeping with a fairy tale than a moated castle? This 14th-century ruin is surrounded by romantic gardens, with roses and wisteria climbing the castle walls. With plenty to keep little ones busy, children can use their imaginations and make up their own stories about the people who once lived here.Visit Scotney Castle
- Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire
- Can you climb all 149 steps up the staircase to conquer Tattershall Castle? At this family-friendly castle you can try your hand at spinning wool under the tutelage of Lady Maud, or dress up as a knight, a princess, a jester or a dragon. Kids can even have a go at holding the great sword.Visit Tattershall Castle
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