National Trust reveals its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles'
With this in mind, you might be looking for different things to do as a day out.
5
Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming at The National Trust has rounded up the top family-friendly attractions in the UK.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular family attractions in 1066 Country in Hastings.
Tom said: "The castle looks like a classic storybook castle complete with a moat, but through the massive door and beneath the imposing portcullis, and it's basically an empty ruin.
"Meaning this is a place where you let your imagination run riot.
"Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights."
Bodiam also hosts a range of events, so always check the website to see what's on.
Upcoming activities include, medieval encampment, have-a-go archery, storytelling, crafts, living history performances, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail (perfectly timed for the film which comes out 9 June).
It is also home to wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities by the car park, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths.
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo is England 's Valley of the Kings and the Anglo-Saxon ship burial found in the King's Mound is the richest burial ever found in northern Europe.
"Tales of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure make Sutton Hoo, Suffolk the site of one of Britain's most important archaeological discoveries, a must-visit for families," commented Tom.
The pretty pink UK castle that is loved by Disney and Britney Spears
Around 1,400 years ago, a king or great warrior of East Anglia was laid to rest in a 90ft ship, surrounded by his extraordinary treasures.
"Its discovery revolutionised understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and provided a lens through which to examine this fascinating era of history," explained Tom.
"There's a great mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy. The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly."
Visitors can walk around the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground and enjoy views from the 17-metre viewing tower to discover the history of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions.
They can also discover the archaeological work that took place at the site in the 1930s in Tranmer House - the former home of Edith Pretty.
At the High Hall there is also an exhibition to see replica and original objects.
5
5
Tom added: "Again, events bring Sutton Hoo to life – Anglo Saxon Storytellers, Costume Making, Sand Tray Archaeology and Gruesome Graves Tours to name a few.
"And for older kids/parents and carers there's a chance to catch Time Team Live (19 May, finishing on 13 June) and The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition at Sutton Hoo and tells the untold stories of the real people featured in Netflix's The Dig.
"It will feature some of the original costumes, jewellery and props used in the film."
The site also has a quiet hour on the first Sunday of every month, where the sounds are turned down for those who enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit.
There is a quiet play area available during school holidays and at weekends and is located in the Old Stables, where you can find soft play toys and books to read.
The King's Mound treasure is now displayed in Room 41: Sutton Hoo and Europe, AD 300-1100 at The British Museum in London - the 27-metre Anglo-Saxon ship no longer exists.
The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
Staff and volunteers worked with 100 young ambassadors, aged up to 12 years, to devise and test ideas for The Children's Country House.
5
"Step inside the historic country home of the Vernon family a place where grand architecture and history mix with interactive activities for the whole family to get involved in," said Tom.
"Practice your deportment and pose for your own portrait in the Long Gallery, partake in some dancing in the Saloon, and have a game or two in the Drawing Room."
There are different spaces in The Children's Country House Museum - which celebrate the escapades and challenges of childhood across the centuries.
Visitors can take a lesson in a Victorian Classroom and learn about childhood through the ages, or head to The Book Jungle - a second-hand shop selling pre-loved items, such as books, toys and clothing.
There is also the Mystery Rooms Experience, which is a child-led escape room based during World War Two.
The Sun also recently revealed The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks.
Plus, the top 25 activities for a perfect day out, according to kids – including going in a hot air balloon & 'riding to the Moon'.
5
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
9 minutes ago
- BBC News
Unearthing the secrets of centuries-old Kinnersley Castle
The secrets of a castle dating back to Norman times have been unearthed by its owner, who moved there at the age of nine and who knows the vast property so well, she says she can find her way around at night without a Garratt-Adams said other previous occupants of Kinnersley Castle in Herefordshire included a Formula 1 driver and a World War Two Nazi one stage it faced demolition, but her parents, who bought it in 1954, fought to save it, a journey documented in her book Saving the Castle."I know it very well. I walk round in the dark," Ms Garratt-Adams said. Describing behind-the-scenes life in the castle, for the BBC's Secret Herefordshire series, she told how she got to know its rooms, hallways and gardens as a schoolgirl. One of many Marches castles built by the Normans along the Welsh border, Kinnersley stands 10 miles from residents included Ronald Nall-Cain, the second Baron Brocket, who was in contact with high-ranking Nazi officials during World War Two and had his properties handed to the War Office, Ms Garratt-Adams said."He was actually under house arrest here for his Nazi sympathies," she said. "He sold the estate after the war."Other owners included the Le Mans winner Peter Walker, until he offered to sell the castle for £3,500 "to anyone who would live here", she afterwards, her family bought it and moved those post-war years, many other grand houses faced the same fate, she said. People wanted to be free of the responsibilities of maintaining them, they faced inheritance taxes and wanted to liquidate assets, but the culture had also changed, she said."Once the men had gone off to war they saw another life they wanted - they didn't want to be pulling their forelocks to the lord of the manor any more."At the time they moved in, they were not the kind of people who lived in a castle, Ms Garratt-Adams said, and she was treated as "an oddity" at school, which sometimes was not easy as a after living there for more than 70 years, Ms Garratt-Adams said: "I'm used to having a lot of space and I love being in the country. We've got eight acres of garden, which is great. We've got wonderful trees."It is a bit isolated here but that is, I think, the nature of these villages." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
9 minutes ago
- BBC News
Marshals return to patrol Dartmoor over summer
Marshals are heading out on to Dartmoor to help tackle anti-social behaviour and speak to visitors in the national said the marshals had become an "invaluable resource" by helping rangers during the busiest months of the year over the is the sixth consecutive year the marshals have been deployed on the moor and they will be on patrol until park said the marshals had spent more than 910 hours patrolling the moor last year and had dealt with "fly camping", when campers leave equipment or food behind, open fires, dogs off leads and they had stopped a rave on at least one occasion. Simon Lee, Dartmoor National Park's head ranger, said: "Like Rangers, marshals bring valuable experience and skills in dealing with sensitive situations but are also there to help and advise, so people have safe and memorable visits."The marshals were funded through a partnership involving Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner, the National Trust, Forestry England, Duchy of Cornwall, South West Lakes Trust, Dartmoor Common Owners Association and private landowners.
BBC News
9 minutes ago
- BBC News
Opinions sought on use of Cornwall's public rights of way
People are being asked to share their thoughts about Cornwall's footpaths, bridleways and Council wants feedback to help shape its Rights of Way Improvement Plan to preserve and improve the 2,796 mile (4,500km) network over the next 10 survey asks what journeys people take using public rights of way and if there are any barriers preventing access to them. Residents, businesses and visitors are invited to take part in the survey which closes on 28 September. Councillor Loic Rich said: "Our public rights of way enable us to explore some of the best and most beautiful parts of Cornwall and help us to be active outdoors, which is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing."The Rights of Way Improvement Plan must balance the needs of everyone including walkers, horse riders, cyclists, and people with mobility challenges or sensory impairments."That's why it's so important we hear from as many people as possible so we can improve our public rights of ways for one and all."
