Sortie en famille dans les châteaux

Framlingham Castle, Suffolk

Framlingham in Suffolk is an impressive example of a 12th century medieval castle which has maintained its original character over the centuries. And now the spiral staircases and 13m curtain walls, the dry moat and ornate Tudor chimneys make for a great family day out. There are a number of events which take place throughout the year at Framlingham including Knight School where your children can learn the skills of a medieval warrior and attend sword-fighting lessons to fight in a mock battle!

Bateman's, East Sussex

If you’re a fan of the timeless children’s classic The Jungle Book, then a trip to Bateman’s in East Sussex will be a treat for the whole family. Cette splendide demeure jacobéenne hébergea Rudyard Kipling de 1902 à 1936. Vous y découvrirez la collection d'objets orientaux de l'auteur et les illustrations originales du Livre de la Jungle. Des événements et festivals autour du livre sont organisés chaque année dans le jardin. Such days out include Family Fun days, Kipling literary days, Paint the garden, Easter Egg trails, Jungle Hunt trails and Hallowe'en trails.

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

With spectacular coastal views over Abersdeenshire, Scotland, Dunnottar Castle stands on the edge of a sheer-sided rock, 50m above the sea. Il est réputé pour avoir tenu le siège de l'armée de Cromwell pendant huit mois et avoir sauvé les Joyaux de la Couronne d'Ecosse. William Wallace et Mary Reine des Ecossais comptèrent parmi ses illustres invités. In total, eleven buildings remain which include the 13th century chapel and 17th century ballroom. For excellent views, historical events and a great place for a family picnic, this Scottish jewel is worth a visit.

St Mawes Castle, Cornwall

A wonderful example of a Tudor castle can be seen in St Mawes Castle in Cornwall. On y accède par un petit pont qui mène à la tour centrale. Un terrain de jeu idéal pour les enfants ! Ne manquez pas d’admirer les canons. Nearby is the sister castle, Pendennis Castle and family events take place both here and in St Mawes. dont une grande joute médiévale.

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Osborne House is Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea. After her first visit to the house on the Isle of Wight, England’s longest-reigning monarch wrote: ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’. In the mid 19th century, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osbourne House and rebuilt it as an 800-hectare estate and family bolthole. "Vos enfants vont aimer le Swiss Cottage, son mobilier pour enfants et son aire de jeu." There are acres of parkland and gardens to explore and relax in, which you can enjoy on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage. et faire une pause déjeuner dans le café et le restaurant.

Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire

Steeped in royal history, Sudeley Castle was once the home of Katherine Parr (Henry VIII’s last wife), and was also visited or lived in by Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I. However, after lying empty for 200 years it was restored by the Dent and Brocklehurst families. "Son calendrier d’événements appréciés de toute la famille est bien rempli, de « Meet the Tudors » à « House of Fairy Tales »." Such exhibitions include the Emma Dent Collection and her correspondence with Florence Nightingale.

Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire in Wales

Appearing suddenly from behind hedgerows of the winding country roads, Carreg Cennen Castle, Wales entices you to make a speedy advance. Perched high above the Welsh countryside, it commands great views of the Black Mountain. This 13th century castle, which was involved in the War of the Roses, has a unique atmosphere and is fun for families to explore. To the south east corner of the castle, a steep stairway leads into the bowels of the castle, and into a damp and narrow limestone cave. "N’oubliez pas votre torche, car vous y serez plongé dans le noir !"

Hurst Castle, Hampshire

With 360 degree views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle stands at the end of Hurst Point in Hampshire, over a mile out into the English Channel along a shingle walk. Built by Henry VIII in 1544, Hurst Castle has had a varied history; Charles I was held prisoner here before being executed in London and it was subsequently used in the Napoleonic wars and during the two World Wars. The castle has a 12-sided Tudor Keep housing a narrow staircase and many small nooks and crannies, ideal for a game of hide and seek with the children. There are also exhibits on display and a working lighthouse right next door, so there is something for every member of your family.  

Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and is situated at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. In the 12th century, Holyroodhouse was founded as a monastery and the ruins of the abbey can still be seen today. However, it became a royal palace and was home to Mary Queen of Scots whose bedroom and belongings are still on view. Find out more about the historical importance of Holyroodhouse with the audio guides available on site, ideal for the whole family.

Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

Castle Howard is an enchanting 18th century palace, home of the Howard family situated in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The unique setting in 1,000 acres of parkland offers breathtaking views. Within the grounds you can relax in The Walled Rose Garden or have family fun feeding the peacocks, boating on the lake and enjoying the adventure playground. Castle Howard has several exhibitions running including Brideshead Revisited, The Women of Castle Howard and The Building of Castle Howard among others.