English Castles: 5 Family Favorites

March 27th, 2009 | by Jane Rytina 6 comments

Knights, princesses, beheadings, ghosts, battles – the list of reasons why children love castles is endless. Immerse yourself in their beautiful open spaces, romance and rich history. Most English Castles are worth a visit but here are five of my family’s favorites.

1. Hever Castle, Kent

Only 30 miles from London, Hever Castle is a great excuse to get out of the city for a day. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, it’s full of tantalizing Tudor history. It also has two wonderful mazes—a huge hedge maze and a fun water maze—in which to lose your children or spouse or yourself. Also a lovely adventure playground, a beautiful moat, gorgeous gardens and a rather nasty exhibition of torture instruments.

2. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Featured in Harry Potter, Elizabeth, and Black Adder, Alnwick Castle is almost in Scotland, 80 miles south of Edinburgh. The importance of this castle in England’s often bloody political history is astounding. Kids can enroll in Knights’ School or enter the Dragon Quest. Open daily from 1st April to 30th October.

3. Tower of London, London

Reportedly the most haunted place in England, indulge yourself in the gruesome, dark history of the Tower of London. Torture, prisoners and executions will scare the socks off your kids. They’ll love it. For the more sensitive, walk the trails, count the ravens and visit the crown jewels.

4. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

Castle Howard is not a true castle, because it was not built for military purposes. But honestly, who cares? First built in 1699, it is a breathtaking stately home with fabulous grounds. Set just 15 miles east of York, it’s worth a visit. There are huge lawns, boat trips, an adventure playground and, if you go during the school breaks, your children can enjoy adventures such as Dragons and Unicorns, and The Lazy Giant.

5. Dover Castle, Kent

No fortress in England boasts a longer history than Dover Castle. Commanding the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, the castle’s strategic significance is unmatched. Plus it has stunning views over the White Cliffs of Dover to France. Approximately 2 hours from London, you can explore the secret wartime tunnels where Churchill planned, march around the battlements and sit on the cannons, or climb the Keep to conquer the castle.

***

Need a family friendly place to stay in England? We’ve got dozens.

6 Responses to “English Castles: 5 Family Favorites”

Jamie Pearson on March 27th, 2009

Love these castles (also love Warwick)!

The water maze at Hever is a delight for kids. You creep around on stepping stones through this lagoon. Some of the steps set off fountains (which sprinkle or soak you, depending on where you’re standing) when you step on them.

It’s all very Indiana Jones, without the crushings and impalings.

Also (and kids don’t care about this a bit) they have the headboard from Anne Boleyn’s childhood bed here. It’s just eerie to be that close to history. It makes her seem so real.

Mike Davis on March 27th, 2009

Some great castles there, looking forward to going to Alnwick Castle this Summer.

And went to the Tower of London in Half Term, a big tip for the Tower is get there early as by lunch the queues for the crown jewels where huge.

Mike

Emma T on March 29th, 2009

If you’re planning a castle itinerary in England don’t miss Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Winston Churchill was born in 1874, and very impressive.

nomadicmatt on March 30th, 2009

i went to number 3!

M_Moore on April 3rd, 2009

Gotta love those castles! Here’s a youtube clip you all might enjoy of the spooky Tower or London, check it out! http://tinyurl.com/dc3unw

Great Travel Links for 29 June 2009 | Family Travel Guide on June 29th, 2009

[...] From TravelSavvyMom: English Castles: 5 Family Favorites and Honolulu: Five Free Family Favorites (don’t forget that THIS is why you take children to [...]