Our 10 Favourite Family-Friendly Castles
Looking for fun weekend or half term ideas? Visit a castle with your family.
Let your children feel like kings and queens and enjoy a fun day out. Have a look at some of our favourite family-friendly castles to visit in the UK with your little ones.
Photo Credit: Leeds Castle
1) Leeds Castle, Kent
Leeds Castle is one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. In 2019, it celebrated its 900th anniversary and it is one of our favourite family-friendly castles to visit with little ones. There is plenty to do for children - discover the 12-hole adventure golf course with its miniature Leeds Castle, explore the beautiful gardens, have fun at one of the fantastic adventure playgrounds or visit the Bird of Prey Centre. If your little ones get hungry, head for a snack to the Maze Café.
Price: Adult £28, child £19.50, children under 4 – free.
2) Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Set in a beautiful location on the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh Castle is just waiting to be explored. Did you know, it’s one of the largest inhabited castles in the country? After enjoying a walk around the castle grounds, why not finish up with a walk on the beach with the family.
Price: Adult £12.50, child £6.15, children under 4 - free.
3) Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
This 15th-century castle is one of the oldest brick buildings in England. Surrounded by 300 acres of woodland with gorgeous themed gardens, the castle is the perfect place for a family day out. Immerse yourself in the medieval times and spend a lovely day out with your little kings and queens. Discover the wonderful gardens set within 300 acres of woodland and recharge your batteries in the beautiful surroundings.
Price: Adult £8, child £3.50, children under 4 – free.
Photo Credit: Windsor Great Park
4) Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world has plenty to keep children busy. Download a family activity trail, before your visit to make sure you make the most of it. Don't miss the changing the guard on Thursdays and Saturdays. We’re sure you’ll have a wonderful family day out!
Price: Adult £23.50, child £13.50, children under 5 – free.
5) Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
Tintagel Castle is set on Cornwall's north coast. Linked with the legend of King Arthur, it is the perfect place to visit with children. Discover the Tintagel Castle Bridge and cross onto Tintagel Island, explore the island walk, visit Tintagel Castle Beach & Merlin's Cave and have a snack from the café kiosk at the end of your visit.
Price: Adult from £15.70, child from £9.40.
6) Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
The beautiful Bodiam Castle is one of our favourite family-friendly castles in the UK, perfect to visit with children. As well as exploring the castle, you can visit the beautiful grounds surrounding the castle and go for a family walk. See if your children can find the unicorn above the castle gates and then treat them to a delicious snack at the Castle View café before leaving.
Price: Adult from £11, child from £5.50.
Photo Credit: Warwick Castle
7) Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
One of the most popular castles in the UK, Warwick Castle is a must-see. Originally built by William the Conqueror, it’s now a major family attraction offering lots of fun activities for children of all ages. There are plenty of things to do with 64 acres of gardens to visit and towers and ramparts to explore.
Price: From £20.
8) Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire
This wonderful 14th-century castle provides plenty of fun activities for children. Check the daily activities page to see what's happening for your visit. Make sure to visit the beautiful gardens and the Tea Room before you leave.
Price: Adult £9 (gardens only £4.50). Children £7.50 (gardens only £3.50).
9) Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
Set in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is great for a family day out. Visit the Royal Palace rooms where kings and queens used to live, discover the oldest Crown jewels in Britain and see the Stone of Destiny - an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy.
Price: Adult from £15.50. Children from £9.30.
Photo Credit: Mountfitchet Castle
10) Mountfitchet Castle, Essex
Visit Mountfitchet Castle and travel back in time. Walk around the Norman village hidden behind the castle walls (bring a waterproof kids' jacket just in case), meet the rescued animals and enjoy an exciting day out with your little ones.
Price: Adult £13.50. Children £11.