Top 5 family activities out before the kids go back to school

Whatever the weather, English Heritage has a day out for you:

With two weeks left of the school holidays and a bank holiday weekend ahead, English Heritage is helping families to make the most of their time together, come rain or shine. For parents and carers fast running out of ideas, English Heritage has compiled a list of 5 activities to tick off your list, catering to all forms of our glorious British weather:

1. Cheer on an epic knights’ tournament

Many English Heritage castles were once host to famous knights; this summer, see them ‘brought back to life’ amongst the ruins.  Between the battles and contests, experience the atmosphere of these legendary events as you wander through medieval encampments. Over the bank holiday weekend, tournaments are taking place at Framlingham Castle, Suffolk and Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire. If the rain comes, our Knights will stay warm and dry inside their armour and both sites have plenty of places to shelter whilst a shower passes!

2. Enjoy spectacular gardens

For the sunny days, a number of English Heritage sites have beautiful gardens to explore and enjoy the fresh air together. Lounge in the landscape of the stunning Art Deco Eltham Palace; admire the meandering paths, ancient woodland, and look out for the beautiful sculptures at Kenwood; or stroll around the beautiful 15 acres of garden from the formal Victorian borders to the wildflower meadow at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens – where you can also see a historic ice cream maker! Various sites – including Audley End and Tintagel Castle – are dog friendly, so check online before you come and bring your four-legged friend along.

3. Throwback to the Roman era

They may have left Britain in 410AD, but this August, you can immerse yourself in the life of the Romans. Along Hadrian’s Wall, there is Birdoswald Roman Fort, and Chester’s Roman Fort and Museum, which has a historical Falconry display over the bank holiday weekend to get out in the sunshine. The Romans certainly wouldn’t have cared about a little rain, but on those wetter days, in the museum at Corbridge Roman Town, you can take time learning about the Corbridge Hoard – discovered 60 years ago this year – including Roman armour, gaming counters, a beer tankard, wax writing tablets and papyrus. For those in the Midlands, head for Wroxeter Roman City, wander the remains of the bath-house and explore a reconstructed town house.

4. Explore the hidden tunnels of a castle

For the first time this summer, visitors can explore Dover Castle’s northern defences, including the medieval and Georgian underground tunnels and Georgian casemates – great places to dodge the odd rain shower. There is also a new exhibition with films, lights and soundscapes, hands-on elements and a new play area centred around siege warfare, complete with an almost life-size catapult! Other exciting castles to discover include Carisbrooke Castle – which has an Edwardian-inspired garden perfect for sunnier days – and Kenilworth Castle, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I.

5. Take part in an English Heritage quest

For a fun day out with a historic twist, families can join Noble the dog’s quest to find his missing shadow before it disappears forever. By exploring the grounds for hidden clues and completing puzzles in the quest booklet, kids can reunite Noble with his shadow and save his imagination. Look out for more shadow characters from throughout history as you make your way about your favourite castle, abbey or monument. Sites include Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire; Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent; and Old Sarum, Wiltshire.

As well as a number of events and activities running at its sites throughout the summer, English Heritage is also offering a number of money-saving deals for cash-strapped families, including Members’ Kids Eat Free, and 20% off membership.

To find out more about English Heritage’s summer events, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/