Palaces, Castles and Stately Homes

You might not think that taking your kids along to a highbrow stately home seems much of a day out, but if you've not done this before, try it, see and be amazed!  The UK has hundreds of palaces, castles, stately homes, gardens, country homes and parks.  The National Trust, English Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces and Historic Houses Association curate hundreds of historic properties around the nation.  Fine one near you and enjoy a lovely day out.

These properties usually have delightful gardens and extended parkland that young children will adore.  Perhaps you'll find a deer park, or grotto's to climb or beautiful lakes to wander around?  Formal gardens will provide a splendid backdrop for make believe games or simply to run around.  Look out for large vegetable gardens, smell herb beds and delight at the colour of beautiful herbaceous borders.

The homes themselves might have fabulous treasures to marvel at.  You will see old fashioned artifacts.  Historic kitchens are great to explore as you can see old tools that are replaced by modern kitchen gadgets.  Don't expect young children to spend ages looking at every detail in every room, but wander through the property at a pace they are comfortable with and when you see them take an interest in something, talk with them, describe it and tell them what it is.  Discuss with older children what the differences are between these homes and your own - look around formal drawing rooms and work out how historical occupants used to pass their time without televisions or the internet!

Find a property to visit near you by visiting these websites:-

• National Trust
• English Heritage
• Historic Royal Palaces
• Historic Houses Association