Top 6 Things to Do in England with Kids

Let your little ones feel like kings and queens for a moment as you step inside some of England’s fascinating castles, palaces, and fortresses. Some offer replica miniatures, complete with drawbridges and moats, while others offer historical weekends and medieval festivals in which you can embrace the fascinating past.

Run through colorful gardens, explore established mazes, or fly on a zipline over estate grounds. Whether walking around enormous towers and turrets or pacing the halls and passageways of ancient structures, both mysterious and mystical in stature, you can spend time in a royal homestead to provide a thrill for kids of all ages.

Best Castles to Visit: Hever Castle • Arundel Castle • Leeds Castle • Warwick Castle • Dover Castle

Traveling for youngsters should be about having fun and exploring fascinating places, about learning, understanding a world quite different from theirs, and experiencing a taste of great battles, inventions, and historical figures.

Enhance the fun by taking your kids to visit popular monuments and museums that boast mini-galleries catering to small children or trails for the entire family to enjoy. Participate in reenactments of daily life as craftsmen demonstrate their skills or you wander around cottages and castle grounds.

Best Museums to Visit: Roald Dahl Museum • The British Museum • Natural History Museum

Few things can be more fun than taking a ride on a steam train and experiencing the full glory of the panoramic views. The sounds and sights are simply wonderful and learning about the rich history of the railway is fascinating.

Discover the beauty of some of the best-preserved and treasured trains, and get the chance to learn how they function by climbing aboard to watch the conductor work. Older kids can also have the chance to control a locomotive and step inside the control room at the station.

Best Train Trips: Epping Ongar • The Dalesman • North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Enjoy playing in the sand and relaxing to the sound of the ocean on England’s surprising number of beaches.

Run along golden sands that spread out for miles, have a family stone-skimming competition, or see who can build the biggest sandcastle. Wade in the topaz waters of famous beaches, with nearby bustling town centers perfect for a family meal or walk along the esplanades.

No matter where you choose for your beach escape, you will surely find wide-open spaces, picturesque villages and towns, and fun for everyone.

Best Beaches to Visit: Butlin’s Bognor • Porthmeor Beach • Weymouth Beach • Brighton Beach

Take your time exploring the landscapes and countryside to find mountains, parks, and gardens all begging to be explored. Discover a hike over easy-going hills or challenge your family on some of the most breathtaking mountains, all scattered throughout rural lushness.

Find walkers of all ages who take in nature and amazing views while listening for bird calls, or step into a fairytale as you look for a legendary waterfall that flows into aqua waters. Spending time in hills and mountains is a great way to enjoy local culture and life that offers you an intimate natural experience for the entire family.

Best Places for Hiking: Box Hill • Hadrian’s Wall • South West Coast Path

England offers exceptional entertainment for children of all ages. It can take you through indoor gardens to scientific wonders or must-see movie studios.

Step inside an architectural delight based in a giant biome and marvel at the beautiful flora and fauna surrounding you, or tour the magical world of Harry Potter for the perfect indoor experience for your family when exploring England’s endless possibilities.

Best Indoor Activities: Cornwall Eden Project • Warner Bros Studios • Magna Centre

England has a plethora of adventures, discoveries, and marvelous scenery to capture the hearts and minds of visitors of all ages. Monuments and museums introduce your family to the rich history of the countries that make up England, and with so many activities to enjoy, young explorers can feel enriched with possibilities found in our England family vacations.

To discover more inspiration and information for your family-friendly trip, explore our England travel guide or tips in our family vacation travel guide.