Sometimes taking the family on a day out can get a little pricey, that’s why getting an annual membership can be a great idea and English Heritage have this great new offer!
Annual membership costs £86 (12 months), but if you pay by Direct Debit you will get 15 months for the price of 12!
This means you can buy membership at the start of this summer and enjoy free family days out right the way through next year’s summer holidays as well! Hooray!
Membership provides unlimited free entry to over 400 historic attractions countrywide, for two adults and up to six children (under 19 and within the family group). There are 116 castles and forts and many sites have play areas where children can explore or simply burn off steam as they discover the people and events that have shaped our history.
Membership also gives free or reduced price entry to 135 colourful historic events in July and August alone.
Here are the ‘Days Out With Kids’ Top Five English Heritage Site’s in the UK:
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Stonehenge is Britain’s greatest prehistoric monument and a World Heritage Site. Stonehenge has a fascinating history behind it and it is believed to be the last in a series of monuments erected between 3000 and 1600BC.
Stonehenge plays host to Summer Solstice every year, where people gather at the stones in the evening to watch the sunrise and just recently a fantastic new world-class visitor centre was opened with a mixture of permanent and temporary exhibitions for you to enjoy.
Dover Castle, Dover
Bring the family here to immerse yourselves in the history of the Dover area in this fantastic castle. Perched on the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover the castle has guarded the shores from invasion for over 20 centuries. There are dark wartime tunnels to explore that have a vivid recreation of the Dunkirk evacuation, the Great Tower often has costumed actors that will introduce you to medieval life at King Henry II’s court, (visit www.english-heritage,org.uk/dovercastle for dates they are in residence) plus plenty more to keep the family entertained.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
This stunning Royal house is a great place to bring the family for a day out, you will see why Queen Victoria said “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. See how Queen Victoria lived here with Prince Albert and their nine children, see the nursery and the private rooms. Be amazed at the grandeur of the Royal Apartments including the sumptuous drawing and dining rooms and the richly decorated Indian-inspired Durbar Room. Outside there’s the newly restored Swiss Cottage and Museum – used as a giant ‘play house’ by the royal children – to explore, plus Queen Victoria’s private beach, where you can laze in a deckchair and enjoy an ice cream from the beachside café.
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Bring the family to see this fairytale-like castle; you’ll walk through the sumptuous interiors where you will find beautifully painted walls and ceilings, intricate fireplaces, the old castle and the wonderful indoor Riding House.
Make sure you get one of the audio guides so you can learn all about the fascinating history. For the children there is the outdoor play area and a room dedicated to theatre and dressing up.
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
A visit to these haunting ruins lets you see how they inspired Bram Stoker whilst writing Dracula. There is a fantastic visitor centre where you will learn the long history of the Abbey and the daily life of the monks who once called the abbey home. You can also pick up one of the informative audio guides to listen to as you explore the ruins and enjoy the stunning views.