Whether the kids are history and fantasy fans or you’re looking to stroll through the Jane Austin-worthy gardens and sprawling grounds of the United Kingdom’s National Trust Estates, this list will keep you busy on your family trip across the pond.
With more than 900 years of history, Leeds Castle in Kent is one of the most visited in Britain. The grounds extend 500 acres, boasting lush gardens complete with hedge mazes and a grotto. Water, complete with a mote and drawbridge, encompasses the castle. Leeds hosts various events and tours year-round for visitors, from falconry displays and jousting competitions to fireworks and classical music performances.
© Emanuele Leoni | Dreamstime.com
Bamburgh Castle sits high above the Northumberland coastline on nine acres of steep, rocky terrain. This ancient castle dates back to the time of the Anglo Saxons and is one of the largest in England. The incredible architecture includes stained-glass windows, looming towers and ornate interior designs. The castle’s ancient mythology draws visitors to stay, explore and host events in this “King of Castles.”
Dover Castle was erected in Kent during the 11th century and remains a must visit for history buffs. This medieval castle played many parts throughout history, from the Roman and Saxon era to a World War I military base, Operation Dynamo, and the set of Into The Woods in 2014. Visitors can expect in-depth tours through the castle’s Great Tower, Underground Hospital and Medieval tunnels.
Alnwick Castle will reopen after its winter hiatus March 31, and will be one of the top castles to visit this spring. Known as one of the most iconic in Britain and a featured set on BBC’s Downton Abbey, Alnwick boasts opulence and history. The incredible staterooms, art, ancient cellar, coach house, on-site museum and WWI exhibit showcase the castle’s timeless charm.
Alnwick Castle in Winter. Photo: Gail Johnson | Dreamstime.com
Take afternoon tea moat-side at one of Britain’s idyllic 14th-century fortresses: Bodiam Castle. Bodiam visitors can expect a rich history and impressive castle layout complete with spiral staircases, original wooden portcullis, ancient monuments, towers and ruins.
Since 1884, the United Kingdom’s National Trust has protected thousands of acres of land. The trust protected more than 700 miles of coastline, as well as historic estates, gardens and wildlife.
Blickling Estate. Photo: Ian Dyball | Dreamstime.com
Blickling Estate has been part of the National Trust since 1940, and remains one of the most popular grounds among visitors. Sprawling gardens in full bloom surround the incredible red brick estate with an array of vibrant spring blossoms. Blickling gardeners provide tours of the grounds and gardening tips for guests.
Dunwich Heath is surrounded by blooming wildflowers and lavender groundcover, boasting picturesque footpaths through the garden grounds. Bird watching’s peak season is March–August, when visitors explore incredible flora and fauna along the Suffolk coastline.
Alfriston Clergy House Polegate
Alfriston Clergy House Polegate, in East Sussex, comes to life in the springtime. This unique estate exists among a colorful garden and ancient architecture, as the Clergy House was the first building saved by the National Trust. Orchards of muscari and pulmonaria flowers line the property, providing a beautiful spring display.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Sep 8, 2023How Can Disney Vacation Club Work for Your Family?
Can joining Disney Vacation Club help you save on family travel? Well, David’s Vacation Club Rentals, a source for Disney Vacation Club rentals, can provide some insight. Disney travel experts like Melissa Mullett, director of operations, David’s Vacation Club Rentals, provided some tips and insider knowledge on how Disney Vacation Club works.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Kids
Sep 6, 2023Bright Stripes Activities for Car Travel with Kids
Does your road trip crew include young kids? We’ve been there, too, and know keeping everyone busy and entertained makes those long stretches of interstate much more peaceful.
Multigenerational
Sep 1, 2023Atlantic and Target Now Offer New Family-Friendly Luggage Line
In the market for new luggage? If you’re outfitting your entire family of travelers, you may want to check out some new offerings available at Target from travel brand Atlantic. Atlantic’s new line focuses on making travel more convenient with kiddos, and includes seven pieces to choose from, all made with durable, lightweight, sustainable materials (each item is made from up to 27 recycled plastic bottles).
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Travel Tips
Aug 25, 2023Little Free Libraries Make Road Trips Fun for Kids
Engaging children in a family road trip can be a challenge, so parents often concentrate on keeping backseat passengers amused with games and activities. These focus their attention inside the car instead of on the places you travel.
ShareThis