17 Jul 2014
Don't stay at home this summer! Today's inspiring Treasure Houses of England with their beautiful gardens offer the perfect family friendly destination. Explore acres of parkland, exhibitions and a whole host of entertainment indoors and out. From contemporary art sculptures, to children's play areas, discovery tours and activity days, there is something for everyone in the most magnificent of settings.
With a compelling schedule of events for the summer from live theatre performances, jousting, historical characters, to dressing up boxes and quiz trails – not to mention an array of wildlife, farm animals, walking and cycle trails - expect an animated and action-packed experience for all the family.
Here are just a few highlights of days out for the Summer Holidays:
The whole family can enjoy a great day out at Beaulieu this summer with the Great Victorian House Party. Real Victorian characters bring to life the notion of 'Upstairs Downstairs' only adding to the excitement of veteran and vintage cars motoring around the grounds. Visitors can also watch falconry displays in the historical and atmospheric setting of the Abbey Cloister, whilst those interested in the lives of the Cistercian Monks who lived there can find out about the folklore of the herbs they used in their foods and medicine. On the arena get in the driving seat, put your foot down and take the chequered flag in the Go Karts.
There are plenty of fun family activities to do this summer holiday at Blenheim Palace. Enjoy a range of circus skills workshops, a petting zoo, 'Animal Encounters' talks, Punch and Judy Shows, face-painting, making recycled sculptures on the lawn as well as discovering the Marlborough Maze and beautiful Butterfly House in the Pleasure Gardens. Experience thrills and spills as courageous knights do battle at Blenheim Palace in a jousting tournament from 1st- 3rd August.
Take a daily guided tour with a difference at Burghley where every morning from Sat 19 July–Wed 3 Sept (excluding Fridays and Sundays), you can be guided around by costumed guides and find out all the grizzly gruesome and horrible history associated with Burghley and the people who have lived here on a beastly boring Burghley tour.
There are over 30 rooms to explore at Chatsworth from the magnificent Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. In the Guest Bedrooms, meet an Edwardian Lady's Maid who will be revealing the secrets of her mistress's suitcase of clothes, or dress up in one of the period costumes. As well as seeing how animals live in a real farmyard, from ponies and donkeys to cows and chickens, the woodland adventure playground is a great place to let off steam with its climbing forest, spiral slides, scramble nets, splashy fun and sand pits.
This summer enjoy Alice in Wonderland themed events as children are transported into a magical world with the Mad Hatter & Friends at Castle Howard. Join in with storytelling, magic and games at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party or sing-a-long during outdoor performances of Alice the Musical. Enjoy discovering the house and grounds on Castle Howard's illustrated children's trails, before letting off steam on the adventure playground or taking a boat trip on the Great Lake. Cool off with a much needed ice cream then jump on the land train to give weary legs a much needed rest.
Harewood is a great Yorkshire family day out. You'll find all sorts of activities here for family fun. Don't miss the Adventure Playground where the children can climb, clamber and swim.
Whilst at Hatfield House enjoy LolliBop on 15th – 17th August. The UK's biggest ever festival for kids. LolliBop has live music, theatre, walk-about performance, sport, literacy, interactive demos, workshops, dance lessons, circus skills, cooking classes and more… and if that's not all, LolliBop plays host to some of the hottest and most popular names in kid's entertainment.
The theme of discovery and the spirit of adventure is running throughout Holkham Hall's summer holiday entertainment. The Discovery Days and Pond Dipping are all about joining the education team for some hands on fun family activities exploring the wildlife you can find in the pine woods on the National Nature Reserve or discovering what lies beneath the water of Holkham lake.
A magnificent nine-day Medieval Festival comes to Leeds Castle, in association with The Royal Armouries, from 23rd – 31st August in a spectacular celebration of the colourful Middle Ages at the 900 year old Castle. There is something for the whole family including archery tournaments, a Knight's and Princess School for children, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Princess Bride on a big screen and historical guest speaker events. The Wars of the Roses Federation will bring living history to the lawns of Leeds Castle where a thrilling fully armoured joust will take place in a 'Grand Tournament' in a special ticketed event on 30-31 August.
The De Havilland Tiger Moth Rally takes place at Woburn Abbey from 16th – 17th August. Showcasing the very 'Best of British' with some of the country's top vintage cars and aeroplanes showing off their style in a Garden Party environment. The vintage de Havilland biplanes and an extensive range of other classic types will be on show. The VIP 'Members Enclosure' recollects the golden age of aviation in the 1930s, when flying clubs across Great Britain hosted summer 'at homes' for pilots and guests. Then as now, visitors were entertained with flying displays, club flying competitions, close-up views of some of the choicest aircraft and motor cars, and teas.
With so much more to see and do at The Treasure Houses of England visiting with the family is an unforgettable experience, and one sure to offer some fabulous memory-making and family selfies.
