Heritage attractions to visit over half term

Looking for heritage attractions to visit this half term, here are some suggestions from across the UK where you can keep the whole family entertained and keep their minds working at the same time.

South East England

Beaulieu Estate
Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN

The Beaulieu Estate is a great place to visit for the whole family – it was founded in 1204 and is famously the site where King William II died in a hunting accident. Today it is the site of a motor museum, beautiful gardens and vineyards which can all be toured. During half term, they are holding Hands-On Half Term, where visitors during half term can interact with a range of inventions, vehicles and even learn about the secret agents that used the estate during WWII.

Chartwell
Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS

This National Trust property was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill and remains much as it was when he lived there. While the house is closed until the end of February, the gardens and exhibition rooms remain open and there are some family friendly events being held, including a cartoon biography of its former resident told in the style of Punch magazine. Over half term, visitors can also take part in a how to draw the man himself. 

Amberley Museum
New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT

Over half term, Amberley Museum is running an Acts of Kindness Trail with papercraft activities suitable for the whole family on top of their usual offering. The museum gives you access to 36 acres of history within the South Downs National Park and has over 40 different exhibits to discover.

Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury, Kent CT1 2EH

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Canterbury Cathedral is well worth a visit. It was England’s first cathedral and features some incredible architecture as well as being the site of Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170. Over half term, visitors can take part in free Lego building workshops with professional Lego brick artists.

East of England

Holkham Hall
Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB

If you’re on the hunt for stunning scenery then Holkham Hall needs to be on your Must Visit list for this year. Here you can take in the coast alongside one of the greatest estates in England. At the heart of the estate is a sprawling country house surrounded by glorious gardens and countryside. As well as the usual attractions, this half term they are hosting Once upon a time at Holkham – where you can find out more about the stories from the hall’s past, as well as get involved with some bookish activities.

Ravingham Gardens
Ravingham, Norfolk NR14 6NS

If the weather is good over half term, head to Ravengham Gardens, there is plenty of room to burn off some energy. The gardens reopen for the new season in February, so now is the perfect time to visit!

London

Syon Park
Syon House and Park, Brentford TW8 9JF

Located on the outskirts of London is Syon House and its 200 acre park. Historically, it was the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. It remained in the Percy family for 400 years and has lots of interesting stories attached to it. It was for instance, where Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, was imprisoned before her execution and also where the disputed Queen, Lady Jane Grey, was offered the crown.

North East England

Temple Newsam
Leeds, West Yorkshire LS15 0AE

With over 500 years of history, Temple Newsam has plenty of fascinating stories to tell. It was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scot’s husband, Lord Darnley and contains not only the stunning house but also a farm to explore, gardens and lakes for a lovely stroll as the seasons change.

Over half term, Temple Newsom are hosting a special activity programme so you can uncover the treasures of the house and farm by following trails around the entire estate.

Lotherton
Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB

With a historic hall, country estate and a zoo, there is plenty to do here! The hall is closed until March, but the zoo and grounds are open all through February half term and visitors can take part in Love Birds Week where they can find out more about the zoo’s feathered friends.
Want a few more suggestions for family friendly things to do? Check here and see what the Hudsons have been up to here.