The UK is home to some of the most impressive stately homes in the world. With elaborate architecture, vast gardens, and fascinating histories, these grand estates make for wonderful family days out. Here are some of the best stately homes to visit with kids across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England’s Top Stately Homes
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Chatsworth House should be at the top of any family’s stately home wish list. The magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth has lavish interiors and over 30 rooms to explore. Kids will love running through the maze in the 105-acre garden and meeting the farmyard animals. Chatsworth also has an adventure playground, art galleries and a working kitchen where you can see cookery demonstrations.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alongside the opulent palace, Blenheim has over 2,000 acres of parkland and gardens ideal for family walks. Children will enjoy the mini train ride, butterfly house and maze. There’s also a military exhibition and adventure playground to keep kids entertained.
Longleat, Wiltshire
Longleat has been home to the Marquis of Bath for over 400 years. As well as touring the elegant rooms, families can visit Longleat’s famous safari park which has lions, tigers, gorillas and more. There are also maze attractions, adventure castle, boats and trains to ride. Kids will be amazed by the illuminated Capability Brown landscaped grounds during the Festival of Light.
Caerhays Castle, Cornwall
The Williams family has owned this turreted medieval castle for over 400 years. Tours of the castle include the recently restored Great Hall with its carved wood ceiling. Outside, the 100-acre woodland garden descending to a sandy beach is perfect for families to explore. Children will love playing on the beach, watching the seals and spotting rare plants.
Wales’ Stately Homes
Plas Newydd, Anglesey
Overlooking the Menai Straits, Plas Newydd is a grand country house on the Isle of Anglesey. Dating back to the 1470s, this stately home boasts elegant Gothic architecture. The house is set in extensive gardens with woodlands, a rhododendron walk and walled garden. Kids will enjoy the adventure playground and trails.
Scotland’s Majestic Estates
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
Once the home of the Kennedy clan, a day out at Culzean involves adventures along cliff top paths, through walled gardens and beside ponds. Kids will have a great time at the swan pond, pagoda, ice houses and in the extensive grounds. Make sure to explore the castle too, with its impressive circular staircase, armoury and fine art collection.
Northern Ireland’s Stately Homes
Mount Stewart, County Down
With a spectacular lakeside setting, Mount Stewart has been home to the Londonderry family for centuries. As well as the neo-classical house with its elaborate interior design, there is an impressive sunken garden, tearoom and adventure playground. Kids will love exploring the large grounds, filled with exotic trees and shrubs from across the globe.
If you have foster children in your care, know that fostering allowances can be used to cover the costs of days out for your foster kids.
With fascinating histories, architecture and scenery, visiting a stately home makes for a memorable family day out across Britain. Combining grand houses with gardens, grounds and often children’s activities, these estates have something to delight visitors of all ages.
