Places for kids to dress up

Several children trying on hats and looking at themselves in mirrors on the wall — Children trying on period hats at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Enjoy a family day out and step into the shoes (and clothes) of an Anglo-Saxon warrior, lady of the manor or a medieval knight. Here are some of the places in our care where kids can dress up in historic costumes and let their imaginations run wild. Many have opportunities for the whole family to join in too.

Winter house closures

Some of the places in our care close over the winter months so we can carry out vital conservation work. Please check individual place webpages for up-to-date information on opening times before you visit.

Bodiam Castle, Sussex: Get into character as you learn about medieval life at Bodiam Castle. Choose from a variety of clothes to dress up in, as you explore the remains of the Lord and Lady’s apartments and see where the servants would have slept on the stone floor.Dress up at Bodiam Castle
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire: Discover the costumes in Dinefwr’s Drawing Room and dress like one of the historical characters featured in the paintings on the walls. There’s fun for all ages, with both adult- and child-sized costumes available to take you back through the centuries.Dress up at Dinefwr
Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire: Spend an afternoon pretending you're a member of the Blathwayt or Wynter family, who once owned Dyrham Park, complete with 17th-century clothes and accessories to dress up in. Touch and explore the replica items from the house's past, to really help you feel the part.Dress up at Dyrham Park

Girl dressed up in a pink Tudor costume at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire — A child playing dress up at a National Trust place | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire: At Snowshill Manor, pick your favourites from a variety of 18th-century replica clothes that the entire family can try on. Follow in the footsteps of avid collector Charles Wade, who started a costume collection here at the age of 14.Dress up at Snowshill Manor
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk: Transform yourself into an Anglo-Saxon for the day at Sutton Hoo, a royal burial site full of archaeological discoveries. Try a sword and shield on for size before climbing to the top of the Viewing Tower or exploring the adventure play area.Dress up at Sutton Hoo
Tredegar House, Newport: The dressing-up box at Tredegar House holds a wide range of Victorian, 1920s and 1930s costumes. Choose your favourite era, or mix and match. Once you're happy in all your finery, head to the Brown Room for a family photo to mark the occasion.Dress up at Tredegar House
Trerice, Cornwall: Bring history to life by trying on different outfits and learning about Elizabethan fashion with the volunteers at Trerice. There are lots of Tudor-inspired costumes in the hayloft that have been handmade by the volunteer costume group.Dress up at Trerice

A family peer over a wall at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Enjoy some family fun

Looking for places the whole family will enjoy? Discover family-friendly cycling trails, places to get closer to nature and historic buildings where you can learn about the past.

Plan your visit