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Family-friendly castles

Two young girls standing on the hill below the ruins of a castle, the one nearest the camera blowing a long medieval-style bugle
Visitors taking part in family activities at Corfe Castle, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Jon Bish

Become king or queen of the castle, or hunt for ghosts and tales of treason at a historic fortress we care for. The whole family can let their imaginations run wild at these family-friendly castles.

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
With its drawbridge, turrets and moated exterior, Bodiam Castle is a great example of a medieval castle. Be transported back in time by costumed characters, storytelling and armour demonstrations.Visit Bodiam Castle
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Look out for the Adam Tower, multi-level dungeons and murder holes in the medieval Chirk Castle. Children can become knights for an afternoon by trying on armour, or head outside to the wild play area at Home Farm.Visit Chirk Castle
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Discover a 1,000-year-old castle ruin with crumbling walls, secret hiding places and tales of treachery around every corner. Take in panoramic views of Purbeck, count the arrowslits and feel history come to life as you explore Corfe Castle.Visit Corfe Castle
Croft Castle, Herefordshire
Croft Castle is steeped in history and surrounded by acres of medieval parkland. Kids can invade a miniature version of the fortress, or jump and climb in the wild play area – complete with rope swing and giant noughts and crosses game.Visit Croft Castle
A family with two young children walks carefully down a grand wooden staircase with decorations running along the bottom of the banisters on the ground
A family exploring the Christmas decorations at Scotney Castle, Kent | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra
Crom, County Fermanagh
Crom Castle lies within a 2,000-acre estate, complete with islands and ancient woodland. Explore the ruins of this fortress before heading to the play area to enjoy the swings, balance beams and monkey bars.Visit Crom
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
Dominating the Northumberland coastline, Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the largest fortifications in Northern England. See if you can catch a glimpse of the 16th-century knight said to haunt the ruins, or explore the rock pools on the shore below.Visit Dunstanburgh Castle
Scotney Castle, Kent
Now a ruin, 14th-century Scotney Castle is surrounded by gardens, with roses and wisteria climbing its walls. Take the buggy-friendly paths around the garden and explore the Badger and Pepper play area.Visit Scotney Castle
Sizergh, Cumbria
Standing at the gateway to the Lake District, Sizergh has been home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years. Follow the children's trail through the house, before heading outside for the wild play trail through the woods.Visit Sizergh
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire
Head to Tattershall Castle and climb all 149 steps up the staircase to conquer its 15th-century tower. Explore its echoing chambers and maze of rooms, and find a range of medieval-era games along the way.Visit Tattershall Castle
Family walking down staircase with Christmas decorations at Scotney Castle, Kent

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