Family-friendly places with Victorian history

Children trying on Victorian style clothes at Lanhydrock, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Take a trip into the past with your family at a place with Victorian history. Whether you're admiring rare trains built in the Victorian era or practising your handwriting on slates, there are plenty of opportunities to experience life as a Victorian.

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.

Charlecote Park, Warwickshire: Bring the family to try on mob caps and aprons and imagine yourself as a servant in one of Britain's best surviving Victorian kitchens. There’s also a collection of vintage carriages, each with its own story to tell.Visit Charlecote Park
Dunster Castle, Somerset: Arrive at the historic castle in true Victorian style by steam train. The castle has been standing since the Norman times, but there are hints of a Victorian past inside. See if you can spot them.Visit Dunster Castle
Florence Court, County Fermanagh: Ever wondered what school life was like 100 years ago? Find out at Florence Court through role play and fun Victorian-themed activities.Visit Florence Court

Visitors exploring the exhibition gallery at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Lanhydrock, Cornwall: Practise your handwriting on slates and play with Victorian toys like the children of the Agar-Robartes family once did at Lanhydrock. You'll also discover what life was like for the servants below stairs who kept Lanhydrock running smoothly.Visit Lanhydrock
Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd: Discover Penrhyn’s history, its vast rooms and Victorian kitchens, or visit Penrhyn Castle’s Railway museum and see rare locomotives built in the Victorian era.Visit Penrhyn Castle
Quarry Bank, Cheshire: Quarry Bank offers an insight into life as a factory worker during the Industrial Revolution. Dress up as a young apprentice and discover how cloth is made on the working machinery.Visit Quarry Bank

Visitors in the Main Hall at Tyntesfield, Somerset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Speke Hall, Liverpool: Dress up and imagine yourself as a real Victorian at Speke Hall. See how the rooms were used in the Victorian era and compare these to the modern-day estate.Visit Speke Hall
Castle Ward, County Down: Bring the family to Castle Ward for a Victorian day out. Children can play Victorian games in the Stableyard and learn what life was like for a servant.Visit Castle Ward
Tyntesfield, North Somerset: Transport yourself back to the Victorian times at Tyntesfield. You can see the photographs, costumes and artefacts that we care for and find out what life was like for servants when you try some of the jobs they would have done.Visit Tyntesfield
The Workhouse, Nottinghamshire: Join an interactive family tour, try Victorian crafts or pick up a Mary Mouse pauper guide to learn more about what life was like at the Workhouse.Visit the Workhouse

Family walking down staircase with Christmas decorations at Scotney Castle, Kent

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.

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