Places for kids to dress up

Girl sword-fighting under a tree in the grounds of Wray Castle, Cumbria. Wray Castle is set in beautiful grounds on Lake Windermere's western shore. — Visitor playing in fancy dress at one of the places in our care | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Go on a family day out and step into the shoes (and clothes) of an Anglo-Saxon warrior, the lady of the manor or a Victorian scullery maid. Here are the top places in our care for dressing up in historic costumes and whimsical fancy dress.

Castle Ward, County Down: At Castle Ward, children have a choice of costumes to choose from. Will they become a Victorian, or will they transform into farm animals in the barn?Dress up at Castle Ward
Lyme Park, Cheshire: Take the kids back to Regency England at Lyme Park with a trip to the dressing room, available 11am–2pm on days the house is open. There are a range of inclusive sizes for children and adults alike, so the whole family can join the Edwardian fun.Dress up at Lyme 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, choose from a variety of 18th-century replica clothes that the entire family can try on. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Wade who, as an avid collector, 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. Which era will you choose? Don’t forget to stop for a family photo in the Brown Room.Dress up at Tredegar House

Family playing with autumn leaves in the garden at Osterley Park, London, with the house in the background

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