With over 500 historic houses, gardens and places of natural beauty to visit, the National Trust offers almost endless opportunities for days out with the kids. From castles and forts to woodland trails and coastal walks, there's a property or attraction to suit everyone's interests, wherever you might be in the country.
You could travel back in time and become a knight for the day at Chirk Castle in Wrexham, or explore the tree houses, towers, rope swings, climbing nets and zip wires of Belton Estate. Younger tots will love the magic of costumed characters at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex while older kids will love the zip wires at Speke Hall, Liverpool.
Many of the National Trust's sites are well-designed for the whole family, offering something to tempt everyone. You might love strolling around a stately home, but it's probably less interesting for small kids which is where the promise of an onsite adventure playground could come in handy. Kids of all ages can run off energy in vast parklands, then refuel in the cafes, while the playgrounds at some sites offer parents the chance to sit and watch as their kids enjoy the slides and climbing frames.
With this in mind we've rounded up our favourite National Trust sites for kids and families, and make sure to keep reading to find out how you can visit the National Trust for free this autumn.
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Why it's good for kids:
Waddesdon Manor offers an enchanting experience with its Renaissance fairytale-style chateau, adventure playground, and seasonal family trails. Kids will love the aviary filled with colourful birds and the sensory garden.
What you can see:
• Stunning manor house with treasures and artwork
• Spectacular gardens with fountains
• Woodland playground with zip lines and climbing frames
• Aviary with rare birds
Practical info:
• Pram access: Good paths in the garden, though the house itself is more restricted
• Facilities: Baby-changing facilities, café, picnic areas, and buggy-friendly paths
• Events: Seasonal events like Christmas lights and Easter egg hunts
Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
Why it's good for kids:
This parkland is home to ancient trees, a historic mill, wide open spaces, and a fascinating Edwardian mansion. It has a natural play area designed for kids to explore and a herd of fallow deer that roam free across the parkland.
What you can see:
• Deer park with resident herds
• Historic house with family exhibits
• Gardens with flowerbeds and natural play zones
• Outdoor café and picnic spots
Practical info:
• Pram access: Accessible paths throughout the park and gardens
• Facilities: Baby changing, a café with child-friendly menus, and a tramper (off-road mobility vehicle) available for hire
• Events: Family trails, including a Christmas light trail, and interactive storytelling events
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Why it's good for kids:
Cliveden’s vast woodlands, river and gardens offer plenty of outdoor play opportunities. There's a dedicated storybook play den area, designed especially for younger visitors and a maze with 500 metres of paths to explore for older children.
What you can see:
• Impressive mansion overlooking the River Thames
• Themed gardens, fountains, and woodlands
• Children's Storybook Play Den and a maze
• Beautiful walking trails
Practical info:
• Pram access: Many paths are accessible with prams, though woodland trails can be uneven
• Facilities: Baby-changing areas, buggy-friendly café, and picnic benches
• Events: Regular children’s events, like themed trails and crafting activities
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Why it's good for kids:
This castle ruin is a place of imagination, where kids can become knights or queens for the day. There are interactive displays and treasure hunts, and over 1,000 years of history to explore. The 'murder holes' and arrow loops are sure to spark kids' interest in history and bring it to life in a way no book can do.
What you can see:
• Ancient castle ruins set atop a hill with panoramic views
• Fun family-friendly activities such as archery or medieval reenactments
• Wildlife walks in the surrounding countryside
Practical info:
• Pram access: Access to the castle ruins is tricky for prams due to steep slopes, but surrounding areas are easier
• Facilities: Baby-changing facilities, picnic areas, tearoom, and parking
• Events: Knight school, interactive history sessions, and scavenger hunts
Trelissick, Cornwall
Why it's good for kids:
Trelissick offers expansive gardens, woodland walks, and estuary views, with trails designed for little explorers and a lovely farm-themed play area. There are fantastic events at half term and Christmas, including Apple Archery and an audience with Father Christmas. It's also great for kids with autism or sensory processing disorder as they offer a relaxed session with Father Christmas and have three sensory backpacks and ear defenders available for use during your visit.
What you can see:
• River views and gardens full of exotic plants
• Woodland walks suitable for families
• Outdoor play equipment and wide spaces for picnics
Practical info:
• Pram access: Mostly flat and accessible paths in the garden, woodland trails may be uneven
• Facilities: Baby-changing facilities, a café, child-friendly picnic areas, sensory backpacks, and mobility scooter hire
• Events: Seasonal trails and art workshops for children
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Why it's good for kids:
Belton House is famous for its huge outdoor adventure playground, perfect for all ages, along with its picturesque parkland and family-friendly exhibits inside the house. There's also a miniature train ride, 1300 acres of outdoor space to explore and run off steam, and light displays at Christmas.
What you can see:
• Grand 17th-century house with interactive exhibits
• Deer park and large formal gardens
• Massive outdoor adventure playground with climbing, slides, and water play
Practical info:
• Pram access: Easy access around the house and gardens, though some areas of the parkland are bumpy
• Facilities: Baby-changing, picnic spots, family-friendly café, and wheelchair/pram accessible paths
• Events: Holiday trails, craft activities, and outdoor theatre
Knightshayes Court, Devon
Why it's good for kids:
This grand Gothic Revival house is surrounded by acres of gardens and parkland, with a kitchen garden for kids to explore, as well as a natural play area. There are object trails inside the house, autumn colour walks and family-friendly Halloween experiences.
What you can see:
• Gothic-style house with quirky interiors
• Woodland walks and themed gardens
• Children’s play trail and den-building area
Practical info:
• Pram access: Good access around the gardens and house, though some woodland trails can be rough
• Facilities: Baby-changing, accessible toilets, picnic areas, café, and pram-friendly paths
• Events: Family treasure hunts and special seasonal events
Attingham Park, Shropshire
Why it's good for kids:
With a large deer park and riverside walks, Attingham Park is ideal for families. The Walled Garden and natural playfield, 'Field of Play' is a playful landscape that offers space for exploration, while the mansion often hosts interactive exhibits.
What you can see:
• Georgian mansion with family-friendly displays
• Huge deer park and scenic woodland walks
• Walled Garden with vegetables and a play area
Practical info:
• Pram access: The park has well-maintained pram-friendly paths
• Facilities: Baby-changing facilities, picnic areas, café, and buggies for hire
• Events: Seasonal family trails, wildlife walks, and craft workshops
Killerton House, Devon
Why it's good for kids:
Killerton has a delightful children’s play area, family-friendly trails, and vast parkland to run around. The house itself offers interactive displays and gives kids a chance to see what life was like in a bustling family home in the 1920s/30s. There's 6,400 acres of parkland to explore, with orienteering, cycle paths and a Bear's Hut.
What you can see:
• 18th-century house with quirky family collections
• Gardens filled with seasonal flowers
• Adventure playground, family trails, and a summer orchard
Practical info:
• Pram access: Gardens and parkland paths are suitable for prams
• Facilities: Baby-changing, café, picnic areas, and buggy-friendly routes
• Events: Family days, summer picnics, orienteering courses and guided wildlife trails
Powis Castle and Garden, Wales
Why it's good for kids:
Powis Castle offers a mix of history and natural beauty, with its stunning terraced gardens and playful peacocks that roam the grounds. Kids can also enjoy castle-themed activities and there are currently two dragons in the garden and a Tiger Trail to explore.
What you can see:
• Medieval castle with grand interiors
• Terraced gardens with seasonal flowers
• Woodland walks and nature trails
Practical info:
• Pram access: Gardens are partially accessible with some steep paths; prams are not permitted in the castle
• Facilities: Baby-changing, picnic areas, family-friendly café, and accessible parking
• Events: Storytelling sessions, and a Tiger trail
Ticket prices and opening times for Powis Castle and Gardens
National Trust Free Family Pass
If you're not ready to press go on a full National Trust membership just yet, the charity is offering free family passes this autumn. Allowing a free, single use entry, the passes are available for two adults and up to three children or one adult and up to four children. They can be used at over 200 of the National Trust's gardens, castles and houses but there are exceptions and some will need pre-booking. The passes can be used until Friday 18 October 2024.
National Trust Membership
If this selection of the best National Trust places to visit has tempted you to visit more than one, it might be worth looking at the membership options which could save you money. In addition to free entry to more than 500 parks, gardens, castles and houses, becoming a National Trust member gets you a range of benefits, including:
• Free parking at most National Trust car parks
• A National Trust Handbook
• National Trust Magazine three times a year, packed with inspiration, interviews and news
• Access to the online Members' Area, full of first look previews and behind-the-scenes features
• When you pay by annual Direct Debit online you get a £15 National Trust gift card to spend in the shops and cafés.
There are four types of membership; Joint, Family, Individual and Lifetime, with prices starting from £91.20 a year for individual adult membership.
How to get cheap National Trust membership
It's not often possible to get discounted membership as the National Trust is a charity, but you can keep an eye out for flyers in magazines offering discounted membership rates or free gifts. And if you don't want to commit to membership, keep an eye out for the National Trust Free Family Pass which are released in limited numbers through the year. In 2024, the National Trust Free Family Passes were released in July and September 2024.
To experience the wide variety of outdoors fun the National Trust offers, you could make a start on their 50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4. These can be done anywhere and are a fun way to tick off some easy, free activities while getting active outdoors.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.