No one wants to mention the R word…let’s face it, the UK has been pretty these past few months, but whatever the weather may have in store, there’s still lots of fun and exploring to be had in 2025.
English Heritage have plenty of historic places in which families can hide, play and enjoy a great day out.
Stonehenge, Salisbury.
The state-of-the-art visitor centre includes an exhibition of artefacts brought together for the first time, and interactive displays about this wonder of the prehistoric world. Don’t miss the 360-degree experience, which allows you to ‘stand in the stones’ as you are transported back in time.
There is the added perk of buses can take you from the visitor centre up to the stones themselves…ensuring you stay dry for as long as possible!
Down House, Kent.
This unique day out offers an insight into the life of Charles Darwin, father of evolution theory, and weather-proof fun for all the family.
Step inside the house and discover the very rooms in which Darwin’s ideas formed the basis for pioneering biological science, even the study where ‘On the Origin of Species’ was written, still as it looked at the time. There are hands-on interactive exhibits perfect for children.
Boscobel House, Shropshire.
Hide from the rain in a royal hiding place! Once providing Charles II with a place to escape Cromwell’s forces following his Civil War defeat in 1651, today it is a much friendlier site to visit. Families can take an atmospheric candle-lit tour around the house, including the priest hole where Charles II hid. Then, meet the resident farmyard animals while exploring the historic stables, barns and dairy and learn about life on this once-thriving Victorian farm.
Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire.
The museum provides an excellent option for a wet-weather day out. Inside, learn all about the castle’s long and varied history, from the 11th century Norman conquest to its occupation by the northern Non-Combatant Corps during the First World War. There’s an interactive area for children in the museum, where little ones can learn about some of the castle’s famous characters.
Dover Castle, Kent.
With plenty of fascinating indoor spaces to explore, this is a brilliant choice for a rainy day out. From the recreated medieval palace in the Great Tower, complete with a royal bedchamber and atmospheric kitchens; or going down into the castle’s wartime tunnels where projections and real film footage bring to life the dramatic rescue of the British Army from Dunkirk there’s also the subterranean operating theatre and wards of the underground hospital.
To find out more about the sites, visit english-heritage.org.uk. If this has ‘wetted’ your appetite for rainy day activities and to find out more English Heritage sites, then this offer could see you getting out and about while saving money.
We’ve teamed up with English Heritage to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships which gives the chance to see its sites in every season.
What’s more English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.
Want to find out more? Simply click here! Use code NEWSQ25 at the checkout.
Offer ends: January 31, 2025.
T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.
