National Trust reveals its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles'

The Sun

22-05-2025

HALF term holidays are nearly here and before you know it, the summer holidays will have arrived.
With this in mind, you might be looking for different things to do as a day out.
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Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming at The National Trust has rounded up the top family-friendly attractions in the UK.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular family attractions in 1066 Country in Hastings.
Tom said: "The castle looks like a classic storybook castle complete with a moat, but through the massive door and beneath the imposing portcullis, and it's basically an empty ruin.
"Meaning this is a place where you let your imagination run riot.
"Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights."
Bodiam also hosts a range of events, so always check the website to see what's on.
Upcoming activities include, medieval encampment, have-a-go archery, storytelling, crafts, living history performances, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail (perfectly timed for the film which comes out 9 June).
It is also home to wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities by the car park, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths.
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo is England 's Valley of the Kings and the Anglo-Saxon ship burial found in the King's Mound is the richest burial ever found in northern Europe.
"Tales of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure make Sutton Hoo, Suffolk the site of one of Britain's most important archaeological discoveries, a must-visit for families," commented Tom.
The pretty pink UK castle that is loved by Disney and Britney Spears
Around 1,400 years ago, a king or great warrior of East Anglia was laid to rest in a 90ft ship, surrounded by his extraordinary treasures.
"Its discovery revolutionised understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and provided a lens through which to examine this fascinating era of history," explained Tom.
"There's a great mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy. The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly."
Visitors can walk around the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground and enjoy views from the 17-metre viewing tower to discover the history of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions.
They can also discover the archaeological work that took place at the site in the 1930s in Tranmer House - the former home of Edith Pretty.
At the High Hall there is also an exhibition to see replica and original objects.
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Tom added: "Again, events bring Sutton Hoo to life – Anglo Saxon Storytellers, Costume Making, Sand Tray Archaeology and Gruesome Graves Tours to name a few.
"And for older kids/parents and carers there's a chance to catch Time Team Live (19 May, finishing on 13 June) and The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition at Sutton Hoo and tells the untold stories of the real people featured in Netflix's The Dig.
"It will feature some of the original costumes, jewellery and props used in the film."
The site also has a quiet hour on the first Sunday of every month, where the sounds are turned down for those who enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit.
There is a quiet play area available during school holidays and at weekends and is located in the Old Stables, where you can find soft play toys and books to read.
The King's Mound treasure is now displayed in Room 41: Sutton Hoo and Europe, AD 300-1100 at The British Museum in London - the 27-metre Anglo-Saxon ship no longer exists.
The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
Staff and volunteers worked with 100 young ambassadors, aged up to 12 years, to devise and test ideas for The Children's Country House.
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"Step inside the historic country home of the Vernon family a place where grand architecture and history mix with interactive activities for the whole family to get involved in," said Tom.
"Practice your deportment and pose for your own portrait in the Long Gallery, partake in some dancing in the Saloon, and have a game or two in the Drawing Room."
There are different spaces in The Children's Country House Museum - which celebrate the escapades and challenges of childhood across the centuries.
Visitors can take a lesson in a Victorian Classroom and learn about childhood through the ages, or head to The Book Jungle - a second-hand shop selling pre-loved items, such as books, toys and clothing.
There is also the Mystery Rooms Experience, which is a child-led escape room based during World War Two.
The Sun also recently revealed The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks.
Plus, the top 25 activities for a perfect day out, according to kids – including going in a hot air balloon & 'riding to the Moon'.
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