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

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

The Sun22-05-2025
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.
5
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.
5
5
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.
5
"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'.
5
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Villagers whose country idyll was 'destroyed' by traveller site overnight furious after family submits retrospective permission to make site permanent and some are even considering moving
Villagers whose country idyll was 'destroyed' by traveller site overnight furious after family submits retrospective permission to make site permanent and some are even considering moving

Daily Mail​

time5 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Villagers whose country idyll was 'destroyed' by traveller site overnight furious after family submits retrospective permission to make site permanent and some are even considering moving

A luxurious property has gone on the market just weeks after an illegal travellers' site appeared on its doorstep. The stunning four-bedroom detached bungalow – priced at offers around £950,000 – is less than 150 yards from the caravan park, which is built on green belt land and without planning permission. Set in 3.5 acres of rural land, the high-specification property includes stables and a hot tub area, perfect for entertaining friends. Estate agents Stapleton Derby described the home as: 'Set within a peaceful rural location and offering superb access to all major motorway connections. 'This absolutely stunning, newly built four-bedroom detached bungalow presents a rare opportunity to acquire a luxurious home with its own equestrian facilities and expansive land. 'Designed with elegance and practicality in mind, the property is a true sanctuary, combining high-end finishes with thoughtful architectural detail. 'Externally, the front of the property welcomes you with a charming courtyard and ample parking for multiple vehicles. 'To the rear, a private oasis awaits, featuring patios, a hot tub, decking with seating areas, an Astro turf lawn, and a large pergola with its own bar and social space —perfect for entertaining or unwinding in style.' The current owners made the decision to sell as villagers fear the caravan camp, which sprung up in May – will knock hundreds of thousands of pounds off property prices. Rex Bennett, 78, said: 'Judging from past experiences of travellers' sites appearing close by, house prices will definitely fall. 'I've lived here nearly 40 years, and it's happened before when travellers' site spring up. 'The value of people's houses will fall and the owners lose money. 'Whether the reasons are justified or not, no one would choose to live near a caravan site.' He added: 'I haven't heard of anyone having trouble with the travellers but that doesn't make what they have done right. 'They have been very clever about how they have gone about building it. 'Turning up on a Bank Holiday weekend, knowing full well they wouldn't be stopped. 'It was very well thought out.' Stephen Holgate, 55, said: 'I don't have a problem with the site but then again, I don't have to live next to it. 'I'm not sure how I'd feel if they were my neighbours.' The travellers tore up the protected six-acre greenbelt plot, in Burtonwood, Cheshire, in just 72 hours – covering it in hardstanding and erecting a 10ft perimeter fence. The site located between Tan House Lane and Farmer's Lane was lit up like 'Blackpool Illuminations' at night according to one neighbour. Warrington Borough Council said it was aware of the 'potential breach of planning control' and vowed to 'take strong enforcement action within the legal framework.' A retrospective application has been submitted seeking full planning permission for a change of use of land associated with Tan House Farm. The documents state the change of use is for a gypsy and traveller residential site, with four pitches and associated landscaping, and the installation of a farm gate to a footpath on the corner of Tan House Lane and Farmers Lane. Applicant John Varey said the pitches can accommodate a mix of 16 caravans and mobile homes, occupied by Romani gypsies. The report added: 'All of the proposed occupants grew up in nomadic families and have continued to follow that way of life. The families travel in caravans for work and to attend fairs. 'The site is in the greenbelt, however, the land represents 'grey belt', and on that basis, the development is not necessarily inappropriate within the green belt.' Planning documents continued: 'The proposed site provides four gypsy and traveller pitches which are safe, well-designed, and ensure that the site will be private and provide a favourable living environment. 'The proposals include substantial planting and screening, which will result in an on-site biodiversity net gain 'The site will be well screened and capable of integrating with the area, which is characterised by farmland and some other pockets of residential development. 'The site is already connected to water, and connection to the electricity grid is proposed and achievable. 'The package treatment plant and welfare units facilitate the effective management of foul waste. 'The entire site remains permeable, ensuring that surface water will soak away, and the site is well drained with a ditch along the northern boundary. 'Given the families' lack of alternative accommodation, their living standards have been greatly improved since moving onto the application site.' Villagers have already expressed concerns that a metal gate has been installed on a public right-of-way. The planning document read: 'The metal gate is 3.6m, and a 1.2m gap is left to the right-hand side for pedestrians which enables continued access to the public right of way. 'The road is owned by the applicant and the gate is locked with a padlock. For reasons relating to fly-tipping and security, we would argue that the gate should be approved as part of the planning application.' The council has been inundated with objections by villagers. One objector wrote: 'The land has been destroyed without any planning permission, our greenbelt completely vandalised with absolutely no regard to the rules or residents. 'It is absolutely disgusting that this has been allowed to happen.' Another said: 'The site has damaged the natural beauty of the area and transformed once green belt land into a caravan park. 'Not only this, but a footpath has been obstructed with little to no consideration for anyone who plans to use this regularly used route. 'Failure to reject this planning application will only lead to further exploitation of the system in similar ways around the area, which will seriously damage an area of considerable natural beauty and wildlife.' But one letter of support read: 'I have spoken with some of the people on the caravan park at the village café. 'They were polite, friendly, and explained the situation of Warrington having no caravan sites for them to live on. I am happy with them being there. It is better than them on our parks.' The council is expected to reach a decision on the retrospective planning application later in the year.

Hollywood A-lister's sprawling UK mansion with THREE private islands hits market for £4.5m – can you guess famous owner?
Hollywood A-lister's sprawling UK mansion with THREE private islands hits market for £4.5m – can you guess famous owner?

The Sun

time5 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Hollywood A-lister's sprawling UK mansion with THREE private islands hits market for £4.5m – can you guess famous owner?

A HOLLYWOOD legend has put his sprawling UK mansion, complete with three private islands, up for sale for an eye-watering £4.5million. The Oxfordshire home has been dubbed an "enchanted paradise", coming with a whopping 17 acres of land and direct access to the Thames river. 3 3 The property is on the market with Savills for a hefty price point, but has a legacy of famous residents. The home is currently owned by Hollywood royalty, Tim Burton, who bought the Georgian country home with his then-partner Helena Bonham Carter, in 2006. Mill House also previously belonged to Bonham Carter's great-grandfather, the former Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith. Built in 1741, the grade II listed 5,909 square foot home comes complete with a library, drawing room and eight bedrooms. Today, the property still carries its Georgian charm as its decked out with panelled doors, sash windows, original wooden shutters and carved fireplaces. While Burton is famed for his gothic-tinged films, notably being the mind behind Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and most recently, Wednesday, the home's decor remains relatively clean and traditional. For example, the sitting room is adorned with vintage cinema posters, including the 1966 Japanese sci-fi film, The War of the Gargantuas, which he once said his children were "obsessed with, as I was," The Standard reports. Hugh Maconochie, director in Savills' country house department and private office, told The Standard: "Mill House is a quintessential example of an English country house, blending timeless charm with modern comfort. "Of particular note are its wonderful grounds and gardens, which promise the future owner a truly enchanting lifestyle - one that is reminiscent of a Swallows and Amazons adventure." Among the garden's features is a rose terrace with brick paths, a courtyard, a croquet lawn, and even three small islands. Secret drone footage shows LeBron James' $37 million mega-mansion construction overlooking LA ahead of NBA retirement Also, the site offers a pergola-covered walk, and a mill pond and streams. The famed director met Helena Bonham Carter on he set of his 2001 film Planet of the Apes. This marked the beginning of a 13 year relationship, which came to an end in 2014. Burton also sold another property, Eglon House, in 2023 for a staggering £17.5million. The 13,000 square foot home, which was bough by a British media entrepreneur, consisted of two interlinked buildings facing eachother across a courtyard garden. 3

We're ditching the UK for Thailand – we can't wait to leave this ‘miserable' life, all we do is work to pay bills
We're ditching the UK for Thailand – we can't wait to leave this ‘miserable' life, all we do is work to pay bills

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

We're ditching the UK for Thailand – we can't wait to leave this ‘miserable' life, all we do is work to pay bills

A UK FAMILY have set their sights on Thailand after growing tired of the British lifestyle. The Smiths cited the rising cost of living, crime, and the school system as their main motivations for ditching life in the Midlands. 2 Dale Smith told 1.9 million TikTok viewers about his family's upcoming move. He explained that he found a variety of factors have made the UK "not a nice place to live any more". The HGV driver and his wife Kim, 36, are moving with their children Noah, 10, and Molly, eight, in November. They said they want to break away from their monotonous routine and start a new life abroad, embracing the "beautiful scenery" and "incredible food" Thailand has to offer. "I feel like life is just flying by, you wake up on a Monday, you're fed up and you can't wait for the weekend – you're wishing the days away," Dale said. He added that the cost of living is continuing to rise while the UK streets are now "a state". Despite an increase in income following a change in work, Dale said all his extra money is "just going to bills". He compared the never-ending cycle to "banging your head against a brick wall". The couple's children are also excited for the move, eager to begin homeschooling life and leave the British school system. Dale and Kim plan to focus on English and basic maths, as subjects their children enjoy such as history, video editing, and photography. I fled the UK for sunny Dubai - life back home is miserable & no-one has any cash The TikToker added that he hopes his children will "learn new languages and learn about new cultures". He also pointed out that the "terrible" English weather is another push for the family to move abroad. "England is just a miserable place and we're just tired," he told his audience. The family plan to move across the globe with just "nothing but a bag of clothes" and use their savings to support them. They are also in the process of selling their three-bedroom home, their 2015 Ford Focus, and most of their possessions. How easy is it to move abroad? Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move. Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address. Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving. If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre. You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service. If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre. If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools. Dale added that he and Kim have been doing "loads" of research around visa applications, flights, and places they want to visit. He revealed that the they will travel to Bangkok for one week before moving down the coast to Hua Hin. The family will then stay at the scenic beachside district for a few months. Dale has been posting the family's journey on TikTok and YouTube, under the handle @ He described the upcoming new chapter as exciting but scary. More on living abroad Most expats surveyed claim living abroad is one of best decisions they've ever made. And the five things one British expat misses the most about life at home. Another family ditched the UK for Spain, and are loving the sun and relaxed culture. One British couple described themselves as "burnt out zombies" before moving to Bali. Another family left the UK for Cyprus and say they work half as much while still affording a home. 2

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store