February half term is here! Here are the English Heritage sites our Mumsnet users recommend visiting

February half term can provide the perfect opportunity for some family fun. With winter winds easing up and the promise of spring on the horizon, it’s also a great chance to make some memories in the great outdoors.

As parents, it can be tough to find things that will engage the whole family and get them outdoors and active. Which is why becoming an English Heritage member is so worthwhile.

With over 400 amazing sites, including opulent palaces, castle ruins and acres of elegant gardens, there’s so much to explore. Your little ones (or not so little ones) can enjoy picturesque views and enjoy an immersive trip back through England’s rich history.

The grassed grounds can provide the perfect spot for picnics in the sun, while the lavish estates, educational displays, and indoor play areas can keep everyone entertained come rain or shine.

Plus, this half term sees Half Term History Makers come to various sites across the country. The series of events are designed for families and promise 'heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans.' And if you book online this February half term, you can save 15%!

Many of our Mumsnetters are members of the English Heritage, sharing on our Talk boards the sites they love the most and highlighting their spaces for little ones that are great value for money.

“We love archaeology and ruins so use EH, but mostly on holiday”, DinosApple shared. “Last year we did Northumberland and visited lots along Hadrian's wall. But Audley End is a stately home and not far from my parents, with lovely gardens, house and cafe.”

“EH don't charge for children,” Meceme added. “Each adult member can bring up to six under 18s free of charge. Useful if your children want to bring friends on your day out!”

If you’re still scratching your head for half term plans, we’ve rounded up our Mumsnetters’ top English Heritage picks that could provide the perfect day out.

1. Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire

• Dates: Saturday 15th February to Saturday 23rd February, 2025

• Opening times: 10am to 4pm 

• What’s on: Join storytellers as they excite and delight with epic and gothic tales of magic, monsters and treasure!

• Book now: Book your visit to Whitby Abbey online and save 15% 

They say Yorkshire is God's own county, and Whitby Abbey certainly showcases its unspoilt beauty. Once a 7th-century Christian monastery, it later became a Benedictine Abbey and the ruins dominate the East Cliff headland with incredible views over the seaside town and the North Sea. 

Whitby Abbey has even provided inspiration for classic literature, and features as the location where Count Dracula came ashore after his travels at sea. 

Visitors can wander through the ruins and take in the spectacular scenery, and over half term, families can play dress up as historical characters and take part in fun games and activities as part of the site's Half Term History Makers. There’ll also be storytellers around the Abbey, who’ll be sharing gothic stories of magic, monsters and treasure that are sure to excite all ages. 

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2. Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth, Warwickshire

• Dates: Saturday 15th February to Saturday 23rd February, 2025

• Opening times: 10am to 4pm 

• What’s on: Discover the legend of Robin Hood through performances and archery sessions, plus learn about Henry VIII’s dramatic reign and his connection to the castle.

• Book now: Save 15% on your next trip to Kenilworth Castle

The impressive Kenilworth Castle is located in the town of Kenilworth in Warwickshire. The castle was founded after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and underwent further development in the Tudor period. The remains hold plenty of tales of bloody battles and even romantic seduction. 

It served as a medieval fortress but was later gifted by Elizabeth the 1st to the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley - who is thought to have splashed the cash on the property in a bid to impress her. He also created the Elizabethan Gardens in her name, which have been recreated and are full of botanical beauty and pathways. 

Visitors can tour Elizabeth I's private rooms, and explore the full height of the tower to enjoy stunning views. During half term, the site throws a week of Half Term History Makers, which allows families to learn about the legend of Robin Hood and even take part in archery sessions.

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3. Eltham Palace, Eltham, Greenwich

• Dates: Saturday 15th February to Saturday 23rd February, 2025

• Opening times: 10am to 4pm 

• What’s on: Discover the legend of Robin Hood through interactive performances and archery sessions, plus experience “What-ho Henry”, a lively show about Henry VIII’s dramatic reign and his connection to the castle.

• Book now: Save 15% on your next visit to Eltham Palace and Gardens

If you’re visiting the capital, Eltham is tucked away in a leafy southeast London suburb and home to the opulent Eltham Palace and Gardens. What was once a medieval castle and then a Tudor royal residence from the 14th to the 16th-century, the palace received an art deco makeover when it was snapped up by millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s. 

There are 19 acres of gardens to explore, as well as family trails, and the incredible medieval hall. You can soak up the Courtauld's eccentric decor style and even try on a range of period costumes. 

The wooden play area provides entertainment for little ones, while the Eltham Animal Explorer Trail has a kid-friendly audio guide. Plus, they also host Half Term History Makers during the holiday period, where families can meet Anne and George Boleyn as they learn about Anne's rise at the Tudor Court. You can even try your hand at courtly etiquette or dance and see if you can get noticed by Queen Anne Boleyn.

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4. Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex

• Dates: Saturday 15th February to Saturday 23rd February, 2025

• Opening times: 10am - 4pm

• What’s on: Experience life in service by attending Butler School where kids can learn what life was like up and downstairs via fun, interactive activities.

• Book now: Book online to visit Audley End and save 15% 

Regarded as one of England's greatest mansions, Audley End House and Gardens is a 17th-century country house that sits outside of Saffron Walden in Essex. 

You can explore the lavish state rooms, the striking great hall, as well as the servants' wing and kitchen garden. The grounds are perfect for roaming, and there are even working stables, as well as a restored 1830s Nursery Wing with indoor play for kids.

During the holidays, Half Term History Makers offers fun for the whole family, including trying your hand at Butler School and testing your folding skills and etiquette tips.

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5. Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens, Belsay, Northumberland

• Dates: Saturday 22nd February to Sunday 2nd March, 2025

• Opening times: 10am - 4pm

• What’s on: Heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans for all the family to enjoy together.

• Book now: Visit Belsay Hall Castle this half term and save 15% 

If you're in the northeast, Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens is one of the must-see spots of Northumberland. You can explore the medieval castle that's been brought back to life with soundscapes and projections, or step inside the Georgian hall which was inspired by the temples of Ancient Greece after Sir Charles Monck spent his honeymoon in Greece and Italy.

Discover the old cooking range and fireplaces in the 18th-century wing or enjoy the elaborate medieval wall paintings that adorn the walls of the rooms.

The 30 acres of gardens include open space near the castle, the formal gardens and the beloved Quarry Garden, which have a Jurassic feel and are inspired by Sir Charles' travel adventures. 

During half term, you can take part in the site's Half Term History Makers, which promises plenty of heritage-inspired hijinks and family fun.

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6. Dover Castle, Dover, Kent

• Dates: Saturday 15th February to Saturday 23rd February, 2025

• Opening times: 10am - 4pm

• What’s on: Step back in time to experience the Victorian era’s first moving images through a lantern show.  

• Book now: Save 15% when you book your next Dover Castle visit online

Sitting proudly atop the cliffs of Dover is the iconic Dover Castle, one of England's most famed fortresses. It dates back to the 1180s when King Henry II commissioned the building, and over the years has undergone various transformations to adapt to the changing threat of warfare. 

Not only does it offer incredible views across the English channel, but there is also a network of secret tunnels where Operation Dynamo was masterminded. The Great Tower is like a celebration of medieval decor, while the new Under Siege experience explains the tale of the 1216-1217 siege and how Dover Castle helped stop the throne falling into the hands of the French.

The site is set up with families, with plenty of activities for kids. There is  also 80 acres of open countryside to explore, as well as a new siege-themed play area. During the holidays, the Half Term History Makers events let visitors witness the first ever moving images and experience the magic that enthralled audiences. 

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7. Brodsworth Hall, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

• Dates: Saturday 15th February to Saturday 23rd February, 2025

• Opening times: 10am - 4pm

• What’s on: Storytellers will bring Alice in Wonderland to life through storytelling and creative activities and families can create their own wonderland creatures and dress up as characters. 

• Book now: Save 15% when you book your trip to Brodsworth Hall online

Brodsworth Hall in Doncaster is a sight to behold. It was first built in the 1860s for the Thellusson family but fell into disrepair and ruin when they lost their vast wealth. It was lovingly restored following the death of the last owner in 1988 and is now considered one of the great surviving examples of a Victorian country house in England.

The home is designed in the Italianate style of the 1860s and some of the original features can still be seen. The gardens have also been restored to their Victorian heyday, and are perfect for family walks or games on the grass.

If you're in need of some replenishment, the quaint tea room serves up delicious Yorkshire food using the best locally sourced produce. 

During half term, the Half Term History Makers will treat guests to Victorian storytellers who will bring the story of  Alice in Wonderland to life, and a chance to dress up as your favourite characters and unleash your creative side with arts and crafts.

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How much is an English Heritage membership?

You can become a member from just £42 a year, which is superb value as membership unlocks access to over 400 historic sites across the UK. The best part? Kids go free when accompanied with an adult, and you can bring up to six kids under 18. 

Enjoy incredible value with every membership: 

• Free entry: Explore hundreds of castles, houses, and historic landmarks

• Kids go free: Bring up to six children under 18 at no extra cost

• Free parking at most sites

• Exclusive event access with free access or member discounts

You can also make use of the free Handbook, Members' Magazine and Members' Updates e-newsletters to plan your next adventure, and a membership helps to protect heritage sites for generations to come.

About English Heritage

English Heritage is a charity that cares for and protects hundreds of historic sites across England. Whether they're world-famous or hidden local gems, the sites provide a window into the past and the perfect day out for the whole family. An annual membership is £42 and can include up to six children under 18 per adult. Plus, the money goes towards preserving and protecting these beautiful sites for a long future.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products, services and events that are worth your purchase. As a mother herself, she knows all too well how hard it can be to plan Christmas events with children. So, you can trust that she’s fully invested in making sure you receive the best recommendations.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.