Fun for all in England’s Historic Cities

England’s Historic Cities are the perfect destinations for families! Don’t believe us, take a look below at what each of our stunning cities have to offer!  

Try Paddleboarding in Bath. 

Stand-up paddleboarding is the world’s fastest-growing sport, so why not give it a go at the Bath Paddleboard Centre?! With no prior experience necessary, this fun outdoor pursuit will see you and your group travelling down the River Avon at your leisure, providing an excellent way to admire the stunning Bath scenery! Learn more here.  

Explore the diverse nature that calls the Cambridge University Botanic Garden home… 

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is an active research facility that boasts over 8,000 plant and tree specimens, alongside family-friendly countless activities ranging from crafts to educational workshops! If you need a break, be sure to stop at the onsite Garden Café which sits at the heart of the Sainsbury Laboratory, where you can enjoy stunning baked goods and beverages amongst the stunning surroundings. Learn more here.   

Or take a walk on the wild side at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury! 

Home to over 390 animals, Kent’s original wildlife park features the county’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and much, much more. Plus, it is a breeding centre for rare and endangered animal species and a conservation charity meaning income from tourism is reinvested into the wellbeing of animals both now and in the future! You can easily make a day of your visit at Howletts Zoo given its countless number of restrooms and food and beverage facilities, all featuring menus made with freshly grown, local produce! Plan your visit here today.   

Give bouldering a in Carlisle at Eden Rock in Carlisle, one of the UK’s biggest and best indoor bouldering facilities! 

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing in which the participants do not wear harnesses or use ropes, so it revolves around low yet challenging and complex routes known as problems. Regardless of whether you are a total beginner or seasoned pro, the problems at Eden Rock promise a rewarding challenge for all! Plus, there is a dedicated Kid’s Room for the youngest climbers. When off the wall, why not consider visiting the eco-friendly café to sit back and relax, or indulge in some specialist equipment at the onsite climbing store? 

Another firm-family favourite is located in Chester – the world-famous Chester Zoo!  

With over 35,000 animals situated across 128 acres of zoological gardens, Chester Zoo makes for endless discoveries and an excellent family day out! The UK’s most visited zoo is also a conservation and education charity that is committed to preventing extinction! Hungry? Visit one of their countless onsite eateries, and maybe indulge in some retail therapy at one of their many souvenir shops. Did we mention that it is extremely accessible for prams and wheelchairs too? Learn more here.  

Step back into the past and discover the wealth of history on offer at The British Museum in London.  

Exhibiting over two million years of human history and culture, The British Museum promises a fulfilling educational day out! The museum has prepared a range of Explorer Trails, aimed at younger guests aged 3 and upwards, taking them on fascinating journeys of exploration and discovery around the museum’s exhibits and galleries with objects to find, questions to answer and ideas to discuss. Packs include ‘Africa around the world’, ‘Ancient Britain’ and ‘Time to Count’. Did we mention that prams and buggies are permitted, and there are baby changing and child-friendly eating facilities on site!  Discover more here.  

Marvel at The Magic Corner Experience in Durham, with a modern magic show courtesy of Tom Bolton! 

Interested in magic since the age of 6, Tom Bolton is a well-known magician who has recently been accepted into the prestigious Magic Circle based in London in the UK. His show, The Magic Corner Experience, sees guests touring the so-called Magic Corner and experiencing his stunning, modern magic first-hand! The show, which runs every day of the week, is guaranteed to leave guests amazed and astonished! Discover more here. 

You could visit Eltham Palace and Gardens in Greenwich afterwards too! 

Boasting 19 acres of award-winning gardens, a striking Art Deco mansion and an animal explorer trail, Eltham Palace & Gardens offers the perfect combination of cultural immersion and fresh space to relax and play! In fact, the attraction even boasts a wooden outdoor play area inspired by the Courtauld’s exotic world travels, providing the perfect location to burn off excess energy! What’s more, there are countless family events happening onsite throughout the year. Click here to find out more.  

An alternative place to discover history and play at the same time is Sizergh, located near Lancaster! 

This converted National Trust site boasts a beautiful medieval house with rich gardens and estate and has been home to the Strickland family for over 800 years! The 1,600-acre estate offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including wetland, woodland and orchards, as well as an herbaceous border, rock garden and stumpery. The joy of Sizergh is that there is something new to see each time you visit! Did you know that you can also bring your dog to Sizergh? Learn more here. 

Visit what is, quite possibly, the best trampolining and inflatable park on the planet in Lincoln! 

With over 30,000 square feet of indoor, spring-loaded urban park to explore, Jump Inc. promises to provide fun, excitement and an adrenaline rush to everyone, whether they are 1 or 100! The hybrid-mega park features obstacles and activities including Free Fall, Tumble Tracks, Slam Dunk Lanes and Wipe Out Balls and more! Plus, the dedicated Toddler Zone allows the youngest explorers to try their hand at the inflatable and trampolining activities in a 100% secure way, whereas the Ninja obstacle course is perfect for the thrill-seekers amongst us. Read more here.  

Create a story in Oxford at The Story Museum  

Located in the heart of Oxford, this innovative museum revels in the power of stories! With magical zones including the Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, City of Stories film experience, and the Small Worlds gallery which is designed specifically for children. Learn more about this unique Oxford attraction here.  

Visit the River Bourne Community Farm to learn about a wide range of farm animals!  

Free to visit (at the time of writing), the 5-acre farmyard is jam-packed with things to see and do! As well as admiring the wide variety of farm animals, birds and small mammals, why not indulge in ice cream at the onsite café, or amble down one of the three nature trails onsite? Learn more about River Bourne Community Farm here. 

Express your creative side at the UK’s only mechanical art venue, located in Stratford-upon-Avon!  

Stratford-upon-Avon’s MAD Museum boasts a huge variety of eccentric artworks, contraptions, and machines to interact with! What’s more, there are free family activity sheets and craft facilities to sketch the exhibits on display, allowing your youngsters to develop their skills in physics, maths and design! Did we mention that under 5s are FREE (at the time of writing)? Learn more here.  

In Truro, you could go trekking with a llama! Interested? Read more below! 

Llama Lland prides itself on its 3-hour-long, fully guided llama walks! Before embarking on your voyage, you will meet all of their jolly llamas and choose the one which you feel best suits your personality. After this, you will stroll with your new-found-friend across the quaint farm and 1000-year-old woods, allowing for peace and tranquillity, stunning vistas, and friendly animals all in one package! After finishing the walk, participants are afforded lunch, drinks, and a Cornish cream tea. Participants of all ages are welcome on the tours, but only older participants are allowed control of a llama for animal welfare reasons. Discover more about your future Llama Lland experience here.   

Near to Worcester, the Little Owl Farm Park allows for endless animal fun regardless of the weather!  

From foxes to pheasants, and meerkats to reindeer, there are lots of exciting and unusual animals waiting to be met at the Little Owl Farm Park! Plus, if the weather is up to its usual tricks, the indoor exhibits leave little to be desired, featuring newly hatched chicks, rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as a brand-new soft play area, cafeteria and sandpits. Sound good? Read more here.  

And last but not least, visit the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre in York! 

Welcoming over 19 million people in the past 35 years, the JORVIK Viking Centre offers guests state-of-the-art galleries showcasing unique Viking artefacts, as well as an innovative ride experience highlighting how life would have been in the Viking era, complete with the sights, sounds and smells of that time! Animatronics and touch screen display truly help the JORVIK experience to come to life! Did we mention that the JORVIK Viking Centre won VisitEngland’s BEST TOLD STORY award in 2017? Learn more here.  

We hope that this blog has inspired you to visit some of the outstanding family-friendly attractions in our wonderful historic cities when it is once again safe to do so! Be sure to visit the England Originals site for more historic city inspiration!