Grand palaces and historic castles may enchant adults, but they don’t always hold the same appeal for young travelers. While the fairy-tale towers and royal stories seem perfect for children — especially those in a Disney Princess phase — many castle visits can quickly turn into quiet tours of hallways lined with priceless antiques. For energetic kids, that’s a recipe for boredom.
As a parent of two, I’ve learned that the key to a successful castle visit is finding places where children can explore, play, and burn off energy. Some historic sites have embraced this idea, offering interactive attractions and themed play areas alongside their historic treasures. These features make the visit enjoyable for kids while still satisfying history-loving parents.
Once home to Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace has mastered the art of blending history with hands-on fun. Alongside seasonal events like arts and food festivals, this summer’s highlight is a Peter Rabbit-themed trail through the gardens — famous in their own right as a filming location for “Bridgerton.”
The standout for families is the Magic Garden, a massive playground filled with palace-inspired structures. Children can climb a dragon, splash in the water play zone, dig in a sandpit, and explore towers with crenelated walls. During weekends and school breaks, a snack kiosk sells ice cream, while the Tiltyard Cafe offers kid-friendly meals and adult options at reasonable prices.
Admission starts at £28 (about $37) for adults, £14 for children over five, and free for those under four. The palace is located in Richmond, about 12 miles southwest of central London, with train service from Waterloo taking roughly 35 minutes.
In Kent, just south of London, Hever Castle offers another child-friendly experience. Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later owned by William Waldorf Astor, the castle grounds feature an enormous castle-shaped playground complete with a working drawbridge. The structure, the size of a small house, is packed with ladders, tunnels, and climbing challenges that invite endless exploration.
A summer favorite is the water maze, where stepping stones across a pond can spray unsuspecting visitors. The goal is to reach the central tower without getting wet, but many children find more joy in triggering the water jets to soak their parents. Seasoned visitors know to bring a change of clothes for the whole family.
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