While the February half term can be a mixed bag when it comes to making plans, come rain or shine, children love a play area!
Some of the best playgrounds can be found right on your doorstep but if you’re out and about and venturing further afield for the half term break, why not check out some of the playgrounds at English Heritage sites?
As well as picking out some of the ones to visit, you can also save on your spend with our offer on membership. Check it out here.
Dover Castle has a new playground, inspired by the castle’s new visitor attraction, Dover Castle Under Siege. Visit, and you can step into the world of siege warfare through interactive play. Think you’ve got what it takes to defend the castle? Test your skills as you squeeze through wooden tunnels, scale walls, and even fire a mighty wooden trebuchet. Watch out for that fire outbreak! Use the buckets scattered around to put out the flames. See more about Dover Castle and plan your day.
The playground at Battle Abbey, the site of the Battle of Hastings, is near the café and based on 11th century life. Carved from wood, the playground features all sorts of fun play structures based on the theme of 1066, including climbable barrels, carts and an enormous wooden ox. Check it out right here on the English Heritage website.
Release your inner wild child at the Belsay Wild Man play area, which features towering climbing frames, winding slides, swings and lots more to explore. There’s also a dedicated area for toddlers. It’s tucked away in the woodland and right beside the refurbished cafe in the old coach house. Make your plans for going wild via this website link.
Situated near the café, the Wrest Park playground is inspired by Wrest Park itself, with climbing frames, a slide and even a mini wooden pavilion to climb and explore. For daring adventurers there is a superb zip wire to ride on, but there’s plenty here to keep kids of all aged entertained. Want to know more? Simply click here.
Nestled in the woodland by Witley Court, you’ll find the Wilderness play area. Kids will love brilliant wooden adventure playground complete with a tree-house, slides, scramble net and wobbly bridge. Younger children can also explore the nature-inspired musical instruments and wooden animal rides. Get inspired here.
Little adventurers will love the natural play trail in Walmer Castle’s woodland walk. Kids can explore so many fun, inspiring structures, from giant acorns and wooden leaves to wobbly bridges and giant swings within the woodland trail. Look out for hollow tree trunks to climb and giant nests to hide in! Check out the attractions right here.
With the cost of living rising and families looking to save money on days out, how about a membership to the sites we’ve mentioned above and many more with English Heritage?
We’ve teamed up with the charity to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships which gives the chance to see its sites in every season.
What’s more English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.
Want to find out more? Simply click here!
Use code AFFNW25 at the checkout.
Offer ends: December 31, 2026.
T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.


