Ghostly Thrills
Hampton Court
There's so much for families to see and do at Hampton Court, the Tudor royal palace on the banks of the River Thames.
Interest young history buffs by showing them the place where King Charles I was held prisoner but escaped through the garden onto a waiting boat on the River Thames! You could also visit the Haunted Gallery, said to be inhabited by the ghost of Catherine Howard! Older kids will love the exhibition of Young King Henry VIII - imagine what it was like to be a young king! Why not send the more energetic youngsters to get lost in the Hampton Court Maze… and at the end of a day full of activities, families are welcome in the Tiltyard Café - keep an eye out for their family meal deals. Family tickets to visit the Palace, maze and the garden cost £37. For events and online booking see their website.
Just a stone’s throw from Hampton Court is Bushy Park, second largest of the Royal Parks and home to more than 300 deer. Why not go for a cycle ride on their many paths or take along your binoculars to spot lots of wildlife including fallow deer, heron, woodpeckers, toads and newts! See their website for more information.
Ham House
This unique 17th century mansion built on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond is said to be haunted! Rich in history and atmosphere, Ham House was largely created by the charismatic Duchess of Lauderdale, who was deeply embroiled in the politics of the English Civil War. It is said that the Duchess still haunts the house today, along with a number of other ghostly inhabitants.
Families can get a fright with a one hour tour to discover some of Ham’s former residents who have never left! Ghost tours take place at 12pm on the 11 and 18 August.
Wallingford Museum
Explore the remains of Wallingford Castle, built by the Normans and demolished by Cromwell in the 17th century after the Civil War, followed by a visit to the Wallingford Museum.
You can get ‘In touch with our Ancestors’ - a chance for the whole family to touch, see and even smell the past! This year the museum takes a step back further to get a view of the daily life of our ancestors over the centuries – what they ate and drank, what their homes were like, how they kept clean (or didn’t!) and even how they communicated without the use of mobiles, emails or even a postal system. Watch out for the skeleton!
The children can have a go at being a Time Detective - digging up the past in the museum’s ‘discover it’ sandpit, creating their own Roman mosaic, or colouring in the costume sheets. For more information on exciting and fun filled activities see their website. Adult tickets cost £4 and children accompanying adults go free.
Basildon Park
Why not visit Basildon Park, a grand 18th-century Palladian mansion saved from ruin and lovingly restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s. Set in glorious parkland overlooking the River Thames, there is a fine collection of paintings, furniture and textiles to admire. Did you know the house featured in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice?
This summer the park plays host to an array of fun filled and exciting activities especially for families. Why not explore hidden nature at the park, with surprise around every corner! For more information see the National Trust website. Entrance to the house and garden costs £13.60 for a family ticket.
Blasts from the past at Cliveden!
'Blasts From The Past', from 6 – 7 September, 11am – 4.30pm - is a spectacular 2 day living history extravaganza held annually at Cliveden. There will be hundreds of experts portraying thousands of years of history, re-enactments, skirmishes, music and fashion throughout the ages will be replicated, sure to enthrall history buffs, young and old alike. Covering civilisations from the Ancient Greeks to the 1940s. Adult tickets cost £12 for non NT members, £5 for NT members. Children cost £6 for non NT members, £2.50 for NT members.