Looking for ways to make memories with your loved ones that will last a lifetime?
It’s a challenge that every parent and guardian has faced at some point, trying to find something that everyone will enjoy, that kids of all ages can appreciate and grandparents can enjoy too…and let’s be honest…
The so-called “family-friendly” tourist attractions are often just expensive, overcrowded places.
The issue:
Theme parks and attractions can be tiring, disappointing and can leave you strapped for cash. The good news is there’s a whole world of estate activities that families never get told about.
Hidden gem estate activities have something way more valuable than rides or big brands.
Why Estate Activities Beat Commercial Attractions
The first secret to a great family day out is to go somewhere that’s different. Estate activities offer something that commercial, brand name attractions never could.
It’s authenticity.
According to new research, 81% of families prefer to visit destinations with family-friendly activities, but most still end up circling the same boring options.
Here’s why estate activities are so special:
Estate attractions are different because they offer real experiences. Families get to step back in time, learn old skills, and connect with history in a way that a modern theme park simply cannot match.
Estate attractions, like the Apley Estate for example, often have centuries of family heritage on display, which is brought to life through interactive activities that keep all ages engaged.
These activities are almost always different to the standard tourist attractions because:
- There are far smaller crowds – less waiting around, more time to enjoy the activities
- Kids learn without even realising they’re learningThey’re genuinely for all generations.
- Think of something you would enjoy that a 3-year-old could also do.
- No such thing at a theme park, but lots of examples at estates
- They’re much better value for money – often significantly cheaper than modern attractions
The result? Estate activities create memories because they’re:
Authentic, fun, hands-on and completely different from day-to-day life.
The Most Fun Estate Activities for Every Age
Want to know what else makes estate activities so special?The range of activities is astonishing. Craft workshops, outdoor adventures, farm activities, and you only need to scratch the surface to find things you never even knew existed.
Historical Reenactments and Living History
Bring kids face-to-face with real history like you’ll never see anywhere else.
Theatrical living history experiences are a highlight of many estate attractions, where costumed characters show children of all ages how things were done many years ago.
Things they can get involved in:
- Knights and castles (obviously)
- Learning about medieval weapons (safely, of course)
- Traditional baking
- Blacksmithing demonstrations
- Historic games and sports
Why it works:
Interactive experiences always win with children. Letting kids hold a traditional weapon, make their own bread, or learn an old game is completely different to modern family entertainment.
Farm and Agricultural Activities
Taking children to a farm where animals are milked and lambs are born is an experience most city kids never get.
Animal feeding sessions, milking demonstrations, seasonal farm activities and traditional farming tool demonstrations all create memories that last a lifetime.
How it works:
Kids learn responsibility, they gain empathy for animals, and these activities are hours of entertainment.
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Exploring the great outdoors combined with the buzz of an adventure activity is a sure-fire way to make memories.
Treasure hunts, orienteering courses and outdoor traditional games are all estate activities you will struggle to find anywhere else.
Why it’s great:
Adventure courses, scrambling games, orienteering courses – none of these modern activities can match exploring vast historic grounds where children have freedom to explore.
Craft Workshops and Traditional Skills
Traditional crafts teach kids the true meaning of a job well done and have been proven to make children feel more accomplished.
Craft workshops teaching skills passed down through generations are a big draw at many estate attractions.
- Pottery with traditional methods
- Weaving and textile crafts
- Wood carving and carpentry
- Bread making
How to Find Hidden Gem Estate Activities
Ok, now you’re thinking you’d love to find some amazing estate activities near you?
It’s the trickiest part as most of the best estate activities aren’t big advertising budgets. Instead, they are run by enthusiasts who just focus on giving you an excellent experience.
Start with Your National Historic House Association
Every country has some kind of historic house association, and most have a list of member properties. These are usually historic houses open to the public and many offer unique family activities.
Look for Working Estates
These are working farms or estates that still actively manage their land or produce food. Working estates often provide the most authentic family activities because they need to diversify their income to keep going, so they create genuine activities rather than artificial attractions.
Check Seasonal Events
Seasonal events are a great way to get to know estates in your local area because different seasons give different reasons to visit the same estate. Think spring lambing events, summer harvest festivals, autumn days out and winter celebrations.
Try Social Media Discovery
Use Instagram and Facebook search to find estate activities in your local area. Search hashtags for where you live plus terms like “heritage” or “family activities.”
Planning Your Perfect Estate Adventure
Ok, now we’ve got your interest, what can you do to make your estate activity day out extra special?
Do Your Research
The golden rule is always to look up what activities are happening when you plan to visit. Most estates have different activities on different days and many need advance booking.
New research shows that families are tired of commercial attractions and 59% are looking for alternatives, which is driving an 11.5% annual increase in the family entertainment center market.
Plan for the Weather
Estate activities are often outdoor experiences. Check the weather and make sure you are all dressed appropriately. Most places have indoor alternatives or covered spaces for wet weather.
Bring the Right Equipment
You may need special clothing or equipment for certain activities. Closed toe shoes and an old t-shirt for farm activities and craft workshops and a warm jacket and trainers for exploring are all musts.
Allow Plenty of Time
Estate visits are not about rushing from one thing to the next, the magic is in wandering at your own pace, asking questions and getting really involved.
Did you know? Many estates have annual membership programs where you pay a small fee to get unlimited visits plus reduced rates for special events. It can work out cheaper than a one-off visit.
Making Memories That Last
Estate activities are all about experiences that are increasingly rare in our digital, screen-based world.
The hard truth is that
Theme parks can give temporary thrills, but estate activities give long-lasting memories. Memories of holding a newborn lamb, making something with their own hands and feeling proud, or exploring hidden passages in an old building.
Educational opportunities are also incredible. History becomes alive when you are standing in a medieval kitchen. Science makes more sense when you see traditional farming practices.
Discovering Your Local Hidden Gems
Your local hidden gems are probably closer than you think.
That house you drive past every day, or the park you never visit because it always seems busy? Chances are they have family experiences that will blow you away.
The first step is to make a list of historic properties in an hour’s drive from where you live. Visit their websites, follow them on social media and sign up for their newsletters. You will be amazed at the number of activities available right on your doorstep.
Family estate activities are not just about entertainment, they are about connecting. Connecting to history, to nature, to traditional crafts and skills and most of all, with each other.
So…
Are you ready to start exploring your local hidden gems?Your next family adventure is just an estate away and the experiences on offer are completely different to the run-of-the-mill commercial attractions.
