This is a sponsored article on behalf of Historic Royal Palaces.
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the summer break? Stuff that's fun, educational, and allows you to spend precious time together as a family? Then Historic Royal Palaces membership is exactly what you're after.
With Historic Royal Palaces family membership, you can bring up to six(!) little or not-so-little ones — kids aged 5 to 15 are included — to explore the incredible royal palaces managed by the charity as many times as you like. That's unlimited adventures at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace, as well as Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland, should you fancy venturing beyond the capital.
What's more, you get 15 months' membership for the price of 12 when you pay by annual direct debit. So that's next year's summer hols sorted, too (not to mention Easter, Christmas, and half-term...)
So, just what sort of things could you be getting up to with Historic Royal Palaces this summer? We've rounded up our top five family-friendly activities to help get you started.
The Magic Garden — Hampton Court Palace
Meet mythical beasts, storm the battlements, and explore a secret grotto at Hampton Court Palace's Magic Garden. Set within the grounds of the stunning Tudor residence, this epic children's playground is the perfect place for the kids to let their imaginations run riot — and to let off some steam — after an action-packed day discovering the drama and intrigue of court life.
Time Explorers — Tower of London
Turn your tots into time-travelling heroes at the Tower of London this summer. With the free Time Explorers app they take on a range of digital missions — from helping to free imperilled prisoners, to defending the tower against Norman invaders. Throughout August, you can also witness one of history’s greatest prison escapes — a reenactment of John Gerard abseiling down the Salt Tower.
A Royal Childhood — Kensington Palace
It's common for kids to dream of becoming a prince or princess, but can being a young heir to the throne be a bit of a poisoned chalice? Uncover the highs and lows of Queen Victoria's childhood at Kensington Palace's new permanent exhibition, before venturing further back in time on a digital mission to learn all about Georgian Court. While you're in the area, don't forget to swing by the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens for some Peter Pan-themed playtime.
The Great Pagoda And Georgian Cookery — Kew Palace
Get to grips with Georgian cookery in The Royal Kitchens, as Kew Palace's history chefs whip up a few tasty treats from the days of yore. Then work off those apple dumplings and 'mutton chops in disguise' with a climb up The Great Pagoda, a 253-step structure with spectacular views of London — perfect for a quick game of I spy. You will need to buy tickets to Kew Gardens to access Kew Palace, but your membership gets you 10% off — and once you're in, access to both the palace and pagoda is free.
The Maze — Hampton Court Palace
Split up into teams and see who can complete the UK's oldest hedge maze the fastest back at Hampton Court Palace. Commissioned circa 1700 by William III, this labyrinth has plenty of twist, turns, and dead ends to bamboozle young and old visitors alike.
Historic Royal Palaces annual family membership starts at £76 for an adult and up to six 5-15 year-olds. Click here for more information and to discover the full perks.
