You are at the top of the page

Skip to content or footer

Start of main content

Family membership

10 ways to make memories together as a family in iconic palaces

1. Inspire a budding chef with Tudor cookery

Transport your family back to the heyday of Tudor feasting and entertainment in Henry VIII's Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace.

Explore the Wine Cellar, learn about the dishes cooked in the Boiling House, and marvel at the massive fire, complete with cauldrons and roasting spits.

Two young boys enjoying the interactive installations in the Henry VIII's Kitchens.

2. Let imaginations run wild in the Magic Garden

As a member, explore our magical children's playground The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace again and again, for free. Come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and discover the secret grotto.

3. Step in the footprints of kings and queens

Go on an adventure to the past as a family and explore more than 1,000 years of history. Discover how the Norman's built the Tower of London's White Tower and learn about the queens, spies, rebels and pirates that languished in this infamous prison.

Be transported back to Tudor times at the home of Henry VIII, and at Kensington Palace, explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria.

A young teenage girl and her younger sister smile with delight as they look at a replica of a tiara worn by HM The Queen in 1953 during her first ever visit to Hillsborough Castle. The tiara sits on a red velvet cushion with gold trim and is located in the State Dining Room. Green walls and a deep red curtain is visible behind the young girls.
Close up of a child's hands holding a worm at the family mini beast hunt in the kitchen gardens, August 2019.

4. Befriend a bug in our gardens

Why not become a minibeast explorer and go on a creepy-crawly hunt in Hampton Court Palace's Kitchen Garden?

Here's a handy insect spotter's guide to get you started on your search.

5. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Pull on your wellies, get outside and inspire adventures in nature set against the backdrop of 100 acres of glorious grounds at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Look out for kingfishers, ducks and swans as you take a spin around the Lake, wander through peaceful woodland, explore a hidden grotto and hunt for creepy-crawlies in the Walled Garden.

6. Play fight like a medieval knight

Have a go at shooting arrows, brandishing a sword and firing cannon at Armoury in Action, a hands-on experience at the Tower of London. Explore the origins of the White Tower with a Norman master mason and find out if you have what it takes to be a medieval longbowman as you draw back a bow for yourself.

A live interpreter (with a beard) dressed in the armour and heraldry of a 13th century knight, Gilbert de Clare, holding a banner and shouting.
A family (two adults and two children) enjoying The Nest for Everyone sculpture designed by Clive Lyttle. One of the children is standing at the top of the ladder into the nest. Part of the Imaginary Menagerie Robin Trail. The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home. [See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].

7. Follow an animal-inspired play trail

Find sculptures integrated into the landscape, hands-on play and opportunities to watch nature in action with our interactive play trail the Imaginary Menagerie at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. From those pets kept by the castle's past residents, to the wildlife that thrives in the gardens today - Hillsborough has a whole menagerie of animals for you to uncover!

8. Lose yourself in the Maze

Lose yourself in the most famous maze in the world at Hampton Court Palace. Make your way through a labyrinth of confusing twists, turns and dead ends.

The Maze (shot looking down) showing children exploring as part of the Easter hunt.
Family viewing the Polar bear wire model in the Tower of London

9. Imagine life as a medieval zookeeper

Explore the tales of the many exotic animals kept at the Tower, from lions, tigers, monkeys and elephants, to zebras, alligators, bears and kangaroos, in our Royal Beasts exhibition at the Tower of London.

10. Find fun-filled family activities all year round

With an ever-changing programme of events, free or discounted for members, find family activities to put a smile on everyone's face, all year round. 

What's on
A family of two adults and two children enjoy playing and walking on the South Lawn of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in autumn 2019.

Enjoy unlimited adventures in our palaces and historic gardens

A family of four walking with Yeoman Warder Paul Langley and looking around in the Tower of London grounds.

Members go free

Start your adventure today when you become a member of Historic Royal Palaces.

Join by Direct Debit