Landmarks the kids will love
All of our Landmarks are extraordinary in their own way, but some come with that extra sprinkling of magic that make them adored by our younger guests.
Whether it’s a secret tunnel, a former railway or a particularly fairytale-worthy setting, these properties all have that special something guaranteed to unlock children’s imaginations and create some incredible family memories.
Our family-friendly holiday cottages, castles, forts and other escapes all come with their own Explorer Packs, which include a history sheet, recipes, writing and drawing activities, and even a spot of origami. So if you’re looking for exciting adventures to fill the school holidays, then check out these Landmarks which all get the kids’ stamp of approval.
Friendly note: It goes without saying that, like our Landmarks, children come in all shapes and sizes. Some of our properties' features and locations may be exciting for older kids but less safe for the little ones. Please therefore follow your own judgement and supervise children at all times.
Keeper’s Cottage
Perfect for: Woodland folk
This model cottage tucked away in the woods of the Shuttleworth Estate was originally built for Edwardian shooting parties, but these days it’s a quaint little hideaway from which to explore the many family-friendly attractions of the 875-acre park. There are amazing gardens, a woodland sculpture trail, model village estate and an exciting collection of vintage aircraft (look out for special flying days which run from May until October).
Sleeps: Four (one double, one twin)
Frenchman's Creek
Perfect for: Holidays straight out of an Enid Blyton story
Pooh sticks at the ready: this secluded woodland cottage on a Cornish river inlet is the stuff of instant childhood memories. Made famous by Daphne Du Maurier's book of the same name, Frenchman's Creek exists in an enchanting world of its own. Hire boats on along the Helford river, visit the nearby seal sanctuary or simply relax and enjoy the tranquility while the kids splash in the calm waters. You'll never want to leave.
Sleeps: Four (one double, one twin)
Crownhill Fort, Plymouth
Perfect for: Soldier games
Gather the troops for a holiday like no other at this remarkable 19th century fort in Plymouth, complete with grassy ramparts, canons, prison cells and secret underground tunnels for guests to explore. Accommodation for up to eight people is in the Officers’ Quarters, with high vaulted brick ceilings and south-facing views through the large kitchen windows – ideal for keeping an eye on the kids while they’re busy defending the fort from attack.
Sleeps: Eight (one double, one twin, one four-bed)
Alton Station
Perfect for: Railway children
All aboard! Located just a stone’s throw from Alton Towers theme park, this disused train station is an attraction in itself. Incorporating two buildings – the station and its Station Master's House – a stay at Alton means cooking and dining in various waiting rooms and showering in the Lamp or Porters' Room. The Ticket Office has become a double bedroom, while the Station Master's House includes a comfortable library and further bedrooms. The disused Churnet Valley railway track on your doorstep is now a popular cycling route, so kids will love wearing the station master’s hat and blowing the whistle to passers by.
Sleeps: Eight (two doubles, two twins). Three bedrooms are in the Stationmaster's House and one double is in the Station.
Castle of Park
Perfect for: Hide and Seek
An ideal destination for little Lairds and Ladies, this is a true Scottish tower house surrounded by woodlands and fields, built in 1590 and then improved in the 18th century. With rooms stacked up over five floors and connected by multiple winding staircases, many of our guests comment on the tower’s amazing potential for games of Hide and Seek. The wide main stair, in its own tower, has a little room at the top called the cap house, from which you can glimpse the sea.
Sleeps: Seven (one double, two twins, one single)
Kingswear Castle
Perfect for: Pirate Kings and Queens
Tuck into fish and chips on the crenellated roof terrace, watch the boats sailing in and out of the Dart and fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing onto the rocks below, at your very own castle on the coast. Built in 1491 as an artillery fortress, Kingswear Castle has presided over the South Devon shoreline for more than 500 years. These days it's more about looking out for seals and dolphins than marauding pirates – though you might still spot the odd galleon on the horizon. There’s a garden for games, craggy coastline for older kids to (carefully) explore, and wonderful walks along the South West Coast Path.
Sleeps: Four (one double, one twin)
Luttrell's Tower
Perfect for: Seaside smugglers
Set just back from the Solent with magnificent sea views all around, this striking tower for four comes with its own secret tunnel down to the shore, thought to have once been used by smugglers. If you can tear yourself away from the beach there’s table tennis in the basement, and the New Forest on the doorstep, packed with activities for all the family.
Sleeps: Four (one double, one twin)
