CFT Featured Article

CFT Featured Article / May 2007

Fairytale Holidays: Family Friendly Castles and Chateaux

Are we there yet?
A guide to children’s activities in and around a castle

Do you love the idea of going on a magical getaway to a beautiful castle but worried about keeping the kids entertained? Well fear not, as we have the ultimate guide to child friendly castles in the UK and France for you to visit this summer…

Augill:

This castle is located in the whimsical heart of Cumbria, between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and is the ideal fairytale setting to awaken any child’s imagination.

This informal family-run property is home to Simon and Wendy Bennett and their 2 children, Oliver and Emily, who tend to become instant playmates for your little ones!

Activities for children within the castle grounds include a fantastic playroom in the castle tower, an outdoor playground complete with a trampoline, and masses of outdoor scenery for your little angels to explore. When the children have run out of energy, the castle has an extensive range of DVD’s and toys for all ages to keep them entertained, not to mention a whole castle to explore!

If you are feel like exploring slightly further afield there is a nearby toy factory which is well worth a look, not to mention some beautiful sights to take in, so why not take in a bit of fresh air on a riverside walk with your family

Traquair Castle:

This family owned property is the oldest inhabited Scottish Castle, and has plenty of activities to keep even the liveliest of children entertained.

Why not explore the enchanting castle’s grounds where you can grab a delicious family meal at the Cottage Restaurant, find a unique keepsake at the Gift Shop or if you are feeling like a challenge you could attempt to conquer the magical castle maze!

If you take a visit over summer there are always plenty of organised events for the whole family ranging from a promenade performance of Shakespeare, the castles 900^th Birthday weekend and the annual Traquair Fair.

So why not take the plunge this summer and take a trip to Traquair Castle.

Swinton Park Castle:

Swinton Park Castle offers guests of all ages a great chance to stay at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, which is an area packed with visitor attractions and historic sites. The grand property exudes history, dating back to 1695, when it was originally built as a large house by Sir Abstrupus Danby.

The castle has since gone through many transformations in order to make it the spectacular building that we see before us today; complete with enchanting turrets, towers and battlements, which your little ones are bound to love!

The castle is traditionally in keeping with all things Yorkshire to give guests of all ages a real taste of the culture, and the ground floor reception rooms are all lavishly furnished with family antiques and ancestral portraits. The 30 bedrooms within the castle are individually designed and furnished on the theme of a Yorkshire town, dale, castle, garden or abbey.

If you would like further information on any of the above castles including making a booking with them, please have a look at the website: http://www.celticcastles.com

Warwick Castle:

Warwick Castle in the heart of the Midlands is fantastic for a day trip or two, however, you cannot stay here but there are plenty of B&B’s around and Hotels should you decide to stay overnight and it is well worth it. This castle is perfect for children to visit and even the dungeons are intact. The gardens are beautiful, the peacocks roam everywhere and there are plenty of restaurants and picnic areas to relax in as well. Their website is: http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk.

Perigord Noir region, Dordogne, France:

Built in 1748, this beautiful old farm in the Dordogne region is an ideal getaway for a family holiday. The owner, Francis has this to say about this magnificent location in the Dordogne Valley of the Five Chateaux. “The 'castle' is in the Dordogne near the beautiful medieval village of Sarlat. There is a swimming pool but with security alarm if a child was to even touch the water. The area of course is magnificent for kids with the music and arts festival running from June to September, canoeing, circus skill schools etc. One of the clients who booked has a little baby so we have made sure we have a high chair available and cot for them and the terrace is perfect for kids to play whilst you relax and eat as it is on the same level as the kitchen and living room.

When we meet people at the property we try to give them as many activities in the area that suit the family that is coming so relating to the children's ages. I myself have two children, one only just a year and I travel and work all over the world so it is a passion to make things welcoming for people with kids so that they stop having the fear that everything must change once you extend your family beyond two.” For more information, check out: http://www.cheznous.co.uk property# 170516.

Chateau Sentout:

Chateau Sentout in Bordeaux – Tabanac, France is a peaceful retreat, surrounded by vineyards, meadows and forest. Gérard Peltier, from Chateau Sentout points out many of the interesting activities and amenities:

- Toddlers will appreciate the heated swimming pool with shallow end.

- Our bear like Sheppard dog enjoys spending the days playing with children. (Pyrenees mountain dog)

- Table tennis, basketball and volleyball available at the chateau and tennis (free) nearby (1 mile)

- A place in the nearby forest where children could climb in the tree with totally safe equipment (3 miles)

- Canoeing on the small Ciron River (21 miles)

- Bikes are provided (free) both for parents and children

- Water skiing on the Baurech Lake (2 miles)

- Ride around the village in a horse drawn carriage

- And of course, medieval chateaux visits

- And also the availability of wi-fi and air-conditioning in all apartments.

For more information, please contact:

Mary Martin & Gérard Peltier