Boscobel House
WHERE
Stafford
What it’s like
A hands-on hide-and-seek history trail where Charles II once dodged Cromwell's men, with a willow tunnel and tree-themed playground.
The story here is the escape of Charles II, and the whole visit is built around it. Kids follow interactive touches through the house that trace how he hid from Cromwell's soldiers, which is a far better way to get a seven-year-old interested in the seventeenth century than any information board. Outside there's a winding willow tunnel to duck through in the period garden and a World Builder trail to work through, so you're not just doing the house and leaving.
There's a tree-themed playground near the tearoom, which is well placed if you want a coffee while someone climbs. If the legs are still going, White Ladies Priory is a 20-minute walk away and makes a proper outing of the afternoon rather than a quick stop.
You don't have to book, but the site is upfront that booking online by midnight the day before gets you 15% off, and turning up on the day or booking at the gate means full price. Under-fives go free on an infant ticket, and anyone from 5 to 17 needs a child ticket. Last entry is 4pm with the site open from 10, and there's a tearoom on site if you're not keen on packing a picnic.
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- 4pm
- Booking
- Book online by midnight before visit for 15% discount
- Food
- Tearoom on site
- Book online by midnight the day before for 15% off; on-the-day tickets are full price
- White Ladies Priory adds a 20-minute walk each way if you fancy stretching the visit
- Last entry is 4pm even though the site stays open until 5
Plan your visit
Do we need to book in advance?
No, you can turn up and buy on the day. Booking online by midnight the day before gets you 15% off though, so it's worth doing if you know your date.
Is it free for young children?
Under-fives go free, though you can still book them a free infant ticket. Anyone aged 5 to 17 needs a child ticket.
What time do we need to arrive by?
It's open 10am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 4pm.
Is there somewhere to eat?
There's a tearoom on site, handy for a break near the tree-themed playground.
What is there for kids to actually do?
There's the interactive Charles II hiding trail through the house, a willow tunnel in the garden, a World Builder trail, and a playground by the tearoom. You can also walk to White Ladies Priory in about 20 minutes.
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