The Silver Cross Days Out site has been up and running for a week! We would like to thank all of the community members that have posted reviews and added new venues to the site.

We thought it would be a good idea to feature a member review each week so that parents can learn about a new venue. This week we are featuring a review of Brougham Castle by Jo Gregory.

In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century. This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings – including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive ‘Tower of League’. Here is what Jo had to say:

“We went to Brougham Castle as after doing a fair amount of research on historical buildings suitable for kids, we found this to be ideal for our needs that day, and we weren’t disappointed.

We took 3 of our kids ages 18mth, 4 and 7, and every single one of them loved it.

You walk through the shop which is right at the entrance to the Castle, there is a variety of souverniers and a small collection of items to view that were found from the Roman era. Inside the shop are the toilets, inc baby change facillities, although basic they suited us fine.

The keep is a beautiful part of the ruin and is a real treat to see and experience, however the spiral staircase is very small and steep and the steps I imagine would become slippery when wet. I personally ventured up first (kid free) and glad I did, it is not in my opinion suitable for children 3 and under. There are remains of a chapel, guardsroom, and laundress room which all 3 loved exploring and pretending to be kings and queens.”

We want Silver Cross Days Out to be the first place parents check to plan fun outings. What should they visit? What should they avoid?

Most importantly, we want you to share your experiences by submitting reviews of attractions you’ve visited or by telling us about places we don’t have listed.