Let's start our journey from the Dernałowicz Palace in Minsk Mazowiecki, just 40 km east of Warsaw. This 18th-century monument, now home to the Municipal House of Culture, impresses with its classicist architecture and extensive park. To reach the site, it's convenient to take the Mazovian Railway train from East Station (about a 40-minute ride). The palace is available for tours during the MDK's working hours, and admission is free. Worth noting are the Wedding Hall and themed rooms dedicated to Janek Himilsbach and Piotr Skrzynecki. The park around the palace is an ideal place for a family picnic or stroll.

The next point of our trip is the Radziejowice Palace, located about 45 km southwest of Warsaw. This palace and park complex is a real gem, combining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Classicism. It takes about an hour to get there by car, or you can take the buses that run from the Western Railway Station. The palace is available to visit daily, with tickets priced at PLN 15-35 (as of 2024). Special tours and educational workshops are available for families with children. Nature monuments and sculptures of famous figures can be admired in the park. There is also a restaurant serving Polish cuisine.

We continue our journey towards the Bieliński Palace in Otwock Wielki, located about 30 km southeast of the center of Warsaw. This baroque palace, surrounded by a picturesque park and lakes, is a true architectural gem. It can be reached either by car or by rail (Otwock station, then cab or local bus). The palace is now a branch of the National Museum in Warsaw, offering interesting exhibitions and cultural events. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm, with tickets priced at PLN 10-15 (current as of 2024). Special tours and educational workshops are available for families. The area also has a municipal beach on the Swider River, ideal for summer recreation.

Continuing our journey, we will visit the Zak Palace, located in the village of Drwalew, about 50 km south of Warsaw. This 19th-century building, surrounded by a beautiful park, offers not only sightseeing, but also accommodation and events. Access is most convenient by car (about 1 hour from the center of Warsaw), although there is also the possibility of taking a bus with a change in Grójec. The palace is available to guests all year round, but it is advisable to book a visit in advance. Accommodation prices start at PLN 250 per night (as of 2024). For families with children there is a playground and the possibility to organize picnics in the park.

Another point on our map is the Mała Wieś Palace, located about 60 km southwest of Warsaw. This 18th-century palace and park complex impresses with its classicist architecture and rich history. Access is most convenient by car (about 1.5 hours from the center of Warsaw). The palace offers guided tours (tickets priced at 35 PLN, as of 2024), as well as accommodation and event facilities. There are special attractions for families, including cooking and nature workshops. The park features natural monuments and educational trails.

Also worth a visit is the Teresin Palace, located about 40 km west of Warsaw. This 19th-century monument, although currently unavailable to visit inside due to private ownership, impresses with its neo-Baroque architecture and surrounding park. It can be reached both by car and train (Teresin-Niepokalanów station). The park around the palace is the Teresin Nature Reserve, ideal for family walks and nature observation. Admission to the park is free and available all year round.

At the end of our trip we will visit the Palace in Chrzęsne, located about 40 km northeast of Warsaw. This 16th-century monument, recently restored, offers interesting exhibitions and cultural events. Access is most convenient by car (about 45 minutes from the center of Warsaw), or there is a commuter bus service. The palace is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with tickets priced at PLN 10-15 (as of 2024). Special tours and educational workshops are available for families. The area is also home to the Three Crosses Mountain, offering beautiful views of the surroundings.

When planning a trip to the palaces around Warsaw, it is worth remembering some practical tips that will make our trip even more pleasant and comfortable.

First, always check the current opening hours and ticket prices before you leave. Many palaces offer discounts for families or combination tickets, which can significantly reduce the cost of a visit. For example, at Radziejowice Palace, a family ticket (2+2) costs 80 PLN, which is more favorable than buying individual tickets.

Also remember to dress appropriately. Most palaces are historic buildings, often with original floors, so it's a good idea to bring comfortable, soft shoes or socks for a change. When visiting parks and gardens, especially in spring and autumn, waterproof shoes and warmer coverings will come in handy.

For families with small children, an important note - not all palaces are fully equipped for visiting with strollers. In such cases, consider using a baby carrier. For example, at the Bieliński Palace in Otwock Wielki, some parts of the exhibition are located on a floor accessible only by stairs.

If you're planning a longer tour, it's a good idea to bring snacks and drinks with you. Not all sites have cafes or restaurants on site. It's also a good idea to bring a picnic blanket - many palaces are surrounded by beautiful parks, perfect for a family picnic.

For older children, we recommend bringing sketchbooks or cameras. Many palaces hold art or photography contests, and it can be fun and educational to create your own souvenirs of your trip.

It's also worth checking to see if any special events are taking place during our visit. For example, the Palace in Chrzęsne regularly organizes concerts, workshops and historical shows, which can be an added attraction for the whole family.

Finally, let's remember to be respectful of the buildings we visit. Most palaces are valuable monuments, so let's teach children the importance of keeping quiet and not touching the exhibits.

In conclusion, a trip along the trail of palaces in the Warsaw area is not only a lesson in history and art, but also a great opportunity for family time. Each of the featured palaces offers unique experiences and attractions that will stay in the memory of both children and adults for a long time. Take this fascinating trip back in time and discover the aristocratic treasures of Mazovia!