We begin our journey with one of the world's most enigmatic sites - the monumental Stonehenge. This stone circle, dated to around 3000-2000 BC, remains a mystery to scientists and archaeologists to this day. The huge boulders, some weighing as much as 25 tons, were transported from a distance of more than 240 kilometers, which seems almost impossible with the technology of the time. Stonehenge is not only a monument - it is a place full of legends and theories. According to one of them, the wizard Merlin was supposed to magically move the stones from Ireland. Other stories speak of giants who set them in a perfect circle. Children will find the interactive exhibits at the visitor center fascinating, where they can learn about the various theories about the origins and purpose of this remarkable site. Price-wise, the facility is in the mid-range category, although it's worth remembering that the view from afar is equally impressive and completely free.

From ancient mysteries we move to the world of royal spirits at Hampton Court. This magnificent palace, extended by Henry VIII, is not only a masterpiece of Tudor architecture, but also one of the most haunted places in England. Legend has it that the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fifth wife, who was beheaded for treason, can be seen in the palace's corridors. Her screams are said to still echo in the Ghost Gallery as she begs the king for mercy. Hampton Court is a paradise for little explorers - the hedge maze, the largest in the country, is great fun for the whole family. Children can also take on the roles of Tudor courtiers with costumes available for rent. The palace offers special tours for families, during which guides in historical costumes tell fascinating stories tailored to younger listeners.

The next stop on our tour is the Tower of London - a fortress, palace, prison and treasury all in one. This is the place where England's history was written in blood. According to legend, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall - which is why they are still carefully protected by a special guardian to this day. The Tower is famous for its dark history - it was here that Henry VIII's two wives were executed, and two young princes mysteriously disappeared, possibly murdered on the orders of their uncle, Richard III. For families, the Tower offers special educational programs, during which children can learn about the lives of medieval knights, see the royal coronation jewels or listen to the stories of the guards known as Yeomen Warders or colloquially 'Beefeaters'. Price-wise, the Tower of London is among the more expensive attractions, but the wealth of experiences it offers fully justifies the price.

Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British royal family, is another place where history mixes with legend. This longest inhabited castle in the world holds many secrets. According to the story, the ghost of King Henry VIII can be found within its walls, appearing in the corridors with his characteristic limp and moans of pain caused by an ulcerated leg. Windsor is not only the seat of monarchs - it is also a place where priceless works of art and historical memorabilia are kept. Children will find the changing of the guards, Queen Mary's dollhouse and St. George's Chapel, where royal weddings are held, particularly appealing. The castle offers special family tours and workshops where the youngest can learn about heraldry or court life. Price-wise, Windsor is comparable to the Tower of London, but being able to see the Queen's official residence makes the visit a unique experience.

The abbey at Whitby, majestically towering over the picturesque port town, is the place that inspired Bram Stoker to write 'Dracula.' The ruins of the abbey, founded in the 7th century, exude a mysterious atmosphere, especially when enveloped by the fog coming in from the North Sea. According to local legends, on nights of a full moon, the spirit of Saint Hilda, the abbey's founder, can be seen here, guarding the place from evil forces. For families, Whitby offers a fascinating mix of history, legends and nature. The 199 stairs leading up to the abbey are not only a physical challenge, but also a journey through time - each step has a story. Nearby is a museum dedicated to Captain James Cook, who began his career right in Whitby. Children will be delighted to search for fossils on the beaches at the foot of the cliffs - Whitby is famous for the occurrence of ammonites and other prehistoric remains. Price-wise, Whitby Abbey is affordable, and the views spread out from its hilltop are priceless.

Tintagel Castle, located on a dramatic cliff in Cornwall, is a place inextricably linked to the legend of King Arthur. According to tradition, it was here that the legendary ruler was born, and the wizard Merlin was said to have hidden the infant from his enemies. The castle ruins, dating from the 12th to 13th centuries, are today connected to the mainland by an impressive bridge, which is an architectural masterpiece in itself. For families, Tintagel is a real adventure - exploring the caves at the foot of the cliffs (including the famous 'Merlin's Cave'), searching for mysterious sculptures hidden in the landscape or discovering medieval artifacts at the visitor center. Children can take part in workshops on Arthurian legends or search for Merlin's face carved in the rock. Although getting to the castle requires some physical effort (steep paths and stairs), the views and atmosphere fully reward the effort. Price-wise, Tintagel ranks in the middle range, but offers one of the most magical experiences in all of England.

The Roman Baths in the city of Bath is a journey back to the days of ancient Rome. These perfectly preserved thermal baths, fed by hot springs that provide more than a million liters of 46°C water every day, were the center of social and religious life two millennia ago. Numerous legends surround the site - according to one, Prince Bladud, King Lear's father, discovered the healing properties of the waters after they cured his pigs of leprosy. He then founded the city of Bath and dedicated the springs to the goddess Minerva. For families, the Roman Baths offer a fascinating journey back in time with interactive exhibits, holographic projections showing life in the ancient thermal baths, and actors dressed as Romans who talk about daily life in those days. Children can take part in archaeological workshops, try on Roman costumes or try to write something in the Latin alphabet on wax tablets. Although you can no longer bathe in the original pools, at the nearby Thermae Bath Spa you can soak in the same thermal water that fed the ancient baths. Price-wise, the Roman Baths are among the more expensive attractions, but the wealth of educational experiences fully justifies the price.

The British Museum in London, while not typically associated with legends, hides within its walls objects shrouded in mystery and curse. One of them is the famous Hornedjitef mummy, which is said to bring bad luck to anyone who disturbs its rest. Another legendary exhibit is the crystal skull, said to have magical properties, although modern scientists have proven that it is a 19th-century forgery. For families, the British Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge given in an accessible way - special tours for children, interactive exhibitions and thematic workshops ensure that even the youngest will not be bored. Particularly fascinating is the Egyptian gallery with mummies and sarcophagi, and the exhibition on Sutton Hoo - an Anglo-Saxon royal burial that revolutionized knowledge of early medieval England. Best of all, admission to the museum's main galleries is free, making it the perfect place for a family outing, especially on rainy days.

Dover Castle, a massive fortress towering over the white cliffs, is not only a strategic defensive point, but also a place full of legends and mysteries. Built in the 12th century by Henry II, it guarded England from invasion for centuries. The castle's most fascinating feature is its medieval tunnels, which served as a secret command headquarters and hospital during World War II. According to local legends, the ghost of a young girl in a red dress can be seen in the castle, appearing in the tunnels and lower chambers. For families, Dover Castle offers an unusual experience - children can explore the medieval tower, learn the secrets of knightly life or discover the secrets of the war tunnels. Special sound and visual effects in the underground create an unforgettable atmosphere. The castle also organizes themed events for families, where you can meet historical figures, from Roman legionaries to World War II soldiers. The castle's walls offer a spectacular view of the English Channel, and on sunny days you can even see the French coast. Price-wise, Dover Castle is in the middle range, but the wealth of attractions makes it worth planning a day trip here.

Returning to England's magical places, it's worth mentioning other fascinating locations that didn't make it into our main list. Great Orme in North Wales is a place where, according to legends, mysterious paranormal phenomena occur, including alleged abductions by aliens. The mystical mist that unexpectedly appears on the northern cape adds to the eerie atmosphere of the place. Gwrych Castle, known as 'The Hedge Castle,' has an unusual history - it was saved by 12-year-old Mark Baker, who set up a foundation to restore it. Whittington Castle in Shropshire is a hidden gem where, according to legend, the Holy Grail was kept. Durdle Door in Dorset, a natural limestone arch 140 million years old, is one of the most photographed sites in southern England, and the path leading to it is traveled by 200,000 people a year.

Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, the largest limestone gorge in Britain, hides caves where the oldest human skeleton in the country, 9,000 years old, has been found. Clovelly in Devon is a picturesque fishing village with steep cobbled streets, where donkeys pulling sleds are used instead of cars. Knaresborough in North Yorkshire is famous for its Mother Shipton cave and Petrifying Well, where objects are turned to stone. Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland is the site of the first-ever Viking invasion of the British Isles, and Hardraw Force Waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales, the highest uninterrupted above-ground waterfall in England, gained worldwide fame with the movie 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' with Kevin Costner.

Comparing all the sites described in terms of accessibility for families, the British Museum and Hampton Court stand out for their excellent infrastructure for little ones, offering numerous workshops and interactive exhibitions. Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle, while extremely fascinating, can be a challenge for families with young children due to site conditions. The Tower of London and Windsor Castle offer the richest historical setting, but are also the most expensive. Roman Baths and Whitby Abbey combine history with elements of adventure, making them ideal for families with children of all ages. Dover Castle stands out for its variety of attractions - from medieval chambers to World War II tunnels.

Regardless of the location chosen, a trip along the trail of English legends is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. It's not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to spark the imagination, learn about fascinating tales passed down from generation to generation and create your own family memories. In a country where every stone has a story and every path can lead to places shrouded in mystery, family discovery of legends becomes a real adventure.