The United Kingdom has a wealth of historical attractions and the best and most popular ones are often the most fun, especially when traveling with younger children. Cheap car rentals allow families to explore the many beautiful settings of the top attractions and this route provides a sample of some of the most popular destinations on a journey from the south to the north of England.

Two Popular London Attractions
The capital city London offers many special experiences and tours and the Tower of London with the famous Crown Jewels is a favorite with visitors. The historical instruments of torture fascinate youngsters, and the Yeoman Warders are always happy to oblige with a blood-curdling tale or two. Visit Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard and a tour of some of the stunning staterooms, including the Throne Room and The Queen's Gallery.

Central London attractions are very accessible by public transport, including train, bus and underground (tube); parking cars in outlying areas is recommended to avoid the congestion charge.

Hampton Court Palace
About 15 miles southwest of London, Hampton Court Palace is the oldest of the English Tudor palaces and its many attractions include the world-famous maze and appropriately costumed actors who can be seen in the Tudor kitchens and the State Apartments, as well as in the extensive grounds.

Blenheim Palace
Traveling northwest, the motorway trip to the city of Oxford and Blenheim Palace is about 65 miles. Located in the popular Cotswolds, this is a quintessentially English rural setting for what is regarded as one of the most splendid Baroque houses in England. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill (1874), a permanent exhibition about his life is next to the room in which he was born. Family activities at Blenheim include themed tours during school vacations and wonderful jousting tournaments, with some special facilities laid on for younger children and the chance to navigate another intriguing maze.

Castle Howard
A longer motorway journey of some 200 miles will take visitors northwards through the English Midlands to the walled city of York, where it is well worth spending a few hours walking the medieval city walls. Castle Howard is 14 miles north of the city and is a stunning house dating from the 18th century. The gardens produce breathtaking displays of delphiniums, roses, rhododendrons, daffodils, snowdrops and azaleas - depending on the time of year. Younger visitors will enjoy the adventure trails and there are activity workshops at weekends during school vacations. Families can also take a boat trip on the lake and explore the many paths that wind through the estate.

Alnwick Castle
Make no mistake; once mention is made of Harry Potter's School, Hogwarts, the kids will be begging to be taken to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. Situated approximately 120 miles north of York, Alnwick is one of the most superb castles in Europe. Still inhabited by the Percy family and home to the Dukes and Earls of Northumberland since 1309, young people adore the Knights' School, where they can dress up in medieval costume as a lady or a knight, learn to sample jousting and try out their skill with the sword.