English Heritage launches ‘bonding benches’ to help lonely parents connect this half term

English Heritage has announced a package of initiatives designed to make its castles, historic houses and outdoor spaces more welcoming for parents who might be craving adult conversation as much as fresh air.

From Tuesday 10 February, and just in time for half term, the charity is introducing so called “bonding benches” at all of its historic sites, alongside new family friendly activities aimed at bringing parents together in a relaxed, low pressure way.

The move comes as new research reveals just how isolating early parenthood can feel for many families across the UK.

New data from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) shows that 62% of new parents feel lonely or isolated at least some of the time, while 87% say they feel overwhelmed. Nearly a quarter of parents surveyed said they do not have a strong support network around them.

With families making up 35% of all visits to English Heritage sites, and more than 400 locations across the country, the charity says it is in a unique position to help parents connect.

How will bonding benches help parents

The new “bonding benches” will be placed in areas where families naturally gather, such as near playgrounds or open grassy spaces, and will feature simple sliders that parents can move depending on how they are feeling. Options include “up for a chat” or “craving quiet”, giving parents a gentle way to signal whether they would welcome a conversation.

The aim is to remove some of the awkwardness that can come with striking up a chat with a stranger, especially during the often intense early years of parenting.

Emma Fernandes Lopes, Assistant Operations Director at English Heritage, says the charity wants to shift the focus onto parents’ wellbeing, not just children’s enjoyment.

She explains that while parents often prioritise their children’s happiness, their own emotional wellbeing plays a crucial role in family life.

“As parents, we are hardwired to prioritise our children’s wellbeing. We bring them out to wonderful places like English Heritage sites to explore the outdoors and expand their horizons. But we often forget that the key to children’s wellbeing is actually found in whether their parents feel happy and supported,” she said.

She also highlighted how modern family life can make forming new friendships difficult.

“Modern parenthood can be a really isolating experience. Many parents live a long way away from their extended families and have no support network to lean back on, and it’s often a real challenge to make friends who hold the same values and interests. With families making up more than a third of all English Heritage visits, we want to use our sites to help parents make those essential connections.”

Modern parenthood can be a really isolating experience. Many parents live a long way away from their extended families and have no support network to lean back on.

Walks, playgroups and chatty cafés

Alongside the benches, English Heritage is teaming up with leading parenting charity the NCT to host volunteer led sling and buggy walks at selected sites.

Known as NCT Walk and Talks, the walks are free to attend and open to expectant parents, parents of babies and preschoolers. They are designed to be suitable for buggies, slings and little legs, offering a chance to chat while getting some fresh air.

Initially, walks will be held at: Audley End in Essex, Kenwood in North London, Marble Hill in South West London, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire.

The charity is also looking for volunteers to help run walks at more sites in the future.

In addition, families visiting English Heritage properties can take part in a range of communal activities that vary by location. These include playgroups, family crafting sessions and chatty cafés, all aimed at creating opportunities for parents to talk to one another while children play.

Encouraging families to interact

Families can also pick up an Adventurer’s Checklist when they visit. Designed for young children, the checklist includes 25 simple activities such as spotting signs of animal life, splashing in puddles and making silly sounds in echoey places.

English Heritage says the checklist is intended to spark interaction between different families, making it easier for parents to chat while children explore together.

The charity’s approach has been informed by the government’s Five Ways to Mental Wellbeing guidance, which encourages people to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.

For parents who have ever felt lonely on a day out, or unsure how to strike up a conversation at the playground, the new bonding benches could be a small but meaningful step towards feeling less alone.

To find out more or to discover your nearest English Heritage site, visit english-heritage.org.uk/inspire-me.