Britain’s families are avoiding cultural outings, with a quarter feeling their children “aren’t welcome” in venues across the country
Britain’s families are quietly retreating from the nation’s cultural life – not because children are uninterested, but because parents feel they don’t belong.
New research commissioned by Clarendon Fine Art reveals that more than a third (37%) of parents actively avoid cultural venues because they feel they are “too adult-orientated”, while over a quarter (27%) fear their child “won’t be welcome”. In addition, nearly one in five parents (18%) worry about disturbing other visitors, highlighting a growing anxiety around judgement in traditionally quiet cultural spaces.
In a country celebrated for its world-class galleries and theatres, the findings suggest a deeper issue: cultural spaces may still feel coded as exclusive, restrained environments rather than welcoming places for families.
The research paints a picture of parents who care deeply about culture but feel constrained by unspoken rules. Over a quarter (27%) of parents say concerns about their children’s behaviour stop them from attending cultural venues, reinforcing the idea that galleries and museums are perceived as places requiring silence, restraint and conformity.
Clarendon Fine Art believes this perception is outdated and is on a mission to reposition galleries as welcoming, vibrant spaces where families can explore creativity together.
In response to the findings, Clarendon Fine Art is inviting families across the UK to experience their local gallery, one that places creativity, play and inclusion at its heart.
As part of this initiative, local families are encouraged to visit their nearest Clarendon Fine Art gallery this half term between 9th and 22nd of February, where children can collect a complimentary competition pack designed to inspire creative expression around the theme of family. During their visit, children can also take part in an in-gallery art treasure hunt, encouraging close observation and imaginative engagement with artworks on display.
Children will complete their artwork at home and return it to the gallery by 22nd February. Each participating gallery will select a local winner, whose artwork will be professionally framed and displayed in-gallery, with the child also receiving a creative art set.
Local winners will then be considered for a national prize, personally selected by acclaimed British artist Doug Hyde. The overall winner will receive a family art consultation, the opportunity to choose an artwork valued at £2,500 from any Clarendon Fine Art gallery, and an iPad with Apple Pencil (or equivalent voucher) for the winning child.
Helen Swaby, CEO of Clarendon Fine Art, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to making art accessible, welcoming and meaningful for families. Galleries should be places where children feel inspired, not intimidated, and where parents feel confident bringing them. By opening our doors and inviting families in, we’re showing that art can be a shared, joyful experience from a young age.
“The competition forms part of Clarendon Fine Art’s wider mission to remove social barriers to cultural participation, nurture creativity early in life, and re-establish galleries as inclusive community spaces, where families don’t just feel permitted, but genuinely welcome.”
To locate your nearest gallery this half term, visit: https://clarendonfineart.com to find out more.