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Family-friendly things to do at Hidcote

A multi-generational family in the garden at Speke. They are dressed for winter. A woman is smiling at a baby in her arms.
A family walking in spring | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

You’ll never be stuck for things to do at Hidcote. Whether you’re spotting things around the garden or looking for fun activities such as seasonal trails, local walks, or story time, we’ve got it all. Find out how you can make the most of your next visit – and discover all the facilities available for families.

Planning your family visit

  • Free entry for under 5s.
  • Baby-changing facilities, located in the Gardener's Courtyard.
  • Limited access for pushchairs, prams and wheelchairs, due to small and uneven pathways. Please ask for a copy of our map at Visitor Welcome which includes the accessible route which takes in a third of the garden.
  • Please note that there is no play area or play facilities located at Hidcote and that in the winter the lawns are closed for key lawncare to take place. Children's scooters, balls and bikes are not allowed in the garden.
  • The wider estate at Hidcote is an active sheep farm, with livestock in the fields and working farm dogs, please keep dogs on leads when walking through the fields and car park.

Upcoming family activities and events

Hidcote puts on exciting events for families all through the year. Check back here for new family programming.

Two children exploring the garden at Hidcote in the rain
Two children exploring the garden at Hidcote in the rain | © James Dobson

Notice Nature

Underwater world

The pools are teeming with an abundance of underwater creatures that can be seen swimming around. Protected species like great crested newts and the more common frogs and toads enjoy the quiet pools for feeding, breeding and raising their young. It's great to look out for these amphibious species but please refrain from throwing stones and pennies into the water as it's damaging to their habitat.

Nature spotting

The orchards and Wilderness at Hidcote are great places to spot the wildlife at Hidcote. But signs of our local nature can find found around every corner!

Sit and watch the birds in the New Orchard as they feed on our birdfeeders or on the windfall apples.

Listen to the Red kites flying high above the garden in the Beech Allee.

In the spring and summer months watch the newts in the Lily Pond before they move on to dry land for the winter. If you are lucky you may even spot our resident grass snakes taking a swim.

Look out for badge footprints or signs of squirrels hiding their nuts.

Take a moment in our Silent Space

We have partnered with Silent Spaces to provide a dedicated silent space in the garden, this is located in the Italian Shelter - please note that this space is located off of the accessible visitor route and has steps leading to it. Other quieter areas of the garden to enjoy are the Wilderness, Beech Allee, the Nuttery Orchard and the Old Orchard.

Local Walks

We have a selection of local walks which take in the wider Hidcote farm estate, or local villages and viewpoints. These walks cover a mixture of terrain, abilities and length. Please ask at the Visitor Welcome for a copy, or for advice on which would be the best fit. All walks start from our car park, we advise parking in the top car park (to the left as you come up the drive).

Picnic in nature

Pack a picnic and enjoy the lunch al fresco at the designated picnic area which has wonderful views out over Gloucester and Oxfordshire. You can always find a quiet corner in the garden to relax and unwind. Why not bring a book or newspaper, and while away the afternoon?

Free Wi-Fi is available in Winthrop's Café. Give surfing the web a whirl while enjoying a cuppa and slice of home-made cake.

The house and garden at Hidcote, Gloucestershire

Book your visit

Please note, you need to pre-book your parking space if you are arriving before 1pm. If arriving after 1pm there is no booking system. Spaces are released up to two weeks in advance on Thursday and where available, you can book on the day. Organised group tours and trips must book in advance through our property team by contacting hidcotegroupbookings@nationaltrust.org.uk or we will not be able to accommodate you.

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