Family-friendly things to do at Biddulph Grange

Image shows a family holding hands enjoying an autumnal walk in the woodland — Fun family time | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Whether it's spotting the fish in the lake or looking at the fossils in the geological gallery, there’s something to keep all ages busy at Biddulph Grange Garden. Find out what's on offer and the details you need to plan your visit.

Spring in the Garden

The garden grows more colourful every day with the rhododendrons and tulips blooming. It's the perfect time to wander the parterres and smell the beautifully scented hyacinths. You can also feed the colourful fish out on the lake. Explore the recently resurfaced path up Wellingtonia Avenue and have a play on the natural play areas down the Woodland Walk.

Planning your family visit

High chairs available at both of the food outlets
Baby changing facilities adjacent to the toilets
Family friendly food – half portions and children’s lunch boxes available in tearoom
Pushchairs can be left at reception
No booking necessary – normal admission charges apply
Seasonally available children’s trails and activities

Picnics are welcome in our picnic areas adjacent to the car parks. Alternatively, visit our friendly tea-room selling soups, sandwiches and a delicious range of cakes and drinks – including children’s lunch boxes, which are always popular.

Enjoying nature — Time to play and explore in Biddulph Grange Garden | © National Trust

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Create your own adventure

Cross bridges, go through tunnels, over stepping stones and into secret spaces and buildings.

Woodland play area

Disappear into the woods for adventure play. Experience the seasons as you enjoy the climbing frames, see-saw and balance beams.

Geological gallery

Discover fossils millions of years old. See how many you can name.

Wildlife watching at the lake

Look out for frogs, fish, moorhens, ducks, water-loving insects and much more. If you’re really quiet you may spot a kingfisher and, from March to October, feed the fish.

Statue eye-spy

Can you find the dragons, the water buffalo, the sea-horses, the sphynx, the Ape of Thoth in the Egyptian tunnel, not forgetting Freddy the Frog in the Chinese garden?

A boy wearing a coat and wellies balances on wooden beams, next to a tree — Try your balance on the beams on the woodland trail at Biddulph Grange | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Head outdoors and get ready to tick some activities off your list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'. Which of the fun-packed things will you try? Here are a few recommendations:

No. 1 Get to know a tree

Biddulph Grange is home to many fascinating trees – big, small, old and new. Some trees have spaces big enough to get inside while others can be climbed. Many have vibrant summer flowers or colourful autumn leaves to catch. Get to know a tree and see what creatures they’re home to.

No. 6 Go welly wandering

A spot of rain doesn’t need to dampen your spirits! Pull on some wellies and explore the adventure woodland, pleasure gardens and parkland. See if you can find the secret laurel tunnel or upside down trees in the Victorian stumpery.

No. 16 Wear a wild crown

Your imagination's the limit when you make a wild crown. Twigs, daisy chains, leaves, flowers, blossom, grass and other wild materials found in your garden can be used to create a masterpiece. You could even create one that an imaginary character would wear.

No. 17 Set up a snail race

You'll have to find some snails for this, then just mark out a short track in chalk – don't make it too long though, snails move super slowly. Your racing snails will be happier if the track is somewhere shady, as they don't like being out in the sun. It's best to pop them back where you found them after their race, and wash your hands too.

No. 31 Make friends with a bug

Looking for bugs is fun, because some are so fast that you may need to chase them a little. Does your critter have fur, wings or many legs? Remember to put any creepy-crawlies back where you found them afterwards, because they can be delicate and they appreciate the home they’re already in.

No. 44 Watch a bird

Find somewhere quiet to sit, watch and wait to see birds fly, sing, chat to each other and eat their food. Make sure you don't frighten them off because birds get spooked pretty easily. See how many you can spot – maybe you could create a birdspotting diary.