October half-term at Basildon Park

Children playing in autumn leaves that have dropped to the ground underneath a tree in the parkland

*Please note that Basildon Park will be closed 25 Oct - 2 Nov* Whether it’s brilliant autumn sunshine, or slightly damp autumn drizzle, there are plenty of opportunities for children to get out of the house this October half-term and enjoy Basildon Park.

Filming will be taking place at Basildon Park from 25 October - 2 November, with the whole site closed during this time. The location fee will go towards vital conservation works and secure the future of this estate for generations to come. Please check our opening times for the most up to date information.

Why not visit The Vyne, near Basingstoke, or Greys Court, near Henley, for a family day out instead?

Rose garden at Basildon Park on a blue sky day with house in the background

Filming 9 May - 1 June 

The house and some areas of Basildon Park will be closed to the public between 9 May - 1 June for filming. Find out more here.

Children's Trail - 'Wildlife Wanderers'

This autumn we have an exciting new children's trail at Basildon Park.  Trails are £2 each from Visitor Reception, with a prize when you've finished. 

Normal admission applies, trail runs from 22 Sept - 24 Oct

Family on an autumn walk
Family on an autumn walk
Family on an autumn walk

Parkland family walks

In autumn the parkland is a riot of colours as the leaves change. This is a great chance to get the children running off some energy and crunching through the leaves that have fallen.

You can download a parkland walks map, which has on it the wildlife you can spot at Basildon Park on a walk during autumn. 

Family walking with their dog in the parkland

Basildon Park parkland walks 

Get out and explore Basildon Park the help of our parkland walks leaflet.

50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4 activities

Basil-Den is a great area for kids to complete a number of 50 things activities, including den-building, hunting for bugs and making a home for a wild animal.

With vast amounts of open space to run in, Basildon Park is the ideal place to let off some steam. Enjoy running after your kite and tick off a 50 things activity.

A family pond dipping at Cragside, Northumberland

Download the '50 things' activity guide 

If you want to download a PDF of the whole '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' list, then here it is.

Access

There is designated mobility parking, 20 yards from the stableyard and 400 yards to the gardens. Please note we are currently unable to use our visitor buggy and there are no wheelchairs available to loan at the moment.

There is an adapted toilet in the stableyard and baby changing facilities. Full access information is available on the front page of our website under 'Facilties and Access'.

Close up of cream tea in the tea-room at Basildon Park

Eating at Basildon Park 

Head to the tea-room to enjoy hot and cold meals and drinks on the ground floor of the mansion. On busier days, you'll be able to grab a coffee to go from the Toolshed Kiosk in the stableyard.

Homeware from the National Trust Grasslands shop collection

Shopping at Basildon Park 

Treat yourself or a loved one to a unique gift or indulge in some new homeware at Basildon Park. Learn more about the range of things on offer.