Fun for all the family at Blickling Estate

Discover fun for all the family every day of the week at Blickling Estate and have a go at some of our 'top 50 Things to do before you're 11¾'. With lots to do throughout the year and daily trails available, there's always something to spark imagination of your little explorers...

A child exploring the woodland and gardens at Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Our top '50 Things' at Blickling Estate 

Whether you’re a keen cyclist, an enthusiastic explorer or a budding gardener, join us throughout the year at Blickling Estate and enjoy ticking off some of your ’50 Things to do before you’re 11¾’…

Discover the garden​

Collect a children's map from visitor reception and head out on an adventure around the colourful gardens. Find the secret tunnels, squishy trees, sundial and more. There's plenty of fun to be had, from a family game of hide and seek between the yew hedges, to planting seeds in the walled kitchen garden. 

Kids planting seeds

Sow and grow | Daily 

Join us in the walled kitchen garden and have fun watering flowers and planting seeds in pots. You can then take your pot home and enjoy watching it grow. You will also find little wheelbarrows and watering cans for gardening fun.

Take a peek in the house

Come rain or shine, discover the magic of the Blickling's Jacobean mansion. The house is open 363 days of the year, giving you even more opportunities to visit us.

Butterfly adventures

We're inviting budding nature explorers to take part in our annual butterfly survey any day of the week. This route around the wider estate is ideal for children aged 7+ as it encourages curious minds to discover the wonders of the natural world. You can join in on foot or by bike, just collect a survey sheet from visitor reception and help us to look after these incredible creatures.

A male dark green fritillary butterfly suns itself on a child’s hand
A male dark green fritillary butterfly suns itself on a child’s hand
A male dark green fritillary butterfly suns itself on a child’s hand
 

 

Explore the wider estate

There are so many things to do around the estate and plenty of opportunities to tick off some of your '50 things'. Why not build a den, fly a kite or create some wild art? 

If you fancy getting out on your bike, why not bring a picnic? Our multi-use trail is specifically designed for families to enjoy, offering a safe route through the estate. Find out more about the multi-use trail.

A family enjoy cycling their hired bikes.

Cycle hire | Daily 

In partnership with British Cycling and HSBC UK we're offering low cost cycle and equipment hire for all ages, making it easier than ever to get out on the trail. Open daily from 10am, come along and discover a new way to enjoy nature on two wheels. Last hire is at 2pm and all equipment must be returned by 4pm at the latest.

Little Explorers | Tuesdays and Saturdays 

In partnership with Cotswold Outdoor, we're offering free family walking sessions. From Tuesday 4 June, join us outside Estate Barn visitor reception, at the main car park, before heading out to explore Blickling's wider estate and all it has to offer. Children of all ages, buggies and wheelchairs are welcome to join in the adventure.

Please note: places must be booked online in advance. Sessions are aimed at children aged eight and younger, but we encourange the whole family to join in. 

Children take part in a wheelbarrow race in the garden.

Summer of Sport 

This summer we have an exciting programme of fun and games across the estate. Enjoy keeping fit with a variety of activities including family walking trails, cycling, tennis and cricket...

Good to know

  • Baby changing can be found at Estate Barn at the main car park, near East Wing visitor reception and in the Farmyard area.
  • Bottles and baby food can be warmed up in all three of our cafés.
  • High chairs, activity lunch boxes, cups and water jugs are available in the Stables café. 
  • If you fancy a picnic, you'll find picnic benches in the garden by the lake, in the Farmyard area, or near Estate Barn visitor reception at the main car park. 
  • There are plenty of buggy-friendly paths around the garden and parkland, just grab a map from visitor reception.
A family enjoying fresh sandwiches at one of the National Trust cafeés

Hungry explorers 

Check out our child-friendly menu. With special lunch packs, hot meals and tasty treats, there's plenty to tempt your hungry explorers.

Before you leave us...

Don't forget to visit our shop with a large selection of children's books, cards and gifts. We have everything from sticker books to children's audio books as well as confectionery and toys.  You can be sure to find a gift for someone or a memory for your children to take home from their day out at Blickling.