Fun for all the family at Blickling Estate

Bring the whole family to explore the estate, follow trails and have a go at some of our 50 things to do before you're 11¾. With lots to do throughout the year and daily trails available, there will always be something fun to spark the imaginations of young and old alike.

Family playing cricket on the pleasure grounds

Autumn activities at Blickling Estate 

This autumn we have an exciting programme of fun and games across the estate. Enjoy keeping fit with a variety of activities from walking and cycling to archery and cricket.

The garden​

During school holidays, collect a children's map from visitor reception and head out on an adventure around the colourful gardens.

Explore the gardens further by finding the secret tunnels, squishy trees, sundial and more. There's plenty of fun to be had, from a family game of croquet by the lake, to planting seeds in the walled kitchen garden. 

A child and her mother planting in the walled garden

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.

Discover the secret tunnels

Follow the winding paths to discover the animals of Blickling wood in the secret tunnels or see if you can find the secret garden. Have a go at our garden trail or play hide and seek between the yew hedges by the parterre. Whatever you choose, there's plenty to spark the imagination of pre-schoolers as well as older kids in the garden.

Wander in the woodlands

There are so many things to do around the estate and plenty of opportunities to tick off some of your '50 things'.  The woods are perfect for building a den or a stick ship. If you fancy getting out on your bike, why not bring a picnic and cycle around parts of the estate.  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.
 

Take a peek in the house

Come rain or shine, the house is open 363 days of the year, giving you even more opportunities to visit us. From May - October 2018 explore our exciting art installation. 'The Word Defiant!' reveals stories of books that have been banned, burned, drowned, superseded, redacted, neglected and those that remain defiant. 

If you're up for a challenge, at the end of your route around the house you will find some unusual book-themed activities. What will you discover?

The Word Drowned - books in a bath tub, Blickling
Books in a bath tub
The Word Drowned - books in a bath tub, Blickling

The wider estate

Take part in our family nature trail in the parkland any day of the week. This walk around the wider estate is ideal for older children as it encourages curious minds to solve riddles and complete the puzzle to reveal a mystery word. You can take part on foot or by bike, all you need to do is collect a trail sheet from visitor reception. 

Big or small, we have a wide range of bikes for hire with something just for you.
A little girl rides a bike through Blickling's beautiful parkland.
Big or small, we have a wide range of bikes for hire with something just for you.

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. Come along to our cycle hub and discover a new way to enjoy nature on two wheels.

A family enjoying fresh sandwiches at one of the National Trust cafeés

Time for lunch 

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

 

Good to know

  • Baby changing can be found at the main car park, near East Wing visitor reception and in the Farmyard.
  • Baby slings and hip seats are available for hire upon entry to the house.
  • Bottles and baby food can be warmed up in all three of our cafes.
  • High chairs, fun activities, cups and water jugs are available in The Stables cafe. 
  • If you fancy a picnic, you'll find picnic benches on the parade by the lake and in the orchard.
  • Pick up our children's map at Visitor Reception to help your adventurers find their way around.
  • There are plenty of buggy friendly paths around the garden and parkland, just grab a map at Visitor Reception.

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.
 
 
Discover our 50 things to do before you're 11¾ video
50 things to do before youre 11 3/4 Play Video