Family fun at Blickling Estate

A girl and boy running through the garden

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 special events throughout the year and daily trails available, there will always be something fun to spark the imaginations of young and old alike.

A girl and boy running through the garden

Your guide to summer holiday fun at Blickling 

The summer holidays have arrived, so it's time to start planning some fun. Take a look at our guide on the best activities at Blickling this summer.

Three top '50 things' to do at Blickling

Create some wild art with natural materials in Knole Park, Kent.

Go wild with art 

Create some wild art using twigs, buds, leaves and feathers, then take a photo and send us your creations.

A boy building a den in the woods

Build a den 

Head out to the parkland for some fantastic den building. Just ask at Visitor Reception for the best places to go.

Child in red wellies splashing in puddle

Run around in the rain 

With our lovely British weather it isn't always going to be sunny on your visit to Blickling, so bring your wellies and have fun getting mucky.

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 

Step back in time

To tie in with our Lothian and India theme this year, during term-time pre-schoolers can explore the house, looking for elephants hidden in some of the rooms.  On Wednesdays you'll find costumed interpretation around the house, with a variety of scenarios acted out.  The cooks will be down in the kitchens on 26 and 29 May as well as 2 June cooking 1930s recipes where you may even get a taster.

A child and her mother planting in the walled garden

Sow and Grow 

Join us in the walled garden on Tuesdays throughout the summer holidays with your little green monsters from 10.30-12.30. We'll help you to plant seeds in pots, then you'll be able to take them home and watch them grow!

Mr Dunning taking a group on a tour of the attics

Join the Butler's recruitment tour 

Join Mr Dunning the Butler and Kathleen the Scullery Maid every Thursday during the holidays (2pm), on a family tour of the attics, pantry and kitchen. Find out what your duties will be, where you’ll live and how much you’ll get paid. Early booking on the day is essential - places are limited.

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

Time for lunch 

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

Tempt your taste buds

Good to know

  • Baby changing can be found in the main car park, by Visitor Reception (East Wing) and in the farmyard
  • Baby slings and hip seats are available for hire
  • Bottles and baby food can be warmed up in any of our three cafes
  • High chairs, fun activities, cups and water jugs are available in The Stables cafe
  • If it's raining, head to the Orangery to enjoy your picnic in the dry. If you fancy braving it outside, you'll find picnic tables on the parade by the lake and in the orchard.
  • Pick up our kids map at Visitor Reception to help your adventurers find their way around
  • There are plenty of buggy friendly paths around the garden and estate, 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