Summer fun at Blickling Estate

Keep your little explorers busy this summer with family activities across the estate. Enjoy everything from bike rides and family trails to gardening fun and hands-on history...

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...

For bookworms big or small...

Kids writing a story in the garden of Buckland Abbey

Storytelling in the Secret Garden

Join us for storytelling sessions in the Secret Garden (if you can find it!). Just speak to a member of the Visitor Welcome team on arrival to book your free place. Storytelling will take place on Wednesday 24 July, 14, 21, 28 August and 4 September, at 11am, 1pm and 2pm (please note: location will change on wet weather days).

Three children sitting on a treestump in the woodland of Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire

Discover the secret book trail

Continuing the book theme outside, follow the trail through the secret tunnel (here's a clue... it's near the secret garden) and see if you can work out the book titles as you explore. From children's much loved old classics to the world of Harry Potter, guess the book titles from the quotes and images you'll discover.

Two teenagers lying on a blanket reading books

Pick a summer holiday read

Working with the Norfolk Children's Book Centre and our partners at the Book Hive Bookshop, we've picked a selection of books which you'll find in the house. Feel free to sit there and enjoy a read, and if there are any that take your fancy, just head to the shop as you leave the house, where you'll be able to buy a copy.

Discover the garden

Head out on an adventure around the colourful garden. Find 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.

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.

Explore the house

Visit the house this summer and discover our contemporary art installation The Edge of Things responding to the fascinating historical books in Blickling's collection.

If you're up for an adventure, why not join one of our exciting Buildings, Books and Beetles attic experiences? 

Little ones can enjoy finding beetles that are hidden around the house.  See if you can spot all ten as you explore.  You'll also discover some unusual book-themed activities at the end of your route around the house and suitable for all ages

A picture of visitors investigating a project in progress

Buildings, Books & Beetles Experience 

Join us at Blickling for a fast-paced, immersive, behind-the-scenes experience which takes the wrap off some of our oldest and rarest books, the threats they're under, and the work that's underway to save them.

Get close to nature in the wider estate

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 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. 

Peacock and tortoiseshell butterflies on thistles at Charlecote Park

Butterfly adventures at Blickling Estate 

Fancy exploring further afield? Join us any day of the week for an adventure around the wider estate and help us to look after natural habitats for future generations…

A family enjoy cycling their hired bikes.

Cycle hire | Daily 

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.

Fancy an ice cream?

Find a selection of scrumptious ice cream flavours in our Muddy Boots and Farmyard cafés. You'll also find special lunch packs, hot meals and tasty treats in the Stables café, so there's always plenty to tempt your hungry explorers.  Or pack a picnic and find a shady spot in beautiful surroundings.

Cool off with an ice-cream this summer
A girl eating an ice cream
Cool off with an ice-cream this summer
How many of the 50 Things will you do today?

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’…

Good to know

  • There are plenty of buggy-friendly paths around the garden and parkland, just grab a map from visitor reception.
  • 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.