A summer of adventure at Cliveden

Children building woodland dens

Make the most of long summer days by enjoying all Cliveden has to offer. From enjoying a picnic in Cliveden's Water Garden to exploring all things colourful on Cliveden's summer trail.

Summer trails

The summer gardens at Cliveden are in full bloom and waiting to be discovered by little legs. Come along for Cliveden's fun summer adventure trail where children will explore nature and create their own craft to take home.

The trail will change every fortnight over the 6 weeks summer holiday, with all 3 trails under the 'Summer of Colour' theme. Trails cost £2 per child, plus usual admission charges to the estate. We reccomend the trail for children 4-11.

Children carrying foliage through the woods

Cliveden's summer trails 

Our summer trails provide outdoor fun to keep the little ones busy during the summer holidays. With a different trail each fortnight, all including an interactive craft activity, there are plenty of reasons to return to Cliveden time and again this summer.

Woodland walking

Discover some great family walks and trails in Cliveden's historic woodlands. From woodland escapades to making natural discoveries, we've plenty of walks to choose to get the whole family spending time together in the great outdoors.

A family walking in woodland

Cliveden 

The Cliveden estate in Buckinghamshire has miles of winding walks to enjoy. Summer in the woodland is great for tree climbing and there's a children's play trail. There are spectacular views of the iconic house and the River Thames.

Cliveden's Giant Maze

Our maze is based on one that was built for the 1st Viscount Astor in 1894 and has over 500 metres of paths winding amongst two-metre high hedges. The maze covers approximately one third of an acre, making the maze the same size as the world-famous Hampton Court maze.

We started work recreating the giant puzzle in 2009 and it was officially opened on Friday 8 April 2011 by renowned gardener, broadcaster and writer Alan Titchmarsh. The maze’s beautiful hand-forged wrought iron gates were created by Chris Collman from Burnham who is known locally as The Wrought Iron Man. The gates have a strong Victorian influence and commemorate both Lord Astor’s original maze and our recreation.

Cliveden Maze
The maze at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire
Cliveden Maze

Picnicing

The live entertainment and beautiful setting is provided, all you’ll need to do is pack a picnic and a blanket to have all the ingredients for a perfect summer evening. Whether dining in the idylic Illex Grove or the Japanese inspired Water Garden, there's always a cosy spot for you to lounge in Cliveden's historic gardens.

Whilst you're here...

  1. 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ - Pick up a booklet from the Information Centre and have fun completeing the National Trust's 50 suggestions to get children close to nature.
  2. The Doll's House Café - Enclosed in the 'Storybook Play Den', this little pit-stop is the perfect place to pick up a quick coffee and a snack.  
  3. The Woodlands offers you and the children a chance to really stretch your legs. Within the acres of foliage you'll find the Natural Play Trail, where little one's can challenege themselves by building, balancing and climbing.