Explore Cliveden this May half-term

Family walking dog in woods

Half-term is a fantastic opportunity to get the whole family outdoors, come rain or shine, to reconnect with nature. Whether it's creating crafts, solving mysteries or getting lost in the maze; there's lots of fun to be had.

May half-term 'brilliant birds' trail

Cliveden is renowed for it's glorious gardens and, this May half-term, we're bringing children even closer to them with our interactive half-term trail. With spring flowers in bloom and warmer weather on the way, May half-term is the ideal time to explore the outdoors and learn about the different birds Cliveden call home. The trail runs Monday 28 May to Friday 1 June, from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The trail costs £2 per child and free for adults. Usual admission charges to the estate apply.

One of our young visitors trying out the summer trail at Petworth House

May half-term trail 

Learn about all the different birds that call Cliveden home on this children’s trail around the beautiful grounds, before making your very own bird-feed ball to take home.

Tree Climbing 

A highly skilled and friendly instructor can help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic tree in Cliveden's woods. They will teach you how to enter a tree's canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times. Once at the top of the tree you will gain an experience which can't be found on the ground and if you're feeling brave, take a branch walk before being lowered back down!

Children climbing at the top of a tree with ropes and harnesses

Tree climbing at Cliveden  

A truly unique experience not to be missed. Children will be guided by highly experienced and friendly experts to climb up Cliveden's historic canopy.

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.

The maze at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

The Cliveden Maze 

With two metre high hedges and 500 metres of paths to explore there's an adventure to be had around every corner in our recreation of Lord Astor's historic maze.

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.