Explore Cliveden this half-term

Children running through daffodils in springtime at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Get the whole family outdoors and closer to nature this school holiday. Whether it's creating crafts on our Love Cliveden trail, getting lost in the maze or simply reconnecting with nature through the list of '50 things to do at Cliveden before you're 125 ¾'; there's lots of fun to be had come rain or shine. Cliveden is open every day from 10am to 5pm. If you want to avoid the queues, we recommend visiting from 12pm onward.

Love Cliveden February half term trail

From Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February  (10.30am to 2.30pm), bring the children along for Cliveden’s fun half-term trail.  It’s 1737 and love is in the air… Prince Frederick of Wales and his sweetheart, Augusta of Saxony-Gotha are arranging a secret meeting at Cliveden. Take a romantic stroll around the grounds, tackle some challenges and gather up clues to reveal where the couple should meet to declare their love.  Explore Cliveden’s gardens and woodlands, finishing up with a love-themed craft to take home. Trails cost £2 per child plus usual admission prices to the estate (admission is free for National Trust members). The trail is recommended for ages 3-13 and is dog-friendly.

The Glorious Gardens trail at Cliveden.
Girl taking part in garden trail at Cliveden
The Glorious Gardens trail at Cliveden.

50 Things to do at Cliveden before you're 125 3/4

As part of our celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the National Trust we’ve released 50 things to do at Cliveden before you’re 125 ¾, as suggested by our staff, volunteers and visitors to help you and your little ones get the most out of your visit to Cliveden. We hope that ticking your way through this list will help you to re-connect with nature, re-discover your inner child and fall in love with all Cliveden has to offer, come rain or shine.

Pick up a leaflet from the Info Centre and let us know how you’re getting on using #50thingsatCliveden

50 Things to do at Cliveden leaflet (PDF / 2.5078125MB) download

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

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.