Summer adventures at Kedleston Hall

Young girl holding moth

At Kedleston, the great outdoors has plenty on offer with lots of places to explore, spots for memorable picnics and wildlife marvels waiting to be discovered. Make the most of the summer sun with one of our walks, and over the holidays there will be fun and games, activities and special events for all ages to enjoy. 

Into the woods

As you head into the woods and make your way through long walk, see if you can spot sparrowhawk. You'll likely stumble across the den building area where you can test out your survival skills and tick off one of your 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. 

Get the family working together and build a den
Children building a den in the woods
Get the family working together and build a den

50 Things doesn't stop there

Every Friday, from 27 July until 31 August come along to our Bug Station where you can get close to some creepy crawlies and try out some of the insect-related 50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾. 

Family forest fun days

Whether rain or shine, come along to our regular monthly Family Forest Fun Day to join in with crafts, woodland games and stories. There’s a session for 5-9 year olds and another for 10 -13 year olds. Remember to book as places are limited. 

Spotting wildlife

Along the Short Walk, orchids are flowering and butterflies of all shapes and sizes including small white, green veined white and peacock can be spotted enjoying the summer sun. We'd love to hear from you if you see anything else.

A green veined white butterfly
A green veined white butterfly spotted in Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
A green veined white butterfly

Enjoy views across the parkland as you look out for kingfishers between the Adam Bridge and Splash Pool.

he lake is the perfect location to look out for nesting birds as home to herons, coots and swans. Take a closer look and you might even see carp making their way up to the surface.

Sit by the lake and watch the wildlife
A family stops for a picnic by the lake
Sit by the lake and watch the wildlife

Bats, bangers, moths and stars

Kedleston's nocturnal residents offer more adventures. If you like the idea of a a go with a bat detector after some tasty bangers and mash, there's the Bats and Bangers Walk. Or join us to see what moths frequent the Park with our Marvellous Moths event. 

Or what about a night under the stars and sleep out in the Pleasure Grounds? This special sleepover will include some great activities like a fire-lighting workshop, a BBQ feast, marshmallows round the campfire and a night hike to spot the nocturnal creatures out there. 

Cook on a campfire
People sat around a campfire with glow of fire on their faces
Cook on a campfire

Summer in the Stables

Every day during August, Kedleston’s 250 year old Great Arch’d stables and courtyard will be opened up to explore for the first time ever.

Younger visitors can play in the mini stables and there are fun, games and activities for families to enjoy. For the ever curious there are talks and tours and an interesting history to uncover. 

You’ll be able to buy alfresco refreshments and there will also be a pop-up stableyard store.