Family fun at Kingston Lacy

summer fun at Kingston Lacy — Kingston Lacy in the summer light

There is always lots going on at Kingston Lacy to help you spend time together as a family. Take your bike for a spin along the Woodland Trail, let imaginations run wild in our woodland play area and have a go at some '50 things' challenges in the garden and parkland.

Summer of Discovery trails

There are two free trails for children and families this summer – pick up a leaflet to explore the wildlife in Kingston Lacy's meadows and woodland, or become an archaeologist with an Egyptian trail that takes you into the house and garden. No charge, admission applies

Wander through the Wildflowers or Meet a Moth

Grab a net and see what wonderful wildlife is living in the parkland. Every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-2pm. No charge, admission applies.

Family-friendly checklist

Free entry for under 5s.
Baby-changing facilities in access-friendly toilets.
Buggy-friendly route around the Woodland Trail.
Play area on the Woodland Trail
Children’s menu available from the Stables Café.
Pocket money gifts and children's books available in the shop.

Cycling

Woodland Trail

Venture off the beaten track on the 3 mile Woodland Trail at Kingston Lacy. You can walk the route or take your bike for a spin. The trail is dog friendly (on a short lead) and suitable for buggies and adapted wheelchairs so the whole family can join in. For little legs there is a shorter route of 1.5 miles (30mins – 1 hour). Why not stop at the Woodland Play Area for a picnic and see how much wildlife you can spot along the way?

Download the route

A gardener weeding in summer at Eyam Hall and Craft Centre, Derbyshire

Summer gardening tips

Would you like to get more out of your summer blooms? Get some answers from our gardening experts on how to garden during the warmest season.

Children investigating a bug with a microscope

'50 things' activities to do in your back garden

Even bold adventurers don't need to go too far from home to tick off challenges from the '50 things' activity list. Here are our top ideas for activities that you can do in your own back garden or outdoor green space

Learn new skills with our how to guides

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own bird feeder? We've got plenty of how to guides for you to discover, from how to make your own compost, to how to green clean your home.

A family enjoying the summer in the garden

Visit our family hub

Delve into our garden shed of fun activities for the kids throughout the seasons. Explore things to do, games to play and recipes to bake. There's lots to be done outdoors in nature or indoors on a rainy day.

'50 Things' at Kingston Lacy

From wild art to cloud watching there are heaps of activities on the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' list to keep you busy at Kingston Lacy all year round. Visit the Shepherd's Hut at the start of the Woodland Walk to pick up your ‘50 things’ booklet. The challenges listed below are some of our favourites – why not have a go when you next visit?

Two young boys looking up, stood inside a tree — Get to know a tree

No. 1 Get to know a tree

The acres of wooded parkland at Kingston Lacy make it perfect for getting to know more about trees. Explore trees throughout the seasons, from buds on branches to falling leaves in autumn. Some trees have hollows so big that you can climb inside, others have smaller holes that are just as good for exploring. Touch the bark, look up through the branches and listen to the wind rustling the leaves.

Boy flying a kite at Sheffield Park East Sussex

No. 7 Fly a kite

When there's a bit of a breeze in the air it's the perfect time to feel the force of the wind as you send a kite high into the sky. Borrow a kite from the Shepherd's Hut at the start of the Woodland Trail or bring along your own kite to fly.

No 31. Make friends with a bug

Ladybirds, spiders, butterflies, woodlice - there are all kinds of creepy crawlies hiding in the woods and parkland at Kingston Lacy. See what bugs you can find on your adventure?

Cloud watching at Kingston Lacy in Dorset — And relax.... what can you see in the clouds?

No. 33 Go cloud watching

With imagination you can create whole worlds from the shapes you see in the sky. You can do this anywhere at Kingston Lacy but top spots include the South Lawn and the specially designed leaning posts along the Woodland Walk.

New to 50 Things?

If you're new to the 50 things challenge or want to find some inspiration for more places to visit, take a look at the full list and open the door to a world of family fun.