Family fun at Kingston Lacy

Enjoy a stroll at Kingston Lacy in Dorset — Some of the trees along the majestic Cedar Avenue date back to the 1800s

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.

'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.

Children riding their bicycles in the park at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

No. 11 Explore on wheels

Feel the wind in your hair on a family bike ride along the Woodland Trail, which is a relatively flat, circular cycle route. You will see some stunning views of the house and discover previously inaccessible parts of the parkland.

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.

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