Summer holidays at Speke Hall

Escape to Speke Hall this summer — Escape to Speke Hall with the family

This summer, there's plenty to see and do at Speke Hall. Have a nature adventure in the colourful gardens and estate, discover stories in the house or enjoy treats in the restaurant.

This summer, the gardens and grounds are open every day, 10.30am-5pm, for you to enjoy relaxing walks or family adventures in nature. The house is open Wednesday-Sunday, 12.30pm-5pm (last entry at 4.15pm).

You no longer need to book to visit Speke Hall. Entry is free for National Trust members and under 5s, admission fees apply to non-members. For everything you need to know before visiting, click here.

Places to play

Any day out at Speke Hall is guaranteed to be filled with fun. From the colourful safe haven of the gated play area to the hidden woodland play area filled with fun challenges, you'll be spoilt for choice. Solve the giant hedge maze with its 12 gates, 5 bridges, 4 finger mazes, 3 weather vanes and a viewing platform all waiting to be discovered. Or will you dare to follow the interactive Giant Childe of Hale trail and meet the local legend himself?

Visitors eating ice cream in the summer at Speke Hall — Tuck in to a treat

Grab a bite to eat

Home Farm restaurant is open every day, 10.30am-4.30pm. Take a seat inside or outside to enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks. There's something to suit all appetites, big and small. Grab some award-winning Cheshire Farm ice cream from our kiosk, handily located next to the play area and maze.

If you'd rather enjoy a picnic, there are picnic tables for you to use in the orchard and plenty of spots to lay out a blanket. Just please make sure to tidy up after yourself and use the bins provided.

Find out more

Family activities

Searching for The Lost Words at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

I Spy Speke

Pick up a free activity sheet filled with fun nature challenges to try as your travel through the gardens at Speke Hall. Can your family find the 9 letters hidden around the grounds and figure out what they spell? Alternatively, click here to download the activity sheet.

Get set, go!

Grab a 'Get set, go' card when you arrive to help inspire your family to create your own adventure. From exploring new paths and discovering different natural textures to tuning the sounds and rhythms of nature, each activity is designed to have fun with what's around you and explore the simple things this summer. Alternatively, click here to download the cards.

Sports activities

Throughout the summer holidays on certain days, you can enjoy sports activities on the North Lawn. Between 19 July-1 August, hit the target with archery and bean bag golf. Between 2-15 August, challenge each other to a race. Between 16-29 August, complete our own special version of a triathlon. All activities are subject to change and cancellation, so please check on the day before visiting.

Discover the floral delights of the South Lawn

The Morris Mile

Nature inspired William Morris to create his famous wallpaper designs, some of which you'll find inside Speke Hall. Let nature inspire you by following the Morris Mile, a mile-long trail through the gardens and grounds. Complete the walk and reward yourself with a treat in the restaurant, before setting off to explore more of the estate.

What families need to know

You'll find toilets and baby-changing facilities at Home Farm and in the Dairy Courtyard next to the house.
Home Farm restaurant offers tasty kids lunchboxes containing sandwiches, fruit, a treat and juice or water. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
You're welcome to bring a picnic. There's plenty of picnic tables, benches and spots to lay out a blanket. Please use the bins provided when you're finished.
Balance bikes and small bikes with stabilisers are allowed, but please don't bring large wheeled bikes. The paths around the gardens and grounds are too narrow.
Dogs are not allowed in the play areas, maze or Childe of Hale trail (except for assistance dogs).
Buggies cannot be taken inside the house. You can leave them in the central courtyard in our designated buggy area, but please be aware this at your own risk.

A family enjoying the park at Dunham Massey — Get closer to nature this summer

School holidays in the North West

October half term is the perfect time to explore these special places in the North West. Whether you want to take on a family discovery trail in Cheshire or spot wildlife near Liverpool, we've got plenty for families this half term.

Plan your day

Things to do at home

Mini Makers at Speke Hall

Looking for fun craft activities that the whole family can get stuck into? We're bringing Speke Hall's much-loved Mini Makers event online with plenty of fun activities and ideas for your little ones to enjoy at home.

Speke for Nature activities for kids

Are your little nature explorers looking for a new adventure? Have a go at these fun Speke for Nature activities and learn as a family how we can all do our bit to help protect nature.