Family-friendly things to do at Wimpole

Children enjoying the swing at Wimpole Home Farm's playground | © Trevor Ray Hart

Wimpole Estate is full of adventures waiting to happen. Whether your children are fascinated by impressive architecture, want to get up close to animals on a working farm or just need to let off steam in the great outdoors, families can have a lot of fun together, whatever the weather.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Wimpole:

Baby-changing facilities are available at the visitor centre, the hall, the Old Rectory restaurant, the stables and Home Farm
Scooters, bikes and ball games are welcome in the parkland, but not beyond the entrance to the garden
The path from the car park to the stables, garden and Home Farm is accessible for pushchairs
Children’s lunchboxes are available in the Old Rectory restaurant
The adventure playground is closed but we have a new farm playground which is open the same time as the farm

Family-friendly events

Lambing at Home Farm

20 April - 6 May

Get ready for a shear delight at Wimpole Estate. Our popular lambing event is baaaa-ck, and our pens are soon to be filled with skipping, bleating new life once more. Join us from 20 April to 6 May to see the newborns exploring the new world around them and learn about the teams' work at Home Farm. Ewe wolly won't want to miss this one!

Find out more

Little Acorns at the farm café

23 April - 9 July (term time Tuesdays only)

Wimpole's popular pre-school group for 2-5 year olds is back for a second term. Come and get creative with craft activities, painting, messy play and learn a little bit about the animals on Home Farm. Run by Wimpole staff and volunteers it will include stories, songs and activities to develop those all important social, communication and fine motor skills. Sessions will run in the Farm Cafe on Tuesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm and are free but must be booked in advance as spaces are limited. Usual admission to Wimpole Estate applies (National Trust members free.) Treats and refreshments available from Farm café and hot drinks are 25p off if you bring a re-useable cup!

Younger siblings are welcome but activities may not be suitable and children must be supervised at all times.

Book your tickets

Little Acorns in the gardens

25 April - 11 July (term time Thursdays only)

Come and explore the wonders of nature in the gardens as Wimpole's popular pre-school group heads into the great outdoors for Spring. Join us for a fun-filled morning of digging, planting, and crafting activities, and learn about the various plants and wildlife in the beautiful walled garden. The event will be run by a team of experienced Wimpole staff and volunteers, and will include exciting stories, catchy songs, and outdoor adventures for all ages! Younger siblings are welcome but activities may not be suitable and children must be supervised at all times.

These sessions are very popular, if you are unable to attend a session please notify us so we can release your ticket.

Book your tickets

Big Tree Climbing

28 May - 30 May

Using ropes and a harness, ascend into the treetops and experience an exhilarating adventure at new heights this May half-term. We expect tickets for these sessions ot sell out so book early to avoid disappointment.

Book your tickets

The Sunset Series at Wimpole Estate

Selected dates during July & August

This summer, experience the magic of an open-air performance set against the backdrop of the setting sun at Wimpole Estate. From timeless theatre classics to exciting debuts, join us for a series of captivating twilight shows in the picturesque surroundings of the parkland. Pull up a picnic blanket and settle in for an incredible evening of entertainment in the warm glow of sunset with the family.

See what we've got in store and book your tickets on now.

What's on at Wimpole Estate

Christmas at Wimpole

22 November 2024 - 1 January 2025

Tickets for Christmas at Wimpole are on sale now! Discover neon trees, larger-than-life flowers and an amazing two colour pea-lit tree, surround yourself with sparkle within long glowing tunnels and immerse yourself in all the colours of the rainbow. Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Wimpole, Cambridgeshire has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Book Christmas at Wimpole tickets

Outdoor theatre in the parkland of Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire | © Elliot Neale

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and estate

Visit our new farm playground

A space for our younger visitors to explore and play in an new, safe and stimulating way, all nestled within the picturesque surroundings of the estate’s Home Farm. Designed and crafted with an emphasis on fun and sustainability, the new play area features large climbing frames, an adventure trail, and accessible swings made of natural materials, surrounded by hardwood chip safety surfacing.

The new equipment compliments the existing small farm play items with plenty of picnic benches for supervising family and friends to relax and enjoy hot and cold drinks, light lunches and snacks from the nearby Farm Cafe.

Explore the Estate

With acres of parkland and miles of paths to explore, families can easily while away a day at Wimpole. Wander the garden paths and discover the explorer path, navigating a winding route through the pleasure ground. The walled garden, with its high brick walls and gates has a secret garden feel that children will love to explore or peek into the glasshouse to see what’s growing. In the summer, you'll be able to play garden games such as croquet and giant jenga on the lawns.

Set on top of a hill in the 300 acres of ancient parkland is the gothic folly, a ruined tower straight out of a fairy story. Cross the Chinese bridge and climb to the top of the hill to enjoy the views over the roof of the hall below. Wander around the lake and see if you can spot the resident swans and ducks gliding around.

Home Farm

Home Farm is one of the UK’s largest rare breed centres and a working farm with horses, sheep, pigs, goats and more. Meet the gentle giants, the shire horses, in their stable block or spot piglets in the piggery. The cheeky Bagot goats can be found in their paddock, and you’ll always find donkeys and rabbits in the farmyard.

Follow the new Home Farm trail and learn about the animals we care for and the day-to-day goings on at the farm. Explore the farm buildings and collect the eight special brass rubbings at each station.

We also offer some immersive Shire horse experiences on selected dates, such as carriage rides around the estate and experience days.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off during your visit. Here are a few recommendations:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: The parkland at Wimpole is home to many fascinating trees – big, small, old and new. Some trees have spaces big enough to get inside while others can be climbed. Many have vibrant summer flowers or colourful leaves to catch. Get to know a tree and see what creatures they’re home to
No. 6 Go welly wandering: A spot of rain doesn’t need to dampen your spirits! Pull on some wellies and explore the adventure woodland, pleasure gardens and parkland. See if you can find the secret laurel tunnel or upside down trees in the Victorian stumpery
No. 11 Explore on wheels: Get on your bikes and head out into the wider estate as a family on our new multi-use trail. Our new, circular 5.5 mile route is off-road, safe and provides children with the opportunity to grow their confidence on wheels and get outdoors
No. 28 Climb a huge hill: Cambridgeshire may not be famous for its hilly landscapes but the path up to the ruined folly is steep enough for little legs, and the views from the top are definitely worth the effort.

The south front of Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire with sheep in the foreground

Discover more at Wimpole Estate

Find out when Wimpole Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Children on Home Farm at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Article

Explore Wimpole Home Farm

Built in 1794, Home Farm is the only in-hand farm of its kind in the National Trust. Unique to Wimpole Estate, it is a model for sustainable farming practices. A must see on your next visit, it is home to many rare-breed animals and the species of flora and fauna that make the estate an agricultural champion.