Family-friendly things to do at Hare Hill

Visitors sitting on a garden seat in the walled garden at Hare Hill, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Come out and play at Hare Hill where there are lots of activities to keep the whole family entertained and help you create great memories together. Try out the tree swing or build a den in the natural play area.

Planning your family visit

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

Toilets with a baby-changing facility are are located in the garden
There are steps in the garden but a step free route is available with level paths throughout that is suitable for buggies.

Family-friendly events

Ranger Day

Get ready for a day filled with outdoor excitement and hands-on nature adventures!

Join us for Ranger Day at Hare Hill on 25th October from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This FREE drop-in event welcomes families and nature enthusiasts of all ages; however, please be aware that standard admission fees apply.

Event Highlights:

Meet our friendly Rangers and learn about how they look after Hare Hill and the Cheshire Countryside
Contribute to the beauty of Hare Hill by sewing seeds and planting bulbs in Boggy Square
Make your very own rope swing for thrilling outdoor adventures
Make a pinecone bird feeder to attract feathered friends to your garden
Learn the art of splitting logs using traditional wedges and mallets

It's a day of outdoor experiences you won't want to miss!

Nature Packs

Our Nature Packs will be back this year for families to borrow, to help you explore the gardens and parklands and get closer to nature. Grab one of the free packs from our friendly team at our Welcome Building but please remember to bring them back so that other families can use them and have fun discovering nature together at Hare Hill.

A child playing on log pile outdoors at Hare Hill in Cheshire — Child playing on log pile at Hare Hill | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Run wild in the natural play area

The outdoor play area is an ideal spot for children of all ages to explore and enjoy. Build, climb, balance; the only limit is your imagination.

Spot wildlife in the wooded garden

Explore the wooded garden and look out for birds in the bird hide nestled in a hidden corner. Cross the bridges and spot wildlife on the ponds.

Explore the historic parkland

If you’re the adventurous type, follow the permissive path and explore the tenant farmland. Breathe in the fresh air and admire the beautiful Cheshire countryside surrounding this special place.

What do you need to know when visiting the garden?

Please don't bring footballs, scooters or bikes into the garden
Cows and sheep graze the farmland close to the permissive path.

'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 some recommendations:

No. 1 get to know a tree: Every tree has something special about it. The wooded garden has trees aplenty with stories to tell
No. 35 Discover what's in a pond: Ponds may look like not a lot is going on when you're peering at the top of the water, but you'll be amazed what lives below the surface
No. 12 Have fun with sticks: Sticks are the best. There are so many ways you can have fun with sticks that we can’t begin to list them all here. Before choosing your stick, you need to decide what you want to use it for. Do you want to create a trail of arrows for friends to follow? Or will you use your stick to make a home for wildlife? Perhaps you’d like to decorate it and use it as a wand?