Family-friendly things to do at Hinton Ampner

Buzz outdoor family theatre
28 May 2025

Join Billy Bumble as he shrinks down to bee-size and learns about the troubles that they face. Featuring spell-binding puppetry and a giant honeycomb set, join us for a whirlwind ride, avoiding grumpy Mr Fred and the gaping jaws of Shredder the dog! Buzz finishes with the audience being given wildflower seeds, to plant and help our black and yellow friends to flourish.

Created by award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples.

Buzz is suitable for children aged 4-11 years old.

The show last 30 minutes and afterwards there is an opportunity to meet the puppets and take pictures.

Ticket Information: Please note non-members will still need to pay admission to the property in addition to buying a ticket for this event.

Performances: 12.00 - 1.00pm and 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Please book tickets via the Hinton Ampner events website.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream outdoor theatre
20 & 27 June 2025

This new production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy of love and intrigue, magic and mayhem, is brought to life by family favourites Quantum Theatre, so grab a picnic and a blanket and join in the fairy fun and frolics.

Performances: 19.00 – 21.00 

Please book tickets via the Hinton Ampner events website.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail
Hinton Ampner
19 July – 7 September 2025 

Join us from 19 July for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. Hinton Ampner are thrilled to host this captivating trail where little ones can experience one of nature’s greatest transformations.

This charming trail brings to life the best-selling story of the tiny caterpillar who hatches from an egg and is so hungry he eats through a variety of fruits and snacks each day. The caterpillar then forms a chrysalis around himself and, after some time, emerges as a beautiful butterfly.

Enhanced by illustrated trail markers, giant food posts and accompanying QR codes, activities and games, children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly all within the grounds of Hinton Ampner. 

Pick up a The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail sheet when you arrive and set off on a journey of discovery together. Scan the QR code to uncover fun facts for hungry young minds, inspired by the storybook.

The World of Eric Carle nurtures a child’s love of literature and learning, encouraging imaginative play and exploration. Trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians and beloved by children worldwide for generations, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, and other timeless storybooks, come to life in colourfully creative books and products, designed to inspire very hungry young minds. Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for young children. Carle illustrated more than 70 books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 175 million copies of his books have sold around the world. 

The trail is presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory and forms part of a collaboration with the National Trust in London and the South East.

The trail is free.  Normal admission applies.

Recommended for children aged 3 - 6 years.

Family walks on the Hinton Ampner estate

Stewkeley walk

The Stewkeley walk takes you across the Hinton Ampner estate towards the village of Kilmeston, before looping back to the entry of the estate. This moderately strenuous walk is perfect for walkers of any age and skill level. It's just under two miles and takes around an hour to complete.

Stewkeley walk

Ancient tree trail

The parkland at Hinton Ampner is home to many ancient trees, some with rather quirky characteristics. You can find out more about spotting the ancient trees by downloading the guide.

Follow this guide

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of  ’50 things' challenges you can complete with the whole family at Hinton Ampner. Here's a few recommendations:

• No. 1 Get to know a tree: If trees could talk, what stories would they tell? Get up close to a tree and feel the texture of its bark and leaves and notice all the different colours and smells. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

• No. 12 Have fun with sticks: When it comes to sticks, the possibilities are endless. Use them to become a gallant warrior, make a magic wand, create a home for a small animal or insect or create some wild art. There are lots of interesting sticks to find in the Hinton Ampner estate and parkland

• No. 33 Go cloud watching: With a little imagination you can create whole worlds from the shapes you see in the clouds. Do they resemble anything, like animals, trees or cartoon characters? Invent a story using the characters you see in the clouds. Try writing your story down or drawing it on a sketchpad

• No. 44 Watch a bird: There are many different birds that can be spotted in the gardens and woodland at Hinton Ampner. Birds get frightened off easily, so you'll need to be as quiet as you can, and not make any loud noises or sudden movements to stand the best chance of seeing lots.