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Family-friendly things to do at Acorn Bank

Visitors on a woodland walk family trail at Acorn Bank, Cumbria
Discover the beauty of Acorn Bank's nature and heritage with self-led trails | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Whether it's a trail-led wander around Acorn Bank’s garden, or a spot of birdwatching in the parkland, there’s something to occupy all ages here at Acorn Bank. Find out what's on offer and all the details you need to plan your visit.

Planning your family visit

  • Baby-changing facilities are located just off the courtyard
  • Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted
  • The second-hand bookshop in the Drawing Room of the house has plenty of children’s books.

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Geocaching

Have a go at geocaching, with six caches hidden across the parkland at Acorn Bank, each with a small treasure to find inside. Can you locate them all? Some may not be immediately obvious – so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled!

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾'

The woodland around Acorn Bank and the garden are perfect for ticking off a few items from the '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' list.

Borrow a nature toolkit

Discover more about nature here in the gardens and out on the estate by borrowing a free toolkit available from the Shepherd’s Hut when you arrive.

Beepot garden trail

Follow the pots around the garden to find out which plants help out our fuzzy friends the most, and which you might be able to grow at home.

Things to do on a rainy day

There are lots of fun things to get stuck into even if the weather isn’t on your side.

  • Head down to the watermill on Saturdays and Sundays to see live demonstrations
  • See what you can spot from the shelter of the bird hide in the woods
  • Browse in the second-hand bookshop
  • In the Dovecote, listen to a a soundscape of nature recordings taken on the estate

Alongside these regular activities are seasonal events - please keep an eye on our Upcoming events page for the latest information about what's on when you visit.

Snowdrops growing on a bank above the river. There is a person walking in the distance, along the river.

Discover more at Acorn Bank

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

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Exploring the wider estate and watermill at Acorn Bank 

Explore the 180 acres of woodland and parkland at Acorn Bank to visit the historic watermill, get closer to nature, or go on a geocaching adventure.

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There are lots of things to do when you visit one of our family-friendly places. Find inspiration for days out and discover a range of activities for everyone.

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‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.