Family-friendly things to do at Lyveden

Published:: 22 May 2024

Young girl with her grandfather, leant over smelling wildflowers in a meadow. — Family fun at Lyveden, Northamptonshire | © ©National Trust Images/Paul Harris

If you're looking for somewhere where the children can let off some steam, Lyveden is the perfect place for a family day out. From spotting birds and bugs by the moat to discovering what's growing in the wildflower meadows there's lots of fun to be had in the great outdoors.

Planning your family visit

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

Baby-changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet in the Manor courtyard area.
Snacks, hot food and drinks are available from the restaurant.
Picnic benches are located by the car park as well as infront of the Manor.
There are plenty of good spots to set down a picnic blanket if you bring one.
Most of Lyveden is accessed via grass paths. Surfaces can be uneven and slippy if wet.

Family-friendly events this Summer

Bring the family along to Lyveden this summer. As you explore the formal gardens, how many of Thomas Tresham's codes and symbols will you discover? Intrepid adventures can head up to the moat and take on the Labyrinth; will you make it to the end?

Decoding the Treshams: Lives Through Letters

18 July - 22 November, 10am - 5pm. Normal admission applies.

Explore the remarkable survival of the Tresham family letters in this exhibition upstairs in the manor.

Through hidden meanings, coded language, and intimate exchanges, this exhibition invites you to read between the lines and uncover the voices, relationships, and secrets preserved within the letters.

Summer of Play at Lyveden

18 July - 27 August, 10am - 5pm. normal admission applies.

Step into the world of Camp Lyveden and go on a quest of discovery. Channel your inner archaeologist with the play dig and 'hook-a-look' games, test your speed in the obstacle course or cook up a storm in the play kitchen, and don't forget to pop over to the café to refuel for your adventure.

Clay Café at Lyveden

Aug 5, Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 13 and Dec 11, 1pm - 2.30pm. Normal admission applies and £7 per session. Pre booking essential.

Discover the calming, creative joy of working with clay in our cosy café. No experience or artistic skills necessary. Clay Conversations practitioner, Ruth guides a relaxed session using clay to support creativity and wellbeing. The focus is on enjoying the material and process, rather than the end product.

Make a bug hotel | Discovery Saturday

Saturday 15 August, 11am - 3pm. Normal admission applies and £2 per child.

Using natural and recyclable materials, make and decorate your own bug hotel to support your local wildlife. Once finished, take it home to hang outside and provide a cosy shelter for wildlife.

Camp tales | Discovery Saturday

Saturday 22 August, 11am - 12pm and 1pm - 2pm. Normal admission applies.

Gather around the (mock) campfire and join in with interactive stories. Camp Lyveden's very own storyteller will keep you entertained with join-in stories. Gather in the storytelling circle and lose yourself in a story or two.

As You Like It - Outdoor Theatre by Illyria

Friday 28 August, 6pm - 8.30pm. Adult £19.51, Child £10.84. Pre booking essential.

International award-winning Illyria promises a memorable night of sparkling wit, laughter and romance under the stars in Shakespeare's iconic comedy. This performance is an outdoors lasting approximately 140 minutes (including a 20 minute interval).