Family-friendly things to do at Lyveden

Published:: 22 May 2024

Child making Christmas cards — Family activities at Christmas, 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.

Clay Café at Lyveden

13 November and 11 December, 1pm - 2.30pm, £7 per person. Pre-booking essential.

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.

Direction and advice is provided, with a theme for each session; September's session will be themed on leaf bowls and hedgerow treasures.

Plotober half term family trail

24 October - 8 November, 10am-4pm (check the event listing for exact times). Normal admission applies.

Be transported back to 1605 with a trail that explores the Gunpowder Plot. Try your hand at fun-filled games that place you in the shoes of the plotters, including an obstacle course and bean bag throw challenge. Free for National Trust members and under 5s, or included in your admission ticket.

Coming up for Christmas

DIY candle workshop

Wednesday 4 November, 11am - 1:30pm. £45 per person (ticket includes discount towards a cream tea in the café) with all materials and admission included and no experience expected. Pre-booking essential.

Dive into the world of candle-making with KB Premium Designs' festive candle workshop. You'll learn how to melt, mix and pour wax to create luxury DIY candles from scratch. Choose from festive fragrances or Kylie's own scents.

Christmas in the Manor: Merriment and mischief, the Lord of Misrule takes over

28 November - 24 December (selected dates) and 31 December - 3 January, 10am - 2pm. Normal admission applies.

Step into the manor where the traditional leader in Tudor Christmas partying, the Lord of Misrule, has highjacked our Tudor Christmas displays. This year, he's taken it one step further and mixed the manor up with displays of Christmases through time. With the manor bedecked in boughs of festive greenery, glimpses of other Christmases past are peeking through the revelry, mixing up the decorations and traditions that made up this joyous time.

Festive bauble workshop

28 November, 11am - 1pm, £40 per person (ticket includes discount towards a mince pie and hot drink in the café). Pre-booking essential.

Join botanical artist and illustrator Imogen for a nature-inspired, festive bauble workshop. Imogen will gently guide you through painting your own ceramic bauble using seasonal foliage, winter berries and Christmas blooms as inspirations.

Festive afternoon tea

5, 6, 12, 19, 20 December, 12pm - 1:30pm, £25 suitable for a family. Pre-booking essential.

Step into the festive season and enjoy a special Festive Afternoon Tea at Lyveden, available on selected dates throughout December.

Santa Paws at Lyveden

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December (various 10 minute time slots starting at 11:10am and finishing at 3pm). Normal admission applies and group with 1 dog- £5 group with 2 dogs - £8 group with 3 dogs £10. Pre-booking essential.

Enjoy an exclusive audience with Santa, where your dogs will be able to meet and play with Father Christmas in their own dedicated timeslot. Pose for a family Christmas photo and receive a playful present for each dog.