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Family-friendly things to do at Lyveden

A mother and daughter enjoying themselves sat in the shade in Lyvedens orchard.
Family fun at Lyveden. | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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.

May half-term 

There's plenty to get stuck into at Lyveden this half term, from soft archery to bug hunts. Come meet the meadow guard in the brand new family trail or get stuck in with the return of Lyveden's Outdoor Tuesday and Craft Thursday. Make sure to check the events page for up to date information on what's on. 

Meadowguard trail

Friday 23 May - Friday 31 May, 10:00 - 17:00

Meet the meadowguard, the tiny guardians that look after Lyveden's meadows. In this brand new family trail, discover six minature characters and the wildflowers they protect as you explore Lyveden's grounds. Learn about the hardwork that these wildflowers do for nature. 

Find out more.

Families take aim in a soft archery activity.
Put your skills to the test with soft archery. | © National Trust Images/Steven Barber

Bank Holiday Monday | Soft archery

Monday 26 May 2025, 11:00 - 15:30, £2

Come put your skills to the test this bank holiday monday with soft archery. See who in your family has what it takes to hit the bullseye! 

Find out more.

Outdoor Tuesday | Meadow sweeping 

Tuesday 27 May, 11:00 - 15:30, £2

Come join our friendly volunteers as we hunt for bugs in the outer meadow. Grab a net and a set of magnifying glass and discover the tiny creatures that call Lyveden's grassland their home. Our volunteers will be on hand to help identify your finds! Make sure to pick up an activity token for £2 on your way in. 

Find out more.

A colourful print of pressed flowers and leaves made onto fabric.
Come make your own Hape Zome print this half-term | © National Trust / Peter Stanton

Craft Thursday | Hape Zome flag making

Thursday 29 May 2025, 11:00 - 15:30, £2

Make your very own flag to celebrate Lyveden's meadows using the Hape Zome technique. Grab a hammer and press flowers, leaves and other foraged bits into fabric, leaving a print of their natural pigments. Create your own unique design to make into a flag! 

Find out more.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Are you ready to tick some activities off your list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'? There are plenty of things to try at Lyveden, whatever the weather. Here are just a few to get you started:

  • No. 4 Build a den: Check out the Spinney and make yourself a den - What will your den be? A meeting place for spies, a pirate hideout or maybe a fairy castle for the night?
  • No. 7 Fly a kite: It doesn’t have to be blowing a gale – a simple box kite will take off in a breeze. Bring your own and run around the meadows and watch it fly
  • No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Look in the grass, check tree bark and look under stones to see what bugs you can find
  • No. 34 Discover wild animal clues: Can you see the tracks made by the deer and sheep? They make flattened grass paths to get to their favourite spots and you might see their hoof prints if it's muddy around the site
A view of the Elizabethan lodge at Lyveden with the sun hitting the walls and blue sky above

Discover more at Lyveden

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

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‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

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