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Family-friendly things to do at Basildon Park

Published:
09 March 2024
A family with a young child enjoy a picnic in long grass on a sunny day at Calke Abbey
Family in the parkland | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Keep all the family happy at Basildon Park, from playing at the ball run, adventuring on the wild play walk, or taking part in one of the seasonal trails.

Planning your family visit

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

  • Baby-changing facilities are available in the accessible toilets in the stableyard by visitor reception
  • The gardens are accessible for buggies, but the parkland has uneven ground
  • Please don't bring bikes or scooters.
  • Children's books and toys are available to buy in the shop
  • Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from the tea-room.

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Children's wild play trail

Head along the woodland walk to find the wild play trail in the parkland. Get adventurous on the balance beam, jump on the hopscotch and play with the ball run.

Family-friendly events at Basildon Park

Child dressed as an astronaut runs in front of sculpture of Helios by Luke Jerram
Child runs in front of sculpture of Helios by Luke Jerram | © National Trust Images/ Aled Llywelyn

Family friendly events during Helios at Basildon Park 

From 15 to 18 and 22 to 25 August, join us at Basildon Park for Luke Jerram's Helios. See the 7-meter wide sculpture of the sun and enjoy free family friendly events alongside the art installation.

Including: 

  • Space themed family games and activities with YouMove on 16 August. 
  • Learn more about the sun and solar system with Reading Astronomy Group on 16 and 23 August.
  • Become an astronaut and try on replica sokol and starman space suits with Space Store on 24 August. 
  • Get inspired by Helios and sketch, draw, paint or colour using the art supplies provided.
  • Dress up as a star or astronaut with children's dressing up in the gardens. 
  • Create an origami sun or star in the South Pavilion with a self-led activity. 

Find out more information and how to join in on our events page. 

 

 

More events at Basildon Park

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Eating and shopping at Basildon Park 

Enjoy food and drink and buy a reminder of your day out on your visit to Basildon Park. Pick up a tasty treat in the tea-room or grab a gardening must-have in the shop.

Visitors in the Angkor Wat room in the cafe at Basildon Park, Berkshire

The garden at Basildon Park 

Discover the beautifully laid out, restored grounds that surround the house at Basildon Park. Take in the views from the terrace and pause awhile under the thatched Umbrello seat.

Visitors exploring the garden at Basildon Park, Berkshire

The parkland at Basildon Park 

Explore the wider estate on a parkland walk. Choose from one of four trails that are designed for different ages and abilities. Take in the views of the 18th-century Bath-stone house as it glows in the distance.

The parkland in August at Basildon Park, Berkshire

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