Family-friendly things to do at Cliveden

Children playing in the maze at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire — Enjoy Cliveden with all the family this autumn | © National Trust Images/John MIller

If you’re looking to get the whole family outside, look no further. Cliveden has something to offer everyone, whether young in body or young at heart. From fun walking trails to boating on the Thames, this is your one-stop shop to help you get the most out of your family visit to Cliveden.

Planning your family visit

Baby-changing facilities in female and male Gas Yard toilets, Conservatory toilets and in both toilets at the Doll's House
Accessible paths map available from the Information Centre
The Maze and The Storybook Play Den close half an hour before closing time

Autumn adventures

From mid-September, there's a new way to explore the estate as it gradually transforms into its autumn finery of orange, red and gold. Pick up a free, self-led trail map and become a leaf detective, discover animals and birds fattening up for winter and help gather leaves for compost.

Half Term

Cliveden's Scarecrow festival is returning for its second year. Follow the scarecrow trail where each and every one has been lovingly created by local community groups. Look out for pop-up crafts to make your own mini-scarecrow.

A view taken sitting inside a boat that's cruising down the river Thames at Cliveden with the water of the river on either side and trees on either bank — Enjoy a trip down the river at Cliveden | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Boating at Cliveden

Last chance to enjoy the golden days of early autumn on the prettiest stretch of the River Thames. There are skippered cruises, self-hire electric boats, rowing boats, Canadian canoes and even a double pedal boat. Until October.

Find out more about boating at Cliveden

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Story book Play Den

Little ones love to play in the Storybook Play Den, complete with carved wooden figures and structures to run around, climb and play make-believe. Situated in a corner of the Water Garden, the playground is next to the Doll's House cafe which is open on weekends and busy days for that all-important parental coffee whilst the children play. There are picnic tables too.

Cliveden's Giant Maze

Can you find your way to the centre of Cliveden’s Giant Maze? The current maze is based on one that was built for the 1st Viscount Astor in 1894 and has over 500 metres of paths winding amongst two-metre high hedges. The maze covers approximately one third of an acre, making it the same size as the world-famous Hampton Court Maze. Older children enjoy challenging themselves with this one.

A family of four are strolling through woodland at Rowallane Garden, County Down, where the leaves on the trees have turned yellow. The family is looking at something out of the shot. — A family walking through the woods at Rowallane Garden | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Cliveden’s Woodland Play Trail

Created using the layout of the woodland, this all-natural trail is a great opportunity to explore the woods and let imaginations run free.

You can while away an hour or two on the log stepping stones, balancing beams, rope swings and more. There are also opportunities to strengthen your climbing and den building skills along the way. Situated in the heart of the woodlands just beyond the entry kiosk, off Green Drive, it is a great way to get active outdoors and all in the name of fun. Designed with children aged 6+ in mind.

Clive's Den

Just next to the play trail you will also find Clive's Den, an extra-special natural den for make-believe of all kinds. It is big enough for the whole family to hide, plus there are wooden musical chimes to play and it's a great secluded spot to pop your feet up at our tree trunk picnic tables.

Woodland walking

Discover some great family walks and trails in Cliveden's historic woodlands. We've plenty of walks to choose to get the whole family spending time together in the great outdoors, whether exploring the grounds or making natural discoveries together.

If you are enchanted by the woodlands and want to see more then why not try our Blue Walking Trail? You can start from the Play Trail and follow the blue arrows to take a short circular route. Scroll down this page for more information about the Blue Walking Trail.

Spot the local wildlife

Don’t forget to also keep a close eye out for the variety of birds, bats and bugs that live here, and if you're feeling adventurous, why not do a spot of bug hunting?

Just beyond the woodland car park you can also discover our striking elephant, bear and tiger wood carvings, as well as the famous Cliveden snails ornately crafted by local woodcarver Nick Garnett. These wooden snails, carved using a chainsaw, represent the tiny snails that were 'imported' from Rome in 1896 in the Borghese Balustrade.

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off during your visit. Here are a few recommendations:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: The woodland at Cliveden is home to many fascinating trees. As well as majestic trees, tranquil glades and far-reaching views there are some unusual features to look our for in our woodlands too. Nestled within this landscape of tree-lined rides you'll find curiosities including a flint grotto and a section of giant sequoia tree.
No. 6 Go welly wandering: A spot of rain doesn’t need to dampen your spirits. Pull on some wellies and explore the garden and woodland.