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A girl in a pink coat looks happy as she throws fallen leaves into the air
Autumn fun at Buckland Abbey | © Barry Mitchell

Family-friendly places in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Discover the best places to visit with your family around Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, from exploring the magical landscape at Stowe to den-building at Basildon Park.

Half term and halloween in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire

Spooky delights and wholesome autumn fun.

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt at Hughenden this Halloween 

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ 11 October to 2 November 2025. The bunnies are setting off on a Halloween adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Hughenden with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. Pick your bunny name, then follow this family-friendly trail around the beautiful autumnal gardens as you play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones.

Illustration of four bunnies running in front of a setting moon for the We're Going on a Ghost Hunt ™ family Haloween trail this October half term

Waddesdon Manor 

Haunted half term and spooky afternoon teas 25 October - 2 November Take part in the Skeleton Trail where Little and Big Adventurers alike have word puzzles to solve and there are ghostly figures to find inside the House. In the Skull Shack (also known as the Conservation Hub), the skeletons are hard at work and mysterious boxes are waiting to be uncovered. Stay for a wickedly delightful Halloween-themed afternoon tea. Available from noon to 3.30pm.

child in a witches hat

Stowe Gardens 

Spirits of Stowe Halloween trail 25 October – 2 November As morning mists swirl around the lakes and spooky shadows develop in the grottoes and dells of Stowe Gardens, spot the ghosts in the landscape and solve spooky puzzles with the free activity booklet. Enter New Inn if you dare to find out more about the ghosts that are said to haunt the former coaching inn.

Visitors enjoying an autumnal walk in the landscaped garden at Stowe, Buckinghamshire

Cliveden 

Autumn adventures at Cliveden 25 October – 2 November The trees are putting on a colourful display, the last of the summer flowers are blooming before the first frost and wildlife is busy squirreling away supplies ahead of hibernating through winter. Exploring autumn adventures at Cliveden, you’ll find autumn treasures, you can play autumn games and collect the colours of autumn. The free ‘Autumn Adventures’ leaflet is available from the Information Centre.

Children playing in the woodlands at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

For families this autumn in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

As the summer draws to a close, there are hints of autumn in misty mornings, overripe blackberries and the first conkers. Make the most of the mellow September days with family picnics, walks and natural play areas to run off energy. We have everything you need in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire for a fantastic family day out.

Stowe 

Stowe is a vast and exciting playground for children with winding paths, wildlife-filled lakes and intriguing statues and monuments.

A lady with her child at the Temple of British Worthies at Stowe Landscape Gardens

Hughenden 

There's a natural playground for climbing, balancing and make-believe at Hughenden. Children also love the walled garden with its narrow paths for running along and a willow tunnel for winding their way through.

Children enjoying the natural play area at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire

Greys Court 

There's a children's play area nestled in the woodland at Greys Court and a walk around the estate is livened with fallen logs for balance-walking.

Children playing in woodland at Greys Court, Oxfordshire

Basildon Park 

With 400 acres of historic parkland, garden and woodland to explore, there are lots of ways to play at Basildon Park.

Family walking in Rowallane Garden, County Down, surrounded by autumnal colours

Waddesdon 

Waddesdon's popular woodland playground has a zip wire, board rider, swings and roundabout. The Aviary is also a must for children to spot the exotic birds.

near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Closed now
The south facade of Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Cliveden 

There are some great walks at Cliveden to get the whole family spending time together in the great outdoors. The Blue walking trail is a great place to start, taking you via the natural Play Trail.

A family of five walking down the newly improved path in the Long Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire.

The Vyne 

Children can explore the outdoors in the natural play area created for very young children just off the Lime Avenue.

A child explores the outdoors with their family in autumn
Track through gates at Bradenham Estate during the summer

Discover more in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Rolling Chiltern hills, a magical garden and the home of a Victorian prime minister await you in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

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