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A family with two adults and two children stands in the doorway of a room with dark wooden panelling, admiring the large Christmas tree lit up in the foreground of the image.
A family admiring the Christmas decorations at Scotney Castle, Kent. | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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.

Christmas for families in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Memories made at Christmas stay with us and create the legends of our childhood. We're honoured be the backdrop to your memories with beautifully decorated houses with lots of sparkle and special touches for children. Dedicated children's trails continue the festivities and help run off some excitement outside. We look forward to seeing you this Christmas at Cliveden, Hughenden, Waddesdon, Greys Court, Basildon Park and The Vyne.

Christmas at Cliveden 

15 Nov - 4 Jan. Prepare to be charmed and dazzled this Christmas as the Nutcracker is coming to Cliveden. Watch their little faces light up under sparkling bauble arches with oversized candy canes and be awed by giant nutcrackers guarding the gates.

A graphic of a blue and red Christmas nutcracker.

Stamped and Sealed: Christmas at Hughenden​ ​ 

29 Nov - 4 Jan. Inspired by the magic of the first Christmas card and the golden age of letter writing, you'll experience the whirlwind of Queen Victoria's post room, a Victorian Model Village in the Drawing Room, and a 3D Christmas card for a photo opportunity at Hughenden. There's also a festive family trail in the garden following the journey of a letter to the North Pole.

Visitors enjoying the Christmas decorations in the Victorian manor house at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire

Christmas at Basildon Park 

15 Nov to 4 Jan. Inspired by the elegant spectacle of ballet, Basildon Park is dressing the rooms of the mansion with beautiful decorations inspired by the stories and characters of famous festive ballets. With sumptuous, twinkling trees, set dressing and costumes, the twirling world of dance is sweeping into Basildon Park. Outside, there's a pushchair-friendly trail for little ones.

Image shows a family with a young child being carried enjoying a walk around the Christmas trail at Basildon Park during the day, with festive lights hanging between the trees

Christmas at Greys Court 

22 Nov - 4 Jan. A wonderland of theatrical decorations is coming to Greys Court with beautifully decorated trees and garlands. Fairy lights twinkle against a background of candles and the warm scent of spices from Lady Brunner’s kitchen. The garden is lit up with wreaths, lights and oversized baubles bringing gorgeous sparkle to grey winter days. There’ll be a theatre-themed Christmas trail for little ones.

Christmas decorations inside the house at Greys Court, Oxfordshire

Christmas at Stowe Gardens 

15 nov - 4 jan. Discover the Stoweman trail at Stowe Gardens this winter. Community groups including choirs, charities, sports clubs and playgroups have each been given a full-size Stoweman to decorate. Can you spot them and guess which group brought them to life?.

Christmas at Stowe Gardens

Christmas at The Vyne 

22 Nov - 5 Jan. There's a fairytale theme at The Vyne this Christmas. Expect sparkling decorations and an interactive family trail in The Vyne's house and gardens and keep your eyes peeled for The Snow Queen, Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood..

A rose sits inside a bell jar in front of twinkly lights

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 

22 Nov - 4 Jan. There's a new light installation in the garden, beautiful, playful decorations in the house inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild's beloved dog, Poupon, plus a Christmas Fair and Food Village for present ideas and snacks for refuelling. Children can also write a letter to the North Pole and discover a festive installation at the Stables, brought to life by local schoolchildren.

Christmas Hero Image 2025

For families in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Stowe 

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

Visitors in the garden in autumn at Stowe, Buckinghamshire

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 gathered around the fire at Hughenden Manor

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.

Family playing in the woodlands 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 mum and her young child enjoy twinkling festive lights.
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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