Family-friendly things to do at Hughenden

Children enjoying the natural play area at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire | © James Dobson

If you want to get the family outside having fun whatever the weather, visit Hughenden. Discover trails through woodlands and views across the Chilterns, make dens and look for wild animal clues. Come to Hughenden, your adventure starts here.

Planning your family visit

Baby-changing facilities in Stableyard (accessible toilet).
Child's play area is open daily next to the Orchard (weather permitted).
Children under five on scooters and balance bikes are allowed under close supervision.
Accessible routes for pushchairs and wheelchairs around the gardens and pleasure grounds. We would recommend a carrier for woodland adventures.
The entrance to the manor is up two small steps but temporary ramps are available, which staff will put out on request. Pushchairs will need to be left in the arcade at the front of the Manor. Front carriers are permitted around the house and hip straps can be requested from the House team.

A lady and man with a small boy on his shoulders on a family day out at Polesden Lacey, Surrey — A family day out | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Upcoming Family Friendly Events:

Family May Half Term Trail | National Trust

Enjoy our free outdoor trail with challenges and games along the way, inspired by Disraeli's work as a writer and Hillside's map making history. Our interactive trail is designed to captivate young minds with engaging challenges and activities.

Wooden Bee House Craft | National Trust

This hands-on session is perfect for all ages and skill levels. You'll receive a wooden craft kit and all the materials needed to create a colourful bee house. Decorate with our vibrant paints to bring your design to life.

Bee Wooden Feeders Craft

Celebrate World Bee Day, by booking a place on our craft workshop and add a touch of creativity to your garden while creating a safe spot for buzzing friends.

Wooden Flying Bumble Bees Craft | National Trust

Celebrate World Bee Day, by booking a place on our craft workshop and add a touch of creativity to your garden while creating a safe spot for buzzing friends.

Summer of Play

Discover a summer jam-packed with fun here at Hughenden from Thursday 24 July to Wednesday 3 September. Normal admission charges apply.

Visitors following the woodland walk to the watermill at Acorn Bank, Cumbria — Visitors following the woodland walk | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

10 family-friendly things to do this Summer at Hughenden

If you want to explore on your own, we have 10 ideas which might help you on your way:

1. Floral Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of different flowers that bloom in summer and challenge your family to find and identify them during a leisurely walk through the gardens. Keep an eye out for begonias, salvias and dahlias on the parterre.

2. Find the best view

Explore the estate to find the best views. Whether it's overlooking the lush greenery from the east side of the Manor or taking in the blooming landscape on the Monument Walk. Make sure to bring your camera to capture your favourite.

3. Birdwatching Bonanza

Grab your binoculars and bird identification book and set out on a birdwatching expedition. Summer is a bustling time for avian activity as migratory birds settle in and local species thrive.

4. Spot the Signs of Summer

Look for signs of summer, such as fully bloomed flowers, lush green foliage, and the buzzing of insects. Listen to the sounds around you – birds chirping, bees buzzing, and leaves rustling in the warm breeze

5. Have a picnic

Pack a delicious summer picnic with your favorite snacks, a cool drink, and a comfy blanket. Find a shady spot to relax and enjoy your meal amidst the beautiful surroundings. Maybe even plan some energetic picnic games, there's nothing like a bit of movement to keep everyone entertained!

6. Build an excellent Den

Be an outdoor architect and build a den fit for a nobleman. Hide in it and stay safe from the elements, just like the ancient people from long ago would have done, imagine what it would be like to build your own house for survival. You could make a mini manor for some of the wildlife animals to explore later. Maybe a rabbit or squirrel family will play in your creation after you’ve left for home.

7. Make a piece of natural art

Take four sticks and make a frame to start your own piece of art. Search for natural materials, such as leaves, seeds and pine cones to arrange inside your frame. Think about make a pattern or image such as a person or place. Perhaps you could create a natural portrait of Disraeli, or a landscape with the Hughenden Manor house.

8. Climb a really big hill

Get stronger and faster by climbing a really big hill. Feel your heart beating in your chest and your muscles getting warmer as you walk or try running up the slope. How far can you run uphill? Can you feel gravity pulling you and making it feel hard.

9. Woodland Exploration

Take a leisurely stroll along the color-coded trails and immerse yourself in the wonders of the woodland. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you explore the estate. Look out for birds, bees, squirrels and other creatures that call Hughenden home. Can you find any animal tracks? How many toes do they have and do they have claw marks?

10. Butterfly Hunt

Search for fluttering butterflies flying from flower to flower in the gardens. Bring along a butterfly guide to help identify different species.