Family-friendly things to do at Staunton Harold

Family walking along a path with a pushchair and dog. — Family enjoying a day out at Staunton Harold | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

From adventures in the playground to walks through the wildflower meadows, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy a great family day out at Staunton Harold. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

Planning your family visit

If you're planning a day out at Staunton Harold with the family, here is some useful information at a glance:

Baby changing facilities are located in both the ladies and gents toilets.
A Changing Places facility is also available by the main visitor facilities.
The playground is a short walk away from the main car park down a tarmac slope.
Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on site.

Family friendly events

Easter, Sat 28 March - Sun 12 April

Come rain or shine, join us at Staunton Harold this Easter, where family memories are just waiting to happen.

Take on the Easter Bunny's bootcamp challenge by finding seven spots with different activities at each.

Fancy stretching your adventure? Nearby Foremark and Calke Abbey offer even more ways to wander, wonder and make a day of it.

Check out the Easter Bunny's bootcamp

Den building

Let your imagination run wild in the den building area. Located in the woodland behind the café, enjoy creating your own den from the provided logs and then crawl inside and explore.

What will your den be – a secret storytelling hideout, a fairy castle, or something else?

Family learning how to build a shelter, filter water and light a fire on a forest survival skills course in Hatfield Forest, Essex. Family learning how to build a shelter, filter water and light a fire on a forest survival skills course in Hatfield Forest, Essex. — Build a den using your bushcraft skills | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Get active

Get some fresh air and connect with nature on a walk through the countryside at Staunton Harold. With a range of waymarked walks to choose from, there’s something suitable for the whole family. The wildflower walk is perfect for little legs, wheelchairs, and buggies. Or take a stroll through the woods and enjoy crunching through the leaves.

Alternatively, bring along your bikes and enjoy a family ride. The tarmac path that runs parallel to the wildflower meadows is great for little legs to gain confidence. As you gain your footing, please be mindful of others as this is a multi-use path.

Plan your route

Come and play

With plenty of open space, load the car with your favourite games and enjoy an afternoon of family fun. What games will you bring?

For those seeking a bigger adventure, go wild in the playground and enjoy climbing, swinging, and spinning.

Find out more

A young boy playing on a slide in the playground at Staunton Harold — Burning off energy in the playground at Staunton Harold | © National Trust/Sue Richardson

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾'

With plenty of open space, Staunton Harold is a great place to start your '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' adventure. If you’re new to ‘50 things’, pick up a wallchart and stickers from the café to begin your nature adventures.

Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

No.1 Get to know a tree: Discover Staunton Harold’s tree and see what creatures call it their home.

No.6 Splash about in the puddles: Don your wellies and head out on a walk around Staunton Harold. The wildflower walk is perfect for little legs looking for an adventure.

No. 7 Fly a kite: With plenty of open space, Staunton Harold is a great place for kite flying. Choose a patch of grass and hold on tight, as your kite soars into the sky. Remember to watch out for those around you.

No.9 Eat a picnic outdoors: Enjoy lunch with a view on one of Staunton Harold’s picnic benches or bring along your own blanket and spread out on the grass. Remember to pack up all your leftovers afterwards to take home.

No.31 Make friends with a bug: There lots of places to search for bugs at Staunton. See what you find in the grass, lurking under stones or hiding in tree bark.

Looking after Staunton Harold

You can help us look after Staunton Harold by:

Taking any litter home with you.

Staying out of the water – for your own safety, there’s no water access for you or your four-legged friends. Blue green algae is present at Staunton Harold, which can be fatal for dogs.

Keeping dogs on a lead around the car park , visitor facilities, playground, picnic benches, and inside the café.

Leaving BBQs at home – whether that’s with gas, coal, a camping stove or however you like to cook your burgers.