Family-friendly things to do at Flatford

Family boating at Flatford, Suffolk — There are activities for the whole family to enjoy at Flatford | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Whether it's a refreshing walk along the River Stour, finding treasure in a geocache or enjoying the countryside on a nature trail, there are plenty of options for families to create their own adventures and memories at Flatford. Find out what's on offer and all the details you need to plan your visit.

Planning your family visit

Baby-changing facilities are available in the main toilet block
The walking trails cover varied terrain and may not be suitable for pushchairs
Children’s lunchboxes are available in the tea-room.

Family Friendly Events

Spring Nature Day

28 May

Experience the beauty of nature firsthand at the Flatford Nature Day and enjoy a variety of crafts, trails, and activities inspired by the great outdoors. Delve into the serene surroundings as you engage in hands-on experiences and discover the wonders of the natural world. Whether you're crafting alongside the tranquil riverbanks or exploring the lush trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Flatford Nature Day. Come and join us for a day of outdoor fun and exploration.

Spring nature day

Flatford Tudor Fayre

13 July

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Tudor life at the Flatford Tudor Fayre, brought to you by the esteemed Companye of Merrie Folke. Explore bustling stalls, engage in lively conversations, and try your hand at archery. Delve into the mysterious world of the apothecary, witness artisans at work, and relish in traditional games. This event, a highlight of the year, promises a momentous journey back in time.

Flatford Tudor Fayre

Family-friendly things to do at Flatford

Explore on foot

There are plenty of walks in and around Flatford that are suitable for the whole family. The purple and orange trails are shorter, and perfect for little legs to explore. You can find these routes on the maps around the site.

For a longer stroll, why not try the circular route to Dedham, making a pitstop in our riverside tea-room for a warming hot drink?

Take to the water

See Flatford from a different perspective by hiring out one of our rowing boats. Spot the wildlife that lives on the River banks and glide alongside the ducks and swans that call the river their home.

Please note that the row boats are subject to staff capacity and the prevailing weather conditions.

Try geocaching

Join the world’s largest treasure hunt and go in search of the Flatford geocaches. All you need is a smartphone and the Geocache app – search for The Flatford Mill series and you’ll find the coordinates to seek out our geocaches.

Children finding a geocache box of treasure at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire — Children finding some geocache treasure | © National Trust Images/John Millar

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾'

An outdoor adventure is just around the next tree, hedge or field here at Flatford. Here are some of our favourite things to try from the National Trust's '50 things' list.

No. 1 Get to know a tree: The countryside at Flatford is home to many fascinating trees: big, small, old and new. Some have spaces big enough to get inside, while others can be climbed. Get to know a tree and see what creatures they are home to
No. 6 Go welly wandering: A spot of rain doesn’t need to dampen your spirits. Pull on some wellies and explore the outdoors on a drizzly day. Jump in puddles and look out for the creatures than come out in the rain
No. 8 Spot a fish: If you look carefully, all kinds of water creatures can be spotted on the shallow edges of the river. You might spot fish, water boatmen or even a newt
No. 32 Float in a boat: In summer you can hire a boat and paddle your way along the peaceful River Stour.