Discover more at Flatford
Find out when Flatford is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Flatford
Whether it's a refreshing walk along the River Stour, visiting the RSPB's Wildlife Garden or enjoying the countryside on one of our trails, 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 building
- Changing Places facility available in the main toilet building
- The walking trails cover varied terrain and some may not be suitable for pushchairs
- Children’s lunchboxes are available in the tea-room.
Family-friendly things to do at Flatford
RSPB Wildlife Garden
The RSPB has created a family-friendly wildlife garden at Flatford, designed to pass on ideas that visitors can incorporate into their own gardens. Discover the carved garden creatures, run through the willow tunnel and see if you can spot some of Flatford’s resident wildlife.
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. The Orange Trail is over mainly flat ground and is suitable for sturdy buggies.
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?
'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 new.
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Constable 250: things to see and do at Flatford in 2026
There is plenty to see and do at Flatford in this year of celebration. 2026 is the 250th birthday of John Constable, so join a tour or visit the exhibition to find out more. There are lovely walks to enjoy and beautiful views to inspire you.
Eating and shopping at Flatford
Treat yourself to a cuppa and a tasty treat in the Flatford tea-room and find the ideal gift for you or a loved one in the shop.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
Geocaching for families
Geocaching is like a digital treasure hunt using a handheld GPS, and you can try it for free at many places we look after.
Family-friendly places in Suffolk
Discover the best places for families to visit around Suffolk, from historic buildings to getting outdoors in gardens, coast and countryside, whatever the weather.
