Family-friendly things to do at Baddesley Clinton

Who's in Your Book?

Running 3 October to – 8 November, 9.30am-4pm until 1 November and 9.30am – 3pm from 2 – 8 November, in Baddesley's gardens, set off on a fun-filled interactive trail through the magical world of Tom Fletcher's Who's In Your Book? series. Search for your favourite characters, solve playful challenges, and discover how every page can become an unforgettable adventure.

Oh no! Monster and his friends have escaped from their books, and only you can help return them home! Search for your favourite characters, solve playful challenges, and discover how every page can become an unforgettable adventure. Find Alien and travel along the trails of slime to help him feel happy again. Work with Witch to look for the bubble bunnies that have spilled out of her cauldron. Using the power of your imagination, show your dragons breath, and flap your arms to guide Dragon across the stepping stones to the next trail point. Lifting the flaps, help poor Ghost to find his friends and help everybody back into their book.

Come and discover a secluded, intimate estate set in the heart of the Forest of Arden with 500 years of fascinating and unexpected stories.

Free parking for everyone, acres of space to run and play, plus kids’ café portions and takeaway treats. National Trust members and under fives go free. Free event, normal admission applies.

Tom Fletcher is one of the UK's most popular children's authors and writes the incredibly successful Who's in Your Book? picture-book series. Tom's books have been translated into 42 languages and to date he has sold over 7 million copies of his books in the UK alone, and 10 million globally. As well as his career as an author, Tom is also a founding member of the Brit Award-winning band McFly, which has sold over 10 million records worldwide, and the songwriter of the multi award-winning Paddington: The Musical, recognised by 7 Olivier Awards.

 Copyright Tom Fletcher 2026

All the details are here.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Baddesley Clinton:

• Baby-changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet in the barnyard area
• The garden has some gravel paths and the lakeside walk, woodland and vegetable garden are now surfaced with self-binding gravel which can be uneven in places
• Snacks, hot food and drinks are available from the restaurant
• The picnic area is located in front of the house. Watch out for the ducks, they’ll expect you to share

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off during your visit. Here are a few recommendations:

No. 1 Get to know a tree 

If trees could talk, can you imagine the tales they might tell? Perhaps your tree has stood tall through battle scenes, or helped new friends to build a den? Has it heard the ‘chee-chee’ cries of baby birds in spring, or felt the winter snow build walls on its outstretched branches? Get to know a tree throughout the seasons, and search for clues in its roots, bark and branches to uncover its story. 

No. 6 Go welly wandering 

There are lots of paths to be explored at Baddesley around the nature walk and out on the wider estate. Grab those wellies and go on a wander! 

No. 8 Spot a fish 

Spotting fish is one of the best ways to spend time exploring water in the countryside. It's tricky though, with the fish darting around and trying to avoid you. It’s fun to watch how a fish moves, as it swims and plays with its friends. Some are speedy, while others prefer a slow and steady glide. Watch the water for little bubbles and ripples as the fish come to the surface. 

No. 12 Have fun with sticks 

Sticks are the best. There are so many ways you can have fun with sticks that we can’t begin to list them all here. Before choosing your stick, you need to decide what you want to use it for. Do you want to create a trail of arrows for friends to follow? Or will you use your stick to make a home for wildlife? Perhaps you’d like to decorate it and use it as a wand?

No. 31 Make friends with a bug 

There are lots of creepy crawlies to be found at Baddesley. On your next walk round the woodland why not turn over a few logs and see what you can spot. Don't forget to put it back in place though! 

No. 44 Watch a bird 

Why not pick a secluded spot in the parkland and see what birds you can see. To be a successful bird watcher, you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends.