Family-friendly things to do at Baddesley Clinton

A family walk along a garden path lined with daffodils. — There's plenty of family fun to be had in springtime at Baddesley Clinton | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

If you're looking for somewhere where the children can let off some steam, Baddesley Clinton is the perfect place for a family day out. From spotting birds and fish on the lakeside walk to discovering what's growing in the vegetable garden, there's lots of fun to be had in the great outdoors.

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

Small tortoiseshell butterfly sitting white blossom — See the beautiful spring blossom | © Martin Freeman

Spring and Summer Fun at Baddesey

We've got lots of events coming up for all the family to enjoy throughout the spring and summer.

Join us from 20 - 27 April for Blossom season at Baddesley Clinton. Take a stroll through the walled garden with the trees in bloom and bask in the warmth of springtime with a drink from the café.
Stories from the wild woods: Storyteller Pyn Stockman and musician Marc Reck will be here on Saturday 25th May for a woodland storytelling adventure.
Artisan Bazaar: Come along on Father’s Day weekend, 15 & 16 June, for a weekend of incomparable artisan shopping.
Story Tea: Storyteller Pyn Stockman returns with Medical Herbalist Arlene Burnett on Sunday 22nd September in the woods, as the days even out and the Sun and Moon share equal sway, to explore tales of myth, legend and local folklore.

For full details, see our Upcoming Events page.

'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.