A family looking out over the lake with the Pantheon in the distance at Stourhead, Wiltshire — A family enjoying a walk around the lake at Stourhead | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly places in Wiltshire

Ancient landscapes, world-famous gardens and outdoor adventures await in Wiltshire. Why not visit somewhere new with the family?

Discover all the best places to bring the family for great days out this autumn season.

Family by the lake at Stourhead, Wiltshire, in September

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Stourhead

A world famous garden packed with temples, grottos, trees and water features, just waiting for little legs to explore.

A family explore the parkland at Lacock, two adults look on as two children play at the base of an old tree, a willow sculpture representing the sun in its branches.

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There are lots of things at Lacock for families to enjoy all year round. With a busy programme of activities from family crafts to the magic of live theatre, find out more about what you could discover on your next visit.

Family looking at the double lavender borders in the garden at Avebury Manor, Wiltshire

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Avebury

With lots of space, fresh air and history all around, Avebury is a perfect place to bring the family - whatever the time of year.

Two girls run on the lawn behind Mompesson House.

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Mompesson House

Count the hidden faces in the plasterwork, imagine yourself back in time and check out the creaky staircase.

Looking for a day out that'll keep the whole family entertained in the summer holidays? Find the best family-friendly places to visit and discover the fun filled activities on offer as part of our Summer of Play, sponsored by Sterling Bank.

Avebury

Challenge yourself to build and complete a nature obstacle course. What can you create? She how fast you can jump, wobble and weave. You can also collect a birds and butterflies spotter sheet for free from the barn or garden gate. Tick off some of our colourful flying visitors during your trip or take the sheet away to complete when your back home.

Lacock

Join a festival of fun in the parkland, transformed into a play hub for the summer holidays. The Parkland will be divided into different play zones so there's a something for everyone. Be a story teller or music maker in the performance area, create something special at the craft gazebo, burn some energy in the active zone and take a moment with the mini-beasts in the nature play area.

Mompesson House

Try your hand at skittles, quoits, croquet and even horseshoe tossing in the garden at Mompesson House this summer. Play equipment will be available outside for everybody and our walled city garden is the perfect space for young (and young at heart) to play.

Stourhead

Visit Stourhead throughout the summer holidays for a festival of fun in the play meadow, with games, crafts, music and workshops. Divided into distinct and interesting activity zones, this wide outdoor space has something for everyone.

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire

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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Visitor looking for insects with a butterfly net at Crom, Country Fermanagh.

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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer

Enjoy a memorable family day out this summer. Plan your own wild adventures and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can try out wherever you are.

4 people with instruments perform on a stage

Outdoor theatre in the South West

Come and experience a theatre performance in the great outdoors this summer, with plenty of shows to choose from across the South West. Bring the whole family, a picnic blanket and some popcorn and settle down to watch the show with nature and perhaps a historic house as your backdrop. Browse our programme of shows and find your nearest performance.