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Things to do for families at Brockhampton

"A young boy joyfully swings in the park, his father pushing him high into the air, while his mother tenderly carries a young baby nearby at Brockhampton.
Little boy enjoying the swing in the park at Brockhampton, Herefordshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Are you ready for a Summer of Play? Spend a fun-filled family day out at Brockhampton this summer as you wind your way along the hard-standing, accessible orchard paths through the old and new orchards.

Summer of Play

20 July - 1 September

Treat your little ones to a playful day out at Brockhampton this summer, with garden games and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. Borrow a balance bike for free from visitor reception, run wild along the natural play trail, and enjoy classic lawn and garden games with your friends and family, making the most of the summer sunshine.

Play and sports equipment can be borrowed from visitor reception from 20 July - 1 September.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England.

Hidden world of the hedgerow - children's summer trail

20 July - 1 September

Discover the charming world within Brockhampton' s hedgerows along our summer holidays children's trail. £3 per trail which includes an activity sheet, colouring pencils, and a prize (normal admission applies).

Pond dipping at Brockhampton

25 July and 29 August

Join the rangers for an exploration of Grove Pool, where a whole world of wildlife lives beneath the pond’s surface. £2 per child and booking is advisable (normal admission applies).

'Goldilocks' Great Escape' interactive storytelling

12 August

Join Louby Lou Storytelling in an interactive storytelling trail around the orchards at Brockhampton. £5 per child and booking is advisable (normal admission applies).

Find out more about what's on and how to book events at Brockhampton this summer by following the link below.

A colourful graphic with children at play, rainbows, butterflies, sunshine, bunting, musical notes and more.
Summer of Play in Herefordshire | © National Trust

Orchard play trail

The orchard play trail is fun for all the family. Wind your way along the hard-standing, accessible orchard paths through the old and new orchards. Discover the largest orchards cared for by the National Trust, including 21 acres of newly planted fruit trees, which span three fields. Can you spot all of the wooden orchard sculptures, hidden among the long grass?

Step inside the apple core, designed by artist, Walter Jack. These five chambers house different fruit trees from around the world and visually describe the tale of the eating apple.

Run, jump and skip around the natural play equipment that you find along the way, including tunnels, stepping logs and more. Become the captain of the 'Hereford Bull' trow boat, which takes pride of place in the new orchards. Although you might be surprised to find a boat in the middle of the orchard, trows used to transport goods, such as fruit and cider, from Herefordshire down the River Severn and River Wye. Step aboard and imagine sailing down the river with your freshly harvested orchard apples.

Three children stood on the deck of Brockhampton's trow boat, set amongst the orchards.
Adventures at Brockhampton | © Barbara Evripidou

Walking on the wider estate

You can download or take a photograph of the walks map of the estate if you feel like going a little further. The walks meander through woodlands, dingles, streams and orchards and consist of some great panoramic views at the top of the estate.

If you’re planning a woodland walk then keep your eyes peeled for deer and birds of prey such as red kites, buzzards and kestrels. Lawn Pool, on the yellow walk, is a great spot to stop and watch fish and closer to the manor, in the moat, you can sometimes see newts sunbathing on warm days, as well as the resident mallards and moorhens.

An aerial view of the apple core orchard, with it's 5 circular areas that over lap in the centre. The path ways wind through and around the circles, leading out into the rest of the reimagined orchards.
An aerial view of Brockhampton's apple core orchard | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Another fun self-led thing to do is to download or print a copy of the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ guide to bring along with you. Here there are 50 activities to try as a family outdoors which can be used over and over again.

Medieval manor house

Discover Brockhampton through the ages in the manor house. The house volunteers are always willing to tell you more about the history of the house.

There is plenty to keep your little ones entertained, including dressing up, playing with the model house and taking part in the free spotting trail every school holiday.

A parent carrying a small child around the garden at Brockhampton and another child walking behind, with the manor house and moat in the background
Family exploring the garden at Brockhampton | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra
An older man raises a steaming hot drink in a takeaway cup up to his mouth
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Eating and Shopping at Brockhampton 

Find out the places you can rest and refuel or treat yourself to a pre-loved book to take home at Brockhampton. From classic favourites in the café to pre-loved stories in the second-hand bookshop, every penny spent in the café or shop helps us to look after Brockhampton for future generations.

A small rocky stream weaving through the ground, surrounded by greenery and tall trees.
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Exploring the estate at Brockhampton 

Explore the wider estate and parkland and look for the flora and fauna you can spot on a seasonal walk over this 1,700-acre estate.

Two children peer through a summer play installation

Family-friendly places to visit 

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 Starling Bank.

A child looking surprised in the garden at Belton House

Family-friendly places to visit in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

From adventures in nature, outdoor trails and welly wanders, to seasonally inspired crafts, activities and games, there are lots of events and activities on offer with the National Trust in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Girl playing with a football on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset in summer

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.