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Family-friendly things to do at Glendurgan Garden

Family at Glendurgan Garden
Family at Glendurgan Garden | © John Millar

Whether you're sketching in the Apple Shed or getting lost in the maze, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained and help you create great memories together. Find out what's on offer and the details you need to plan your visit.

Planning your family visit

  • Baby-changing facilities.
  • Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted.
  • High chairs are available in the Tea House.
  • Pushchair-friendly route available without steps, however, does include steep slopes due to geography of the site.

May half term at Glendurgan

24 May - 1 June, 10:30am - 5pm

Visit this half term and take part in a range of engaging challenges such as searching for vibrant colours, discovering interesting textures and unleashing your creativity with storytelling and hands-on activities.

Trail sheets can be collected at visitor reception, this is a free trail however standard admission to Glendurgan applies. 

Plan your adventure here.

Summer of Play at Glendurgan

Play on repeat this summer, every day from 24 July - 2 September at Glendurgan. What will you do first?

From navigating the twists and turns of the historic maze to soaring through the air on the Giant’s Stride, there is adventure around every corner.

Little explorers can unleash their creativity with nature crafts in the apple orchard, take on playful challenges and enjoy storytelling beneath the trees.

With hands-on activities, beachside fun and plenty of space to play, Glendurgan’s Summer of Play is the perfect family day out with no booking needed and just your imagination required.

Plan your Summer of Play here

Sponsered by Starling Bank.

Visitors enjoying activities in the apple shed
Visitors enjoying activities in the apple shed | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

Things to do with your family in the garden

Get back to nature in the Apple Shed

Visit the Apple Shed for nature-inspired activities like leaf rubbing and sketching. Discover the rich history of orchards and fruit production at Glendurgan, all while enjoying the peaceful orchard surroundings. Watch the busy insects dart by, and even have a go at trying on a beekeeping suit!

Attempt the maze

If you are feeling adventurous, head to the centre of the garden to get lost in the cherry laurel maze - see who can make it to the thatched summerhouse in the middle first. 

After a five-year restoration project, the maze is ready for the many families who walk its paths each year. 

Children playing on the rope swing in the garden at Glendurgan, Cornwall
Children playing on the rope swing in the garden at Glendurgan, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Take a Giant's Stride

The Giant’s Stride is a simple yet enjoyable rotating rope swing that is perfect for some family fun.   

When you grab hold of the handles of this rotating rope swing and run faster and faster around the central pole, you'll take bigger and bigger strides. The more people striding round, the more fun it provides.

Like the maze, the Giant's Stride is also good for spectators too and this part of the garden is characterised by the laughter coming from this simple but enjoyable swing.

Come and see if you can take strides the size of a giant's, when you visit.

Sensory bags

There are 2 sensory backpacks and ear defenders available for use during your visit to Glendurgan. They are to help visitors with autism, sensory processing disorder, or those who think they would benefit from them. These bags are available on a first-come basis from the welcome team.

Holiday cottages on the beach near Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall
Holiday cottages on the beach near Glendurgan Garden | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Things to do with your family on the beach

At the bottom of the valley you can access Durgan Beach, and look out for the old Fish Cellar where volunteers will be selling tasty ice creams to enjoy.  

The beach is never short on options for family activities. Try skimming a stone, build a sandcastle, or enjoy your picnic on the sand with the sounds of the sea hitting the shore.

Find out more about how to skim a stone at the National Trust's ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ activity list.

Pink, blue and white wild flowers bloom on a slope at Glendurgan, Cornwall, overlooking trees

Discover more at Glendurgan Garden

Find out when Glendurgan Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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