Upcoming family activities and events

Golden Hour and Family Fun late-opening events

Explore Hidcote in the golden light of early evening and experience the garden like never before, as you wander its blooms and borders just as the evening light is at its most magical. Enjoy delicious street food, a fully stocked bar and a whole host of activities. The first Golden Hour evening will be taking place on Thursday 29 May from 6–9pm. 

We’ll be kicking off the summer holidays with the Family Fun evening. Be the first to try out the summer activities at Hidcote and discover Frankie the Flamingo's summer adventure on a trail through the garden. Have a go at some circus skills and get in the family festival spirit with some complimentary face painting. Did we mention, there'll be ice cream? Join us on Saturday 19 July from 6–9pm. Booking is now open! 

Feathered Friends trail – May half term

24 – 31 May

This May half term is all about our little feathered friends at Hidcote... Can you follow the trail and find the birds hidden around the gardens?

Pick up a trail sheet from Visitor Reception, and see what you can discover during your visit. What will you find out about the birds that might visit your garden at home?

10am – 4pm, £1 per trail sheet. No booking required (normal admission applies).

There will also be bird-themed crafts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of half term, from 11am – 1pm (free session, no need to book, normal admission applies).

Planning your family visit

• Free entry for under 5s.
• Baby-changing facilities, located in the Gardener's Courtyard.
• Limited access for pushchairs, prams and wheelchairs, due to small and uneven pathways. Please ask for a copy of our map at Visitor Welcome which includes the accessible route which takes in a third of the garden.
• Please note that there is no play area or play facilities located at Hidcote and that in the winter the lawns are closed for key lawncare to take place. Children's scooters, balls and bikes are not allowed in the garden.
• The wider estate at Hidcote is an active sheep farm, with livestock in the fields and working farm dogs, please keep dogs on leads when walking through the fields and car park. 

Notice Nature

Underwater world

The pools are teeming with an abundance of underwater creatures that can be seen swimming around. Protected species like great crested newts and the more common frogs and toads enjoy the quiet pools for feeding, breeding and raising their young. It's great to look out for these amphibious species but please refrain from throwing stones and pennies into the water as it's damaging to their habitat.

Nature spotting

The orchards and Wilderness are great places to spot wildlife at Hidcote. But signs of our local nature can be found around every corner!

Sit and watch the birds in the New Orchard as they feed on our birdfeeders or on the windfall apples.

Listen to the red kites flying high above the garden in the Beech Allée.

In the spring and summer months, watch the newts in the Lily Pond before they move on to dry land for the winter. If you're lucky you may even spot our resident grass snakes taking a swim.

Look out for badger footprints or signs of squirrels hiding their nuts.

Take a moment in our Silent Space

We have partnered with Silent Spaces to provide a dedicated silent space in the garden, this is located in the Italian Shelter - please note that this space is located off of the accessible visitor route and has steps leading to it. Other quieter areas of the garden to enjoy are the Wilderness, Beech Allée, the Nuttery Orchard and the Old Orchard.

Local Walks

We have a selection of local walks which take in the wider Hidcote farm estate, or local villages and viewpoints. These walks cover a mixture of terrain, abilities and length. Please ask at Visitor Reception for a copy, or for advice on which would be the best fit. All walks start from our car park, we advise parking in the top car park (to the left as you come up the drive).

Picnic in nature

Pack a picnic and enjoy the lunch al fresco at the designated picnic area (next to the car park), which has wonderful views out over Gloucester and Oxfordshire. You can always find a quiet corner in the garden to relax and unwind. Why not bring a book or newspaper, and while away the afternoon?

Free Wi-Fi is available in Winthrop's Café, while you enjoy a cuppa and slice of home-made cake.