Family-friendly things to do at Lacock

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. — A family explore the parkland at Lacock | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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.

Spring at Lacock Abbey

Start your visit with the story of Lacock's photographic history. The Fox Talbot Museum is dedicated to the inventions and discoveries of Henry Fox Talbot, Lacock's 19th century resident who invented the photographic negative at the abbey. Feel inspired by the new exhibition in the gallery space upstairs, showcasing pieces from the Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition (open until 27 April 2025). Walk through the abbey rooms and see the window made famous by Talbot's invention in the South Gallery.

Follow the Woodland paths to the Orchard and pause among the blossoming fruit trees there. From March - May celebrate blossom around the gardens and pause for a selfie under the crocheted blossom arch.

Join in some family friendly craft activities during May Half Term, inspired by Lacock's natural beauty and the creative legacy of the Talbot family. Make some wild art by the pond, find art boxes in the orchard, and make either an origami frog or mini wildflower meadow in the Botanic Garden Bothy. Wiltshire Scrapstore will also be on site Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 May hosting scrap craft workshops. There will be no need to book for these and the cost is included in general admission (members go free).

Summer of Play

It's almost time for another Summer of Play at Lacock! From 19 July until 31 August the parkland will be transformed into a hub for play and discovery. Take your pick of five themed areas; from nature play to sports activities, with two weeks of climbing wall for those brave enough to scale the heights in the woodland.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank, with all activities included in the cost of general admission.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Lacock Abbey:

Baby-changing facilities are available in access-friendly toilets in the courtyard at the Abbey and in the Red Lion car park toilets
A children's menu is available in the Stables Café, including ice creams
We welcome breastfeeding everywhere at Lacock, including in our cafe and we can provide hot water for making up baby bottles.
Picnics are allowed in the grounds (the orchard is a great place for a picnic) and there are picnic benches in the Pound by the play area in the village
Pushchairs are admitted in the garden, but not in the Abbey or cloister
Children’s scooters and bikes (including self-propelled or balance bikes) are not permitted in the garden.

Two children in the Botanic Garden at Lacock look at a flower spotter sheet — Children enjoying a nature trail in Lacock's Botanic Garden | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Family-friendly things to do in the village

Lacock is a beautiful village with plenty to see and do (how many locations will you recognise from the Harry Potter films?). You might want to marvel at the majesty of the Tithe Barn, or head over to the children's play area in the village playing field, which is perfect for ball games.

There's a range of great village shops, including a National Trust shop in the High Street ,where there are family gifts and pocket-money toys available to take home and treasure.

If you’ve got the energy to stretch your legs a bit further, explore the countryside around and see the Abbey from a different angle on one of the walks.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

Lacock Abbey is also a great place to tick off some of the National Trust's ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’. Here's some of the top activities to tick off your list: