50 things to do before you're 11¾ at Waddesdon Manor
Start your outdoor adventure with some of these self-led activities you can do in the gardens.
No.4 build a den
Have a go at building a den in our Woodland playground. Start by leaning sticks against a low tree branch like a wig-wam.
No.31 make friends with a bug
Take a closer look at bugs you see, what colour are they? Are they big or small? Do they have a pattern? Remember to be gentle if you pick them up, and put them back where you found them.
No.16 wear a wild crown
Create a crown using natural materials. Collect flowers, feathers and twigs and make accessories fit for royalty.
No.6 go welly wandering
Rain can be really fun, so pull on your wellies and splash through the puddles. Look at how it falls from the sky in long silver ropes. Can you hear it tapping on the hood of your mac?
No.12 have fun with sticks
Head to Miss Alice’s Drive and Baron’s Walk and pick up sticks or fallen leaves. Will you make tools or create games and trails with them? Make sure you don’t pick any living trees or plants.
No.34 discover wild animal clues
Head to our woodland walk or woodland playground and see if you can a find wild animal clues, from footprints to feathers. Keep a close look out for little paw prints, holes or burrows and other clues on the ground.
No.7 fly a kite
Enjoy a windy day by flying your kite on the North Front. Top tip – look up to check nothing will get in the way before you begin to fly. How long can you keep your kite in the air for?
No.44 watch a bird
Keep your eyes peeled for wild birds, from small blue tits to giant red kites. Don’t forget you can also watch and listen to the birds call in our Aviary, some of which are quite rare.
No.13 make a mud creation
It’s time to get your hands dirty! What can you create using mud, sticks and leaves down Miss Alice’s Drive? Make sure to give your hands a good wash afterwards.
No.15 go on a wintery adventure
Keep your fingers crossed for snow this year. Come and enjoy it throughout the gardens. Try making a snow sculpture of an animal instead of a snowman or take a moment to see how different everything looks under the layer of white.
You may also be interested in
Aviary
Our Aviary, a registered zoo, is full of rare and endangered exotic birds.
Explore the gardens
Discover garden highlights that include the Parterre, Aviary and Rose Garden.