Summer holidays
Bring the whole family to enjoy the summer holidays with our range of fun activities for our Summer of Play, included with admission. Until 31 August, children get free admission to the house and grounds at Waddesdon!
For something extra special, book tickets for one of our family theatre shows or spend the day at Chilli Fest, where there is fun to be had for all the family!
Summer of Play
Garden Games
Complimentary garden games are available to borrow from the Visitor Information building on the North Front throughout Summer. Choose from cricket, tennis, rounders and more.
Berkshire Birds of Prey
Get up close and personal with birds of prey! Learn about their habits, habitats, and history as well as how you can help them in the wild.
Zoolab
Get up close and hands-on with real live exotic animals including the likes of Snakes, Tarantulas, Giant Snails and much more in these Zoolab, Ethical Encounter shows.
Circus workshops
On the first weekend in August you have the chance to learn how to juggle with beanbags, balls, rings, and clubs. You can even learn the ancient art of walking the tightrope!
Junkyard Orchestra Soundgarden
The Junk Orchestra soundgarden installation is a circular collection of tuned instruments made of recycled materials that will be set up in the Waddesdon grounds for the whole family to jam and groove on.
Shed of Stories
Tales will be told every hour on the hour throughout the day and between story times the shed becomes a pop-up library where children and families can read together.
Archery and Climbing Wall
Over the summer bank holiday weekend have a go at the medieval art of archery. Suitable for ages 8+. As well as archery, channel your inner hero and tackle the climbing wall. Minimum height and weight and maximum weight limits apply.
Facepainting
Have your face painted on your visit! Charges apply.
Woodland Playground
Our playground winds through the trees, making the most of the natural environment. Little ones can play safely at the bottom of the hill, on seesaws, swings and soft bark. At the top is our bird’s nest swing, for those who want a more gentle play. Older children can whizz down our giant contour slide or clamber over the climbing frames. Access included in your grounds ticket.
Outdoor adventures: 50 things
Join the National Trust’s outdoor challenge and complete 50 different activities across lots of properties. Pick up a free 50 things leaflet from our Welcome Pavilion and start ticking off your adventures. At Waddesdon you can do No.4 build a den, No.31 hunt for bugs, No.6 run around in the rain, No.12 make a trail with sticks, No.33 catch a falling leaf, No.34 track wild animals, and more.
Special events
Outdoor theatre
Every Thursday evening in August we are welcoming theatre companies bringing their family-friendly shows. From Peter Rabbit to Robin Hood, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Open-Air Cinema with The Luna Cinema
Cinema under the stars as The Luna Cinema returns to Waddesdon this September with four fantastic films.
Chilli Fest
Round off the summer holidays with our annual Chilli Fest! Running 1-3 Sep, bring your family and friends and soak up the last of the summer sun. With delicious food, live music, fun activities and more, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy!
Food and Drink
Stables Café & Takeaway
Located near the Woodland Playground, the Stables is the perfect pit-stop on your visit. Enjoy delicious light lunches or cream teas in the café or pick up tempting treats from our takeaway including local ice cream.
Dyllie's Pizza
Come along to the Stables and enjoy a delicious, fresh and local pizza. Available from 11.30am – 4pm from 22 July until 28 August.
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For families
Find out where to play, where to eat and the best place for a pitstop.
Garden walks
Download or print our walks that will send you exploring the gardens and wider estate.
Aviary
Our Aviary, a registered zoo, is full of rare and endangered exotic birds.