33 of the best National Trust parks for kids

With a wild woodland play trail, a 'Charlotte's Web'-inspired climbing net; a 'Wind in the Willows'-style boat; and a turreted house with slide, based on the famous 'Magic Tree House' stories, there's plenty to inspire the kids at Cliveden in Maidenhead. The storybook play den encourages imaginations to run wild as you play among life-size models of favourite storybook characters carved from wood, including Peter Pan, the villainous Captain Hook and the ever-hungry ticking crocodile.
Where: Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS

From natural play areas to family crafts, Kingston Lacy is a great day out for kids. Take your bike for a spin along the Woodland Trail, or bring a frisbee for a game on South Lawn; then explore one, or both(!) of the two new play areas, one on the Woodland Trail and one in the Kitchen Garden. The first has very natural-based play, encouraging children to connect with nature; the second takes inspiration from the structures and stories of the Kitchen Garden. Inside the house, ask for a children's trail booklet which will help you spot some of the most interesting objects. How many different animals and birds will you be able to see in all the paintings?
Where: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Explore the garden, woods, AND parkland with your kids at Killerton in Devon. With an estate that covers 6,400 acres, you'll find fun and adventures for children of all ages. Discover the bear's hut in the garden (really!), let off some steam around the parkland, or pick up the Volcano Explorer Challenge. There are even orienteering courses if you fancy trying something new.
Where: Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE

If you're looking for a nature walk through beautiful heathland then Frensham Great Pond in Farnham makes for a perfect family afternoon out. There are two ponds, one of which has a little beach area perfect for sunny days, and a cafe where you can enjoy a huge slice of cake. Yum.
Where: Frensham Little Pond, Priory Lane, Frensham, Farnham GU10 3BT

Mrs Greville, the last owner of Polesden Lacey, hung swings in the trees when she invited local schoolchildren to Polesden Lacey for summer parties. The National Trust continue that legacy today: try out the fun giant swings, which hang from the strong boughs of the beech trees in the gorgeous gardens. There’s plenty of room for both grown ups and your little ones.
Where: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking RH5 6BB

A visit to Woodchester Park promises relaxing walks through secluded woodland and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. There is a children's play trail in the woods and Woodchester Mansion, where you can stop for a drink.
Where: Woodchester Park, Stonehouse, GL10 3TS

Head down the driveway at Grey's Court in Oxfordshire and you'll find the children's play area nestled in the woodland. It’s near to the Cowshed tea-room and toilets; there's benches to sit on while you watch the little ones play. There’s also plenty of space for some den building too. Tree climbing is also encouraged!
Where: Grey's Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4PG

There are 4 waymarked walks to try out at Basildon Park in Berkshire. Look out, too, for the wild play area for little ones next to the stableyard, as well as other den-building areas out on the estate.
Where: Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR

There's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy around the estate at Tyntesfield National Trust in Somerset. There's not one but three play areas in the grounds: in the Home Farm courtyard, there’s the farm play area, with a big tractor to climb up, and slides to slide down. For bigger kids, there's the orchard play area by Tyntesfield's Pavilion Café at the lower end of the estate. And for a real outdoor escape, the woodland play area features a den-building village and a sculpture trail.
Where: Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX

Blickling's gardens are an ideal natural playground, with 55-acres of perfect hide and seek spots as well as places to play rounders. Follow the winding paths and the secret tunnels ... or see if you can find the secret garden.
Where: Blickling Estate, Blickling, Norwich NR11 6NF

Explore beautiful woodland on a family day out with a fantastic view of the Thames and market town of Faringdon at Badbury Hill. Located on an old Iron Age hill fort, there's so much history that your kids will love discovering.
Where: Badbury Hill, Coleshill Drive, Faringdon SN7 7NL

Take a picnic and bask in the wonders of Knole Park in Sevenoaks. With acres of untouched parkland to explore and majestic herds of deer to meet, there will be hours of family fun at this popular National Trust park.
Where: Knole Park, Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP

The grounds of Belton House is home to The National Trust's largest adventure playground, so it's the perfect place for a family day out. When you've finally dragged your kids away from playing, you might even get to explore the house too.
Where: Belton House, High Road, Belton, Grantham, NG32 2LW

This lovely family-friendly farm sits in Brockhampton Park and offers amazing views in all directions. Take a trailer ride around Warren Farm and find out about daily farm life. There is also an on-site B&B if you wanted a family holiday and delicious places to eat.
Where: Warren Farm, Brockhampton Park, Bringsty, Worcester WR6 5TB

Take a picnic to Lyme Park in Disley and enjoy the stunning surrounding views. There's an adventure playground for the kids to let off a little steam and a lake to paddle in when the weather is good. You might even spot a few deer, if you're quiet enough ...
Where: Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR

Head to Speke Hall in Liverpool and seek out minibeasts in the woods, discover the secret garden, or bring your own games to play on the lawn as a family. Hidden away in the magical woodland, there are lots of exciting challenges including a hair-raising zip line, a hill of stepping stones and outdoor balancing obstacles.
Where: Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD

There's an adventure waiting for you in the Woodland Play Area at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire. Nestled away at the end of the woodland path, there's something for kids of all ages, from the treehouse and swings to birdwatching and den building. A natural woodland, it offers you the space to have a nature-filled adventure with all your family. Head down and let your imagination run wild.
Where: Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ

There's so much to do at the National Trust property Wallington. Why not go on a nature trail through the woodlands and parkland. See if you can spy a rare red squirrel hiding in the trees.
Where: Wallington, Cambo, near Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 4AR

If you go down to the woods at Calke Abbey today, you'll discover lots of family-friendly activities at Calke Explore. Nestled into the woodland, Calke Explore is the perfect base for family adventures in the outdoors, including an exciting natural play area, open all year round. You'll also find easy access to walking and cycling routes, along with cycle hire for all the family, and nature-themed activities during school holidays. 
Where: Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF

Look out for red squirrels in the pines overhead in the Pinetum, and wildlife in the pond at Cragside National Trust park in Northumberland. Then head to the Nelly's labyrinth; cut out of a rhododendron forest, it's perfect for a family game of hide-and-seek.
Where: Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX

The Peak District is famous for its wide open spaces, scenic walks and beautiful wildlife - perfect if your kids are animal mad. The Eastern Moors near Sheffield is home to deer, owls, adders and the rare water vole.
Where: Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, near Sheffield, Derbyshire

The Ormesby estate has 240 acres of woodlands, crop fields, running streams and open fields to explore, so it's the perfect place to stretch your legs and get your little ones out enjoying nature. There are three waymarked walks across the estate, each 1.2–1.5 miles in length, making them perfect for little legs. Look out for woodlands, St Cuthbert’s Church, local farms and a mini waterfall on your way. Plus, there's a natural play area, and some brilliant model railways inside the house.
Where: Ormesby Hall, Church Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough TS3 0SR 

Croft Castle offers a brilliant day in the great outdoors for kids of all ages. Choose between two play areas; be the king of the castle at the mini-castle playgroung outside the Carpenter’s tea-room; or run wild in Croft Castle's natural play area, complete with stepping logs, a den building area, rope swing and giant noughts and crosses. Older kids will love the challenge of trekking up Croft Ambrey, an Iron Age hillfort, to enjoy the wonderful views at the top.
Where: Croft Castle and Parkland, Yarpole, Leominster HR6 9PW

Step into the garden of celebrated children's author, Beatrix Potter at Hill Top in Cumbria. Create your own adventures as you explore familiar spots from her much-loved books including the slate-flagged garden path made famous by the Tale of Tom Kitten, and the rhubarb patch where a certain Miss Puddleduck tried to hide her eggs.
Where: Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF

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With plenty of parkland and meadow to explore, Hadrian's Wall and its surrounding areas is perfect for family walks. The Housestead Fort is full of archaeological history that might come in handy for a few school projects.
Where: Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Near Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 6NN

Visit the oldest intact building under The National Trust for Scotland. Drum Castle is nestled in acres of gardens and woodland which is home to red squirrels, deer, badgers and many other rare creatures.
Where: Drum Castle, Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5EY

Said to be the inspiration for Disneyland's Cinderella castle, Craigievar Castle is a pretty pink building set in parkland. The National Trust park includes two woodland trails for your kids to explore.
Where: Craigievar Castle, Craigievar, Alford AB33 8JF

Explore the Adam Tower, complete with dungeons, medieval toilets and murder holes at Chirk Castle in Wrexham. Then head outside and find the outdoor play area at Home Farm: great for keeping little ones entertained. It is just next door to the kiosk which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks, with outdoor seating. So, it's a great place to stop to run off some energy, or for a rest.
Where: Chirk Castle, Wrexham LL14 5AF

Explore the beautiful formal gardens at Dyffryn in Cardiff before heading to the gorgeous natural play areas to let your kids burn off even more steam! Choose between a larger playground hidden in the Arboretum; or one designed for smaller kids in front of the Welcome Centre. Both are built from repurposed felled trees, making stepping stones, balance beams and dens which should fire your kids imaginations as they interact with nature.
Where: Dyffryn Gardens, Dyffryn Close, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SU

With 90 acres of lovely parkland to explore, Tredegar House is a great spot for a family day out. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, go bug hunting with your kids or take your bikes and cycle around this National Trust park.
Where: Tredegar House, Pencarn Way, Newport, NP10 8YW 

Considered to be one of the most outstanding gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is the most visited National Trust mansion house property in Northern Ireland. There are lots of different areas to explore with your family. Don't miss the Natural Play Area or the mythical animals on the Dodo Terrace – see if you can count them all.
Where: Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

As Ireland's first nature reserve, Murlough Reserve is a one-stop-shop for unspoilt landscapes, fascinating wildlife and spectacular views over Dundrum Bay. There's also a children's nature trail and quiz that little ones can get stuck into.
Where: Murlough Reserve, Keel Point, Dundrum, Newcastle BT33 0NQ

The natural play area, Explore and Play at Rowallane Garden in County Down is located at the top of the Pleasure Ground. It's been created using natural materials: fallen trees are now climbing frames, activity dens are made from branches from the garden and you'll find stepping stones fashioned from cut stumps and logs. Look out for the exotic animal chainsaw sculptures! Throughout the year there are family-focused events. Don't miss the chance to borrow balance bikes for little ones learning to cycle.
Where: Rowallane Garden, Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7LH