Family fun at Kedleston

Published:: 10 July 2022

Visitors in the garden in autumn at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire — Enjoy a walk at Kedleston Hall | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

It's the perfect time to spend time with family and enjoy a seasonal walk.

Planning your family visit

If you're planning a day out at Kedleston Hall with the family, here is some useful information:

Baby changing facilities are available within the main toilets.
Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on site.
A wheelchair accessible Shuttle Bus is available between the Visitor Reception building to the Hall.
Don’t forget to visit the second-hand bookshop (located in the stableyard). We have a dedicated children’s section with plenty of books for all ages. It is open most days and is managed by volunteers. Please check with our staff at the Visitor Reception building for opening times on your arrival.

Please note

Please note, the water on site at Kedleston is switched off and alternatives are in place.

Autumn colours at Kedleston

The season to wrap up warm, pull on your wellies, head outdoors and spend time in nature is very much on its way!

Kedleston is the perfect autumnal backdrop, a landscape of changing colours, with the Red Oak's striking red leaves and the Larch's rusty golden hues. There are plenty of opportunities to sit and admire the landscape views, with benches along the popular short, long and lakeside walk routes.

Family friendly things to do this half term

Bring the family to Kedleston to kick through the leaves and see the fungi growing inside fallen tree trunks. Explore the grounds to discover the horse chestnut trees and hunt for their fallen conkers. Catch a fallen leaf or why not take it home to create some wild art. Here is what’s on offer.

Autumn Leaf Challenge

1 October to 2 November, 9am-4pm (admission charges apply.)

Whilst it might be getting colder, the woodlands are starting to show off their colours so it’s the perfect time for an Autumn leaf challenge at Kedleston. Get your free spotter sheet from visitor reception on arrival.

Willow weaving bird feeders

30 October, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm

Make your own bird feeder using willow with guidance from a ranger. £5 per child, all materials provided and no booking required.

Boy with the Percy the Park Keeper wheel barrow activity at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire — Boy with the Percy the Park Keeper wheel barrow activity at Kedleston Hall | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Lighting up Kedleston for Diwali 2024

21 October - 17 November, 11am-4pm (free, admission charges apply.)

Visitors to Kedleston can see traditional Diwali celebration of lights, lanterns and handcrafted marigolds throughout the Hall. Visit our Diwali page for more information.

Diwali 2024 at Kedleston

Image of a peacock up lit next to portrait of Mary Curzon — Lighting celebrating Diwali at Kedleston Hall | © NT/ Steve Franklin

Wildlife and fungi spotting

As well as the colourful scenes, look out for the wildlife within the park including buzzards, swans, woodpeckers and heron. Discover up to 90 species of weird and wonderful fungi in the grounds at Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire. Fungi can be spotted along all walks within Kedleston parkland.

Orienteering

Explore the parkland at Kedleston this autumn with our orienteering course available daily and no booking needed. Suitable for families, friends, dog walkers and ideal for complete beginners. Buy the orienteering map from visitor reception and explore at your own pace. Choose from a 1.6 mile route or a 3 mile route. You can run it, jog it, or stroll - you set the pace.

We'd love to see your colourful photos on social media, just use the hashtag #kedlestonhall when you post.