Family-friendly things to do at Golden Cap

A woman and a man with a baby carrier looking out over the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset, on a bright summer's day — Views of the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset | © National Trust Images/John Miller

A family day out on the Golden Cap estate is always a big adventure. Will you take on the challenge of climbing the mighty Golden Cap, the highest point on the south-west, or try out geocaching, hunting for hidden treasure around the estate? There's more treasures to be found and secrets to uncover, when you follow the Stonebarrow Hill Smuggler's Trail.

The Smugglers' Trail at Stonebarrow

Find out about the smugglers who once lived along the Dorset coastline, and the revenue men who tried to catch them.

Head out on a family adventure and follow in the footsteps of smugglers by listening to the Stonebarrow Hill smugglers’ story and following the marked trail.

There are activity sheets to accompany the trail and rubbings on each post as you walk around.

Picnics and views along the way

The circular route takes in fantastic viewpoints of Golden Cap, as well as some excellent picnic spots and is a great way to see the landscape through the eyes of the smugglers – you’re sure to have a day out to treasure.

Play the audio trail, and download the map and activity sheets below.

Smugglers' Trail downloads

Stonebarrow Smugglers' Trail activity sheets (PDF – 2.6MB)

Stonebarrow Smugglers' Trail map (PDF – 0.2MB)

Top tips

The audio is 22 minutes long so you may like to pause it as you walk from one point to the next.
Print out the activity sheets before you set off – you can print the map, or view it on a mobile device while walking.

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Video

The Smugglers' Trail at Stonebarrow Hill

Listen to the audio trail as you explore Stonebarrow in the footsteps of smugglers.

Head out on a walking adventure

Climb Golden Cap (1–2 hours)

Do you like new challenges, fresh air and amazing views? Then why not climb to the highest point on the south-west coast – 191m (around 42 double decker buses). Go on, you can do it.

Park at Langdon Hill and Golden Cap is well signposted from this point. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Easy circular walk at Langdon Hill (30 minutes)

From Langdon Hill car park there's an easy circular walk around Langdon Woods. The surface is flat, which makes it good for buggies and little legs. The bigger gates have radar key access, making it easy for wheelchairs.

A family exploring the grounds of Hatchlands Park, Surrey. Three children are carrying sticks, and the parents are carrying balls. — Explore the estate on a family walk | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Geocaching on the estate

Like treasure hunting for the digital generation, geocaching is an exciting outdoor adventure that the whole family can take part in. The premise is simple: ‘treasures’ are hidden in secret locations, which can be found using co-ordinates shared on the internet. All you need is a handheld GPS and a sense of fun. Most caches have a log book for you to leave a message in.

Start your geocaching adventure

Den building in Langdon Woods

We have a special zone at Langdon for den building. Please only use this area. To get to the den building zone, head in a clockwise direction around Langdon Hill following the main track. You will take the first left off the track signposted Seatown 1¼ mile. Park at Langdon Hill car park.