Family-friendly things to do at Lyveden

Published:: 21 May 2024

A mother and daughter enjoying themselves sat in the shade in Lyvedens orchard. — Summer fun in the Lyveden Orchard | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

If you're looking for somewhere where the children can let off some steam, Lyveden is the perfect place for a family day out. From spotting birds and bugs by the moat to discovering what's growing in the wildflower meadows there's lots of fun to be had in the great outdoors.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Lyveden:

Baby-changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet in the Manor courtyard area.
Snacks, hot food and drinks are available from the restaurant.
Picnic benches are located by the car park as well as infront of the Manor.
There are plenty of good spots to set down a picnic blanket if you bring one.
Most of Lyveden is accessed via grass paths. Surfaces can be uneven and slippy if wet.

Family-friendly events

From self led trails to outdoor theatre and immersive living history, theres plenty happening at Lyveden. Make sure to check out our events page to stay up to date on whats to come.

Summer of Lyveden

Throughout the entirety of the school summer holidays, there will be a different free self-led activity for you to take part in ach week. You and your little ones can get stuck in with weekly Outdoor Tuesdays and Craft Thursdays. From pond dipping to campfire cooking, our friendly volunteers will be on hand to help you get active and creative this summer. Make sure to keep an eye out for more details to come.

A crowd watching an outdoor theatre production at Lyveden — Roll up, roll up for summer fun at Lyveden | © Neil Underwood

Civil War living history weekend

On 3 and 4 August, Lyveden will once again be taken over by the Lord John Rebartes Regiment for our Civil War living history weekend. Experience first hand the thrill of regimental drills and musket volleys. The regiment will set up a 17th century Civil War living history camp at the manor, with soldiers and civilians on hand to answer your questions about life in during this turbulent period of history.

Jemima Puddle Duck | Outdoor Theatre

Quantum Theatre is back this summer on the 23 August with a brand new adaptation of the much-loved Beatrix Potter tale, Jemima Puddle-Duck. Tickets on sale now!

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Are you ready to tick some activities off your list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'? There are plenty of things to try at Lyveden, whatever the weather. Here are just a few to get you started:

No. 4 Build a den: Check out the Spinney and make yourself a den - What will your den be? A meeting place for spies, a pirate hideout or maybe a fairy castle for the night?
No. 7 Fly a kite: It doesn’t have to be blowing a gale – a simple box kite will take off in a breeze. Bring your own and run around the meadows and watch it fly
No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Look in the grass, check tree bark and look under stones to see what bugs you can find
No. 34 Discover wild animal clues: Can you see the tracks made by the deer and sheep? They make flattened grass paths to get to their favourite spots and you might see their hoof prints if it's muddy around the site