Family-friendly things to do at Hughenden

Play area at Hughenden in Autumn, Buckinghamshire — Play area at Hughenden in Autumn | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

If you want to get the family outside having fun whatever the weather, visit Hughenden. Discover trails through woodlands and views across the Chilterns, make dens and look for wild animal clues. Come to Hughenden, your adventure starts here.

Planning your family visit

Baby-changing facilities in Stableyard (accessible toilet) and inside the second-hand bookshop (steps to access).
Child's play area is open daily next to the Orchard (weather permitted).
Children under five on scooters and balance bikes are allowed under close supervision.
Accessible routes for pushchairs and wheelchairs around the gardens and pleasure grounds. We would recommend a carrier for woodland adventures.
The entrance to the manor is up two small steps but temporary ramps are available, which staff will put out on request. Pushchairs will need to be left in the arcade at the front of the Manor. Front carriers are permitted around the house and hip straps can be requested from the House team.

Upcoming Family Friendly Events:

Aesop's Fables Family Half-Term Trail | National Trust

Experience Aesop’s fables at Hughenden this October half-term! Enjoy an interactive trail with challenges along the way, inspired by our library’s fable-themed plasterwork.

Aesop's Fables: Storytelling & Craft | National Trust

Enjoy captivating storytelling sessions and get creative with an animal mask craft. Perfect for kids to explore these timeless tales.

3 children playing in the oak leaves — Three children playing in oak leaves in Autumn | © Annapurna Mellorr

10 family-friendly things to do this Autumn at Hughenden

Here are 10 autumn-themed family-friendly activities to enjoy at Hughenden:

1. Autumn Leaf Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of different autumn leaves, like oak, sycamore, and beech. Wander through the gardens and woodlands to find and identify them, marvelling at the stunning shades of gold, red, and orange. Collect a few fallen leaves to take home as souvenirs of your day.

2. Find the Best Autumn View

Explore the estate to discover the most picturesque autumnal views. From the Manor’s east side to the Monument Walk, the landscape transforms with warm hues and crisp, clear skies. Don’t forget your camera to capture the seasonal beauty!

3. Autumn Birdwatching

As birds prepare for winter or migrate to warmer climates, autumn is an excellent time for birdwatching. Bring your binoculars and try to spot species like robins, woodpeckers, or migrating swallows. The changing trees provide a perfect backdrop for observing these feathered visitors.

4. Spot the Signs of Autumn

Look for autumnal signs like rustling leaves, misty mornings, and woodland animals preparing for winter. Listen for the sound of crunching leaves underfoot, the chatter of squirrels gathering food, and the autumn breeze blowing through the trees.

5. Cosy Picnic

Pack a warm, autumnal picnic with comforting snacks like soup in a flask, apple pie, and a thermos of hot chocolate. Find a sheltered spot to enjoy your food, wrapped in blankets, and maybe enjoy a few games like conker battles or leaf races to keep warm!

6. Build an Autumn Shelter

Gather fallen branches, sticks, and leaves to build an autumn den. Imagine you are surviving the colder months, just as ancient people would have done. Perhaps leave some treats inside for the wildlife—hedgehogs or squirrels might make use of your creation after you’ve gone!

7. Create Autumnal Art

Use autumn’s natural palette to create artwork. Collect vibrant leaves, acorns, and conkers to craft a seasonal masterpiece. Build a frame from twigs and arrange your materials into a colourful pattern or image. You could even design an autumnal scene of Hughenden Manor or a portrait of Benjamin Disraeli surrounded by autumn leaves.

8. Climb a Hill and Feel the Crisp Air

Feel the cool autumn breeze as you climb a hill on the estate. The fresh air is invigorating, and the exercise will warm you up. How far can you walk or run uphill? Enjoy the view as you reach the top, surrounded by the glowing autumn landscape.

9. Explore the Woodland Trails

Follow the colour-coded trails through the woodland, where the trees are bursting with autumn colour. As you wander, keep an eye out for wildlife preparing for winter. Can you find any animal tracks in the damp earth? Are there signs of animals gathering food or hiding for the colder months?

10. Autumn Butterfly and Moth Hunt

Although butterflies are less frequent in autumn, you might still spot a few late-flying species like the Red Admiral or Painted Lady. Autumn is also a great time to search for moths. Bring a guide to help identify any you see, and enjoy the last fluttering of wings before winter sets in.