Family fun at Kedleston

Published:: 10 July 2022

A visitor holding a small child to look over a gate across the estate at Kedleston, with a view of the countryside visible in the background — Enjoy a walk at Kedleston Hall | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

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.

Family friendly things to do

At Kedleston Hall, the great outdoors has plenty on offer for families, with lots of places to explore and spots for memorable picnics. Here is what’s on offer.

Spotting wildlife

Along the Short Walk, orchids are flowering and butterflies of all shapes and sizes including small white, green veined white and peacock can be spotted enjoying the summer sun.

Enjoy views across the parkland as you look out for kingfishers between the Adam Bridge and Splash Pool. The lake is the perfect location to look out for nesting birds as home to herons, coots and swans. Take a closer look and you might even see carp making their way up to the surface.

Orienteering

The permanent orienteering course in the parkland at Kedleston is ideal for beginners of all ages. You can buy a specially designed orienteering map at Visitor Reception for £1.50, it’s on waterproof paper too, so you don't need to worry about it getting wet. Find your way to marked points in the landscape, at whatever pace you choose. Along the way you could spot birds on the lake, wildflowers and butterflies in the woodland areas and of course the sheep and cattle.

The perfect picnic spot on your walk

With over 800 acres of parkland, Kedleston has plenty of great picnic places. The ongoing project to reawaken the garden within the Pleasure Grounds, provide a carpet of colour and a perfect setting for a picnic. For those that don’t mind walking a little further, you'll find benches along the short, long and wilderness walk routes, offering views of the parkland and beyond.

Forgotten your sarnies?

Not to worry! You can buy all your picnic essentials from the restaurant or kiosk at Kedleston. Sandwiches, lunch boxes for children, hot and cold drinks and snacks are all available in takeaway packaging. Ice creams are available from the shop, restaurant and kiosk too.

Summer holidays at Kedleston Hall

The summer holidays are almost upon us, and no doubt your charges will need entertaining! Visit, play and repeat at Kedleston where there are a host of activities for all the family to enjoy.

Derbyshire Archery club will be offering free ‘have a go’ sessions every Wednesday on the South Lawn in August. Suitable from ages 5 and up (you don’t have to be a child to take part!), it is ideal for complete beginners.

Wilderness Wednesday series - the Ranger team are providing a series of family events across the summer holiday. From building a bird box to going on a mini beast hunt (booking essential – check back here soon for details on how to book).

South Asian Heritage Month

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) runs from 18 July to 17 August each year. This month seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities. SAHM is an opportunity to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.

First celebrated in 2019, 2024 marks the five-year anniversary since it first began. The theme for 2024 is 'Free to Be Me' - celebrate the beauty of simply being yourself. No matter who you are, your story matters. Whilst visiting Kedleston, you will have the opportunity to reflect on this theme and share your thoughts on your own identity and story.

Kedleston connections to India

George Nathaniel Curzon (1859–1925) of Kedleston Hall, commonly known as Lord Curzon was appointed Viceroy of India in 1899. The family moved to Calcutta (Kolkata) and lived at Government House, a palace coincidentally modelled after Kedleston, during this period. The Museum at Kedleston has many South Asian objects (owing to Lord Curzon’s travels) and there are several objects in the collection that reflect this history.

At Kedleston we recognise this South Asian connection and are running a series of events to commemorate SAHM.

Immigration Stories – An Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Man. On Thursday 18 July, Kedleston Hall will be showcasing the extraordinary film story of an ordinary man. Be inspired by an anecdotal account of 93 old Mr Ajit Singh Dosanjh who arrived in the UK in the early 1950s at age 23. Two free sessions will be available (Check back here soon for details on how to book your free place.)

Live Fusion Music featuring the Indian Tabla and harp. On Saturday 10 August, join us in the Saloon at Kedleston Hall for a performance of live fusion music by Tāla Tarang (meaning Rhythm Waves).

Live Fusion Music

Dance performance and workshop by Mohika Shankar. On Saturday 17 August, join Mohika Shankar as she hosts a free workshop of dance exploring movement using hand gestures and expressions rooted in Kathak, an Indian Classical Dance form, to create a story where you are 'Free to Be Me.' There will be two free workshop sessions (check back here soon for how to book your free place) before Mohika will perform to all in the Hall afterwards.