Family-friendly things to do at Winkworth Arboretum

A parent and two children interacting within the woodland setting in winter — Get outdoors at Winkworth Arboretum | © Chris Lacey

Come out and play at Winkworth Arboretum. Whether you’re joining in with outdoor activities, walking the dog or creating some wild art there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Planning your family visit

Natural play area with a fireman’s pole, rope tunnel and mini climbing wall.
Baby-changing facilities available
Thank you for not bringing your child's bike, scooter or ball games due to the steep slopes and open water on site.

What's on at Winkworth

A child sits on the ground completing an Easter activity trail at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire — Completing an Easter activity trail at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Easter egg hunt at Winkworth Arboretum, Sat 5 - Sun 22 April

Join us over the Easter holiday for our fun Easter activity trail around the arboretum. Pick up a trail sheet and bunny ears and hop your way around the aboretum completing fun activities along the way. At the end, don't forget to pick up your dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. £3.50 per trail with normal admission.

*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.

The Secrets of Fairies and Dragons at Winkworth, Sat 17 May- Sun 1 Jun

Discover a world of myths and legends, where the fairies and dragons are wreaking havoc in the arboretum. Join us this May half term and follow the trail to find eight fun-filled games - travel through the castle entrance to find your map, defeat the green dragon with a bean bag toss and find all the purple fairies' magical items. Free trail, through half term, 10am - 5pm.

Family-friendly things to do on in the arboretum

Play area

Winkworth is a great outdoor space in which children can explore nature. Head over to our Tree Adventure area and climb, jump and scramble across our rope tunnel, bridges, mini climing wall and our brand new web walk. It’s built from wood and other natural materials and provides all the inspiration for a great time experiencing the outdoors.

Brass rubbings trail

Pick up our Unbe-leaf-able trail sheet from the kiosk and explore the arboretum in search of some our important trees, completing a brass rubbings as you identify each tree.

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾' at Winkworth Arboretum

There are so many opportunities to experience connecting with nature at Winkworth. Why not start with some wild art? At the arboretum you’ll find nature’s materials on hand to start your creation. Or you could try tracking wild animal signs or making friends with a bug? Don’t let rain spoil your day either, as you can go welly wandering. We’ve got the best puddle jumping to be found for miles around.

Children eating ice cream in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire — Grab a treat from the Arbor tea-room | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Tea-room treats

All adventurers get hungry and thirsty, and Winkworth’s tea-room has a range of delicious treats for bold bug hunters and dedicated explorers. There are hot drinks to warm up from the winter chill, while in the summer there are cold drinks and ice creams to cool overheated adventurers. 

Exploring with your dog

A family day out isn’t complete without your canine companions. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome anywhere in the arboretum. They can sit with you in the large seating area outside the tea-room as well, where we offer a bowl of water so they can enjoy a relaxing drink.