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.

Christmas at Winkworth

We’ve teamed up with Wild In Art, to bring to life Aardman’s mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ with a Christmas trail around the Arboretum. Come and find twelve super-sized Shaun sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists. There'll be fun games to play, a children's carousel and winter treats from the Arbor Tearoom and Coffee Jet concession. What better place to get out and let off some Christmas energy.

Find out more

Family-friendly things to do on in the arboretum

Play area

Winkworth is a great outdoor space in which children can explore nature. Our Tree Adventure area is perfect for children to be active, with a fireman’s pole, rope tunnel and mini climbing wall. It’s built from wood and other natural materials and provides all the inspiration a child needs to have a great time experiencing the outdoors. The play area is open daily.

'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.

Visitor having a drink in the garden at Sizergh, Cumbria — Warm up with 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 winer 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.