Family-friendly things to do at Packwood

A family walking in the grounds at Basildon Park in the winter — There's plenty for the whole family to see and do at Packwood | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

With lots of open space and freedom to explore and play, the garden and parkland at Packwood are an ideal place for a family day out. The house is ready for explorers on rainy days, with new treasures to discover in every room. From picnics to welly walks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Family fun all year round

We've got lots going on to keep the family entertained whatever the season. From trails for the kids around the grounds to storytelling, outdoor theatrical performances to special guided tours, you'll find something to entertain the whole family.

For all the details, see our Upcoming Events page.

Planning your family visit

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

Baby-changing facilities are available in the toilets in the barnyard and café
There are grass and loose gravel paths in the garden with some steps and terraces
The café serves hot and cold drinks and snacks. Indoor and outdoor seating is available
Picnics are welcome on the tennis lawn, and there are also picnic benches next to the car park and in the barnyard.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and estate

The Packwood welly walk is an ideal trail for families. There are lots of things to see and do along the way including building dens in two of the four play glades, woodland hoopla, stepping logs, bird spotting and picnicking on log tables and chairs that you can arrange yourself.

The circular walk around Packwood is also a nice easy stroll and you can spot lots of wildlife along the way.

Woman pushing a buggy with small children looking at a trail sheet — Bring the family for some fun at Packwood | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

The National Trust's '50 things to do before you're 11¾' is a checklist of activities that will encourage kids to get mucky, discover their wild side and most of all enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. There are lots of activities that can be ticked off at Packwood, here are a few recommendations to get you started:

No 31. Make friends with a bug

Next time you're out on the welly walk or enjoying a stroll there are plenty of bugs to make friends with on the way. Don't forget to pop them back where you found them afterwards.

No. 34 Discover wild animal clues

There are lots of different things that you can look for when you're on the trail of an animal or bird. Keep an eye out for footprints, feathers, fur and poo and you might find something sooner than you think.

No. 44 Spot a bird

There is a wealth of wildlife in and around Packwood with many species of birds making their home here. To be a successful bird watcher you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. What will you spot? 

No. 48 Keep a nature diary

Keep a record of your amazing adventures in nature, capturing your memories of the animals and plants you’ve seen. Decide how you’ll record your experiences of nature, will you use words, pictures, sounds or a mixture of everything? You could even write a poem or a story about your adventures.

Find yourself a diary, a scrapbook or a sound recorder and get started. Make a note of all the things you’ve seen and done in nature, whether it’s a picnic in the wild, rolling down a huge hill or getting to know a wild animal. Which activity did you enjoy the most?