Family-friendly things to do at Wentworth Castle Gardens

Children exploring the gothic folly 'Stainborough Castle' at Wentworth Castle, South Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Wentworth Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a family adventure. Explore the gardens - from the turrets of Stainborough Castle to the hiding places in the Union Jack Gardens. Try out our Multisensory or Orienteering Trails, and don't forget to call into the adventure play area before you leave.

Planning your family visit

The main car park is around 200m from the adventure play area and the Long Barn Café
There are baby-changing facilities and toilets in the Café and in the Conservatory Building
High chairs are available in the Café
There is an incline throughout the garden on the way up to Stainborough Castle
Most paths in the garden are suitable for buggies, with a combination of hard-standing and grassy paths.
Small scooters and balance bikes can be taken into the gardens, but please don't bring bikes with pedals.
The parkland is a great place to explore for slightly older children, with den building in the woods. The paths can be wet and boggy outside of the summer months, so wellies are recommended.
Make the most of our picnic area. Bring your own lunch or purchase a children's picnic from the Café.
Find a great selection of children's books in the Reading Room, upstairs in the Long Barn.

Enchanted Tree Trail

December & January, every day during opening hours

Pick up a trail sheet and head round the gardens to discover secret world of wildlife in winter. Use a torch to shine a light into the hidden world of various animals and discover how they survive the colder months.

Woolly Jumper walk

December & January, every day during opening hours

Pull on your wellies, wrap up warmly and set out to enjoy the parkland on the woolly jumper walk. Maps can be collected from visitor reception or downloaded here.

The walk is approximately 2.5 miles (4km) so more suited to older children. Unfortunately the parkland is too uneven for buggies or push bikes.

If you fancy a shorter excursion into the parkland, why not look out for the twelve minature woolly jumpers hidden in the trees along Great South Avenue? Ask for more details at visitor reception.

Young visitors explore the lime tree avenue at Wentworth Castle Gardens | © Annapurna Mellor

February half term - Books & Boots

Join us for a celebration of books & boots at Wentworth Castle Gardens.

Drop in and make your own bookmark or create a craft from old book pages during our family-friendly craft sessions

17, 18, 19, 20 & 21 February from 11.30am - 2.30pm

Enjoy our 'Februwelly' boot wander around the gardens - spot welly boots planted up by the Wentworth team.

Look out for the Reading Room's first birthday celebrations.

Things to do in the rain

Once you’ve finished splashing in puddles, you might find some of these activities a good option when the rain comes:

Visit our ‘Time to Play’ segment in the Union Jack gardens, just above the Azaela Garden. Take part in a giant family board game while the tall hedges provide you with some shelter.
During a shower, why not pop into the Conservatory to enjoy the sensory experience of encountering plants from around the world?
Have you discovered the Reading Room yet? Above the Long Barn Café, the extension to the Second-hand bookshop is the perfect spot to get lost in a story while cuddled up in a comfy chair. Access is via stairs to the left of the counter, or please ask if you’d like to use the lift.

Sensory Trail

Discover our new Sensory Trail! We've designed this multi-sensory trail to inspire visitors of all ages and abilities to actively explore Wentworth Castle Gardens.

Download before you visit or pick up at Visitor Reception when you arrive.

Sensory Trail preview — Preview of the Sensory trail | © Picture Windows design

Get moving in the Play Area

The Play Area is a favourite destination for families throughout the year. Conquer the castle, zoom down the zip-line, or try out our accessible see-saw.

Orienteering

Exercise your body and your mind with one of our Orienteering trails, designed for families. They make use of paths and trails around the gardens and can be accessed without using steps.

The short couse map is 1km and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There is a longer route too, for those who are ready for more of a challenge. Maps cost £1 and are available from visitor reception.