Family-friendly things to do at Wentworth Castle Gardens

Family playing jenga at Wentworth Castle Gardens | © Nick Singleton

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.

Escape the Gardens

25 May - 30 June, 10am-4pm

Come and play detective throughout June and solve the clues to Escape the Gardens in our new interactive trail. Aimed at older children, or families playing together, you could even race your friends! Who will be the first to find the final location?

£2 to take part. There's no need to book in advance.

Summer lates

Thursday 6, 13, 20 & 27 June , until 6.30pm

New for this year, we're keeping the doors open later than usual on Thursdays throughout June. Make the most of the light evenings and join us after school for extra time in the playground, lawn games or a picnic. The Café will also be open for hot drinks, snacks and ice creams.

A young visitor enjoys an ice cream at Wentworth Castle Gardens | © Nick Singleton

Festival of Archaeology

Monday 15 - Friday 19 July, 10am-4pm

Bring your mini archaeologists for a dig in our sand play pits - what treasure will they find? (NB/ weather dependent)

Look out for archaeology-themed colouring and activity sheets in the Café Reading Room

Summer of Play

20 July - 1 September 2024

There's so many ways to play this summer at Wentworth Castle Gardens with an array of outdoor games on the Play Field, plus musical play, sensory play and more. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

We will have extra activities on selected days throughout the summer, including archery every Tuesday and the return of our popular teddy zip-line on Thursdays.

Archery experience

Tuesday 23 & 30 July, 6, 13, 20 & 27 August

Iron Age Archery will be running archery sessions for us on the play field. Have a go for just £2. Tickets can be purchased on arrival. Please note, spaces will be limited.

Teddy zip-line

Thursday 25 July, 1, 8, 15, 22 7 29 August

Bring your teddy for a thrilling ride down Stainborough Castle! Free:donations welcome.

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 new 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.

An Orienteering Pack - which includes a pencil and a Wentworth Castle Gardens medal - costs £3 from Visitor Reception. The map alone is £1.