Family-friendly things to do at Wentworth Castle Gardens

A family plays games in front of the mansion house at Wentworth Castle | © 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.

Easter egg hunt

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Wentworth Castle gardens.

Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family.

11 - 21 April 2025, from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
£3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg.
More details here

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

A little girl in a bright pink coat wearing paper bunny ears receiving an Easter trail at a National Trust property — Easter egg hunt | © Annapurna Mellor/National Trust Images

May half term

Be part of creating a kaleidoscope of butterflies which will be enjoyed by visitors to Wentworth Castle Gardens throughout the summer.

Inspired by The HERDS project and our nature conservation work on site, the butterflies will celebrate nature as well as sparking conversations about how to care for it.

Join a workshop with local artist Jo Veal on 27, 28, 29 or 30 May.

Spaces are limited. Booking opens on 1 May.

More details to follow.

These workshops will be delivered in partnership with Barnsley Museums and have been kindly supported by Art Fund.

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.

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.