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Wild Activities: Younger Kids

Plan your family adventure

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Girl roasts marshmallows in woodland
2nd June, 2025

Build a den, fly high on a rope swing, mess about in a mud kitchen, meet miniature animals and bring a picnic to eat in a beautiful countryside setting.

 

Wild play & wild wanders

Fire up their imaginations with natural play and walks in wonderful spots. 

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Rectangular pool with potted plants at edges
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Maze and Gardens

Hampton Gardens

Explore nooks and crannies at every turn in these fabulous gardens. Tiptoe over little wooden bridges, chill out on tree swings and wind through the maze to the gothic tower (perfect for peering out over the grounds). Find the secret passage to the sunken garden, walking down cascading stepping stones to find a lake, strewn with giant lily pads and a waterfall which you can run behind. 

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Buttercup meadow leading up to Croft castle
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Tree climbing
Croft Castle woodland

National Trust Croft Castle

Hop over logs, build a den, fly high on a rope swing, play hide and seek - there’s lots to do in the play area. By the cafe, children can climb the turrets of a mini castle. Picnic amidst the butterflies and bees in the pretty walled garden or follow one of the many way-marked trails to enjoy lunch at an iron-age hillfort or in the ‘Picturesque’ Fishpool Valley.

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Queenswood Country Park
Queenswood Country Park
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Gruffalo statue
The Gruffalo Trail at Queenswood, © Natalie Jolley

Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum

The Gruffalo Trail never fails to please young children, whilst older kids can take up the challenge to hunt for champion trees. There’s a brilliant  adventure playground with picnic benches nearby.

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Brockhampton
National Trust Brockhampton © Andrew Butler
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Damson trees in blossom at Brockhampton, Herefordshire. Credit National Trust & John Miller.
Blossomtime at NT Brockhampton, credit National Trust & John Miller

National Trust Brockhampton

Take a wild wander through woodlands and orchards, dipping your toes into streams en route. Look out for deer, red kites and kestrels - on warmer days, you may even see a newt sunbathing by the moat. There are plenty of picnic benches and secluded spots for al fresco eats.

Wild events

Take your pick of special wild summer events:

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Converted barn with sheep outside
Cottage at Drovers Rest
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Girl roasts marshmallows in woodland
Drovers Rest

Go summer foraging

Start out at Drovers’ Rest, an organic farm and holiday retreat, on a hunt for seasonal goodies. You’ll eat what you find, perhaps hogweed and wild garlic soup, elderflower champagne and fruit leathers will be on the menu?

Dates: Sunday, June 22, 2025; Sunday, August 17, 2025
Tickets:  £55 adults, £27.50 for 12 - 16 year olds, under 12s free (please inform Wild Food UK for catering purposes). Book through Wild Food UK.

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Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle
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Climbing over treetrunks
Playing at Eastnor Castle

Mess about in a mud kitchen

Wildplay Week at Eastnor Castle offers a mud kitchen, bug hunting, den building and a rope trail. Loop around the lake on foot to see the ducks and picnic on the lawns.

Dates: Sunday, July 28th to Thursday, August 1st, 2025
Tickets: Entrance (grounds only) £911.50 adults, £7.50 children, under 2s free 

Animal encounters (in the wild)

 

Our wide open spaces are perfect for walking with llamas or take the chance to meet sweet animals in our farm parks.
 

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llamas
Golden Valley Llamas
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Llama trekking

Trek with llamas

Wander around the rolling hills of West Herefordshire with a gorgeous llama in tow! These cuddly creatures love children and after they are fed and groomed, you will take them for a stroll. On return to the farm, visit the llama weaving studio to see how their wool is spun and woven. Children aged 12+ may have sole charge of a llama, whilst younger kids will share with an adult. Book through Golden Valley Llamas

 

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Yatton Farm at sunset
Yatton Farm Park
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Goats on the farm

Farm park frolics:

Little ones will love the Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Centre, near Kington, specialises in miniature, rare and friendly creatures. Check out the ridiculously cute tiny horses and donkeys, the colourful finches, awesome owls and lots more.