Rainy day activities
Don't let the rain stop you from visiting and having fun at Waddesdon. We've lots to keep you occupied until the sun starts to shine, with exhibitions, varied children's activities, and plenty of space to run around in.
Activities for adults
Manor shop
Find Rothschild wines and beautiful books celebrating Waddesdon. Together with an exclusive range of gifts inspired by our collection and exhibitions.
Powerhouse
Discover Waddesdon’s stories in a series of films in the Powerhouse near the Manor shop.
Exhibitions
Flock to Waddesdon this summer for a celebration of birds with ‘Flights of Fancy’. Discover ‘Guercino at Waddesdon’, spotlighting one of the great painters of 17th-century Italy.
Inside the House
Discover paintings by Reynolds
Waddesdon has an exceptional collection of paintings by Joshua Reynolds. Spot them as you explore inside the house.
A Rothschild Treasury
See more than 300 objects made from rare and precious materials in this permanent gallery.
Wine Cellars
The Wine Cellars celebrate the association of the Rothschild family with some of the finest wines in the world.
Activities for kids
Brave the elements, bring your wellies and brollies as there’s plenty to see and do in the grounds. Kids can take part in the 50 Things nature challenge and tick off no. 6 to run around in the rain.
Woodland Playground
Winding through the trees our playground makes the most of the natural environment.
Garden walks
Brave the damp with a brolly and enjoy one of our great walks or jump in puddles and discover local wildlife.
Aviary
Watch and listen to our exotic feathered residents in the aviary, many of whom are endangered.
Information for grown-ups
- a woodchip pathway takes you to and from the car park and because of the surface it’s not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- baby-changing and feeding facilities can be found at the Manor and Stables
- a changing places facility can be found in the Manor, access via the Manor shop. During Feb-Mar access to the facility can be arranged upon request. Please notify a member of staff upon arrival so we can organise this for you.
- high-chairs are available in our restaurant
- undercover seating at the Stables
- front-carrying baby slings/hip-carrying infant seats available at the house entrance free of charge
- shuttle buses have space for up to five unfolded pushchairs
- for safety reasons children may not be carried on your shoulders during your house visit
- u5’s can bring small bicycles into the grounds, please keep to the pathways. May be taken on the shuttle bus
Feeding or changing a baby inside the house
- our collection is fragile, with many historic textiles that are vulnerable to any accidental spillage of food or liquids including water. However, there are areas around the House which are less sensitive where you can feed your baby. Please ask a member of the house team for assistance. We also have private facilities on the ground floor of the house for baby feeding should parents wish to use it.
Places to eat
Take a break from rainy weather and enjoy delicious warming food from one of our food-to-go outlets or Manor Restaurant.
Afternoon tea
Treat yourself and the family to a sumptuous afternoon tea, with a selection of savoury treats and sweet fancies.
Food to Go
Grab a quick snack from our kiosk located outside the Manor shop. All food served is made by our own chefs.
You may also be interested in
A year in the garden
From the stark beauty of winter to the vibrant colours of summer.
Bringing your dog
Dogs are allowed anywhere in the grounds except for the Aviary and Woodland Playground.