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
Christmas Carnival
10 Nov – 2 Jan 2019, Wed-Sun
Open Mon 31 Dec & Tue 1 Jan, closed 24-26 Dec
Join us for our Christmas carnival, where displays take inspiration from festivals and celebrations conjured up by Waddesdon’s artworks.
Christmas Fair
11am-6pm, Sat 10 Nov – Sun 16 Dec
A shopping experience not to be missed. 80 hand-selected exhibitors all housed in charming wooden chalets in front of the house.
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
Our playground winds through the trees, making the most of the natural environment. Little ones can play safely, on seesaws, swings and soft bark, while older children can whizz down our giant contour slide or traverse climbing frames.
Garden walks
Brave the damp with a brolly and enjoy of our great walks. Explore the gardens, jump in puddles, and discover our wildlife. Download and print our walks off from our garden walks page.
Head indoors and see the house
Children's House trail
11.30am-6pm, 10 Nov – 2 Jan 2019
Pick up one of our free Christmas Carnival trails at the House entrance and all the family can join in the fun discovering unusual aspects of the collection. Free with children’s House tickets. All House tickets must be pre-booked.
Information for grown-ups
- we have a woodchip pathway which takes you to and from the car park and because of the surface it is 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
- high-chairs are available at both the Stables Café and Manor Restaurant
- undercover seating at the Stables Café
- indoor, heated space in the Powerhouse by the Manor Shop, to eat, drink and get out of the cold
- front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats are available at the house entrance free of charge
- our shuttle buses have space for up to five unfolded pushchairs
- prams and pushchairs are not allowed in the house as the visitor route is narrow and they may inadvertently cause damage
- for safety reasons children may not be carried on your shoulders during your house visit
- under fives can bring small bicycles into the grounds but please keep to the pathways. These can be taken on our visitor shuttle buses
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 food in one of our many places to eat with indoor seating.
Stables Café
Open 11am-6pm, Wed-Sun, 10 Nov – 2 Jan 2019
Near to the Woodland Playground, just a short walk from the Manor, the Stables Café is informal and ideal for families. You can choose to sit indoors in our light and airy space, or brave the winter weather and eat outdoors in the Courtyard, snuggled under warm blankets and sheepskin rugs.
Christmas lunches in the Manor
12pm-1.30pm, Wed-Sun, 10 Nov – 2 Jan 2019
Enjoy a delicious festive lunch in the Manor Restaurant this Christmas.
For the kids
Children's Christmas lunch in the Manor
12pm-1.30pm, Wed-Sun, 10 Nov – 2 Jan 2019
The whole family can enjoy festive lunch in the Manor Restaurant with our children’s Christmas lunch.
Manor Children’s Christmas lunch menu
Poupon's children's afternoon tea
1.30pm-4.15pm, Wed-Sun, 10 Nov – Wed 2 Jan 2019
Treat the kids to their own special afternoon tea inspired by ‘Poupon’ Baron Ferdinand’s beloved black poodle.
The Treaterie
Open 11am-6pm, Wed-Sun, 10 Nov – 2 Jan 2019
Both kids and adults can head down to the Stables Courtyard and find the Treaterie. You’ll find a selection of seasonal hot pots, sandwiches, festive cakes, mulled wine and goodies for children.
You may also be interested in
Bringing your dog
Dogs are allowed anywhere in the grounds with the exception of the Aviary, Parterre and Woodland Playground. Help us protect our beautiful surroundings by adhering to our doggy do’s and don’ts.
Family events
We’ve lots of events this year for kids, camp in the grounds with Big Camp, hunt for Easter eggs or even design your own comic strip. There’s loads to choose from.
Letter Writing to Father Christmas
Sat 10 Nov – Sun 23 Dec 2018
Father Christmas is waiting to receive your Christmas lists. Come to the Stables to write your letter. No need to book, just drop-in.