Please note that a weekend road closure is operating on the A41 from 4th-6th October, with diversions in place. Please check your route before travelling.

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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

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Manor shop

Find Rothschild wines and beautiful books celebrating Waddesdon. Together with an exclusive range of gifts inspired by our collection and exhibitions.

Our shops >

powerhouse

Powerhouse

Discover Waddesdon’s stories in a series of films in the Powerhouse near the Manor shop.

Watch Waddesdon’s films >

Flights of Fancy

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.

Find out more > 

Inside the House

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Discover paintings by Reynolds

Waddesdon has an exceptional collection of paintings by Joshua Reynolds. Spot them as you explore inside the house.

See the paintings online >

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A Rothschild Treasury

See more than 300 objects made from rare and precious materials in this permanent gallery.

More about A Rothschild Treasury >

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Wine Cellars

The Wine Cellars celebrate the association of the Rothschild family with some of the finest wines in the world.

Free with house admission >

Red wellington boots splashing in a puddle

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.

2 Kids in the Woodland Playground

Woodland Playground

Winding through the trees our playground makes the most of the natural environment.

More about the woodland playground >

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Garden walks

Brave the damp with a brolly and enjoy one of our great walks or jump in puddles and discover local wildlife.

Download walks before you visit >

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Aviary

Watch and listen to our exotic feathered residents in the aviary, many of whom are endangered.

Discover the aviary >

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

More visitor information >

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.

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Afternoon tea

Treat yourself and the family to a sumptuous afternoon tea, with a selection of savoury treats and sweet fancies.

Afternoon tea >

Coffee Bar 2022

Food to Go

Grab a quick snack from our kiosk located outside the Manor shop. All food served is made by our own chefs.

Food to go >