Waddesdon Manor in all its glorious splendour is perhaps not the first place parents consider as a day out for their children.
In addition to the house being filled with priceless objects a trip to the Rothschild property is not cheap. But all that changes in August.
Throughout the whole month children up to the age of 16 will be admitted free to the house and gardens when accompanied by at least one paying adult, who can take as many children as they like.
And children can also go on a free guided tour of the ground floor of the house every Wednesday throughout August from 11.15am-12 noon before it opens to the general public.
This is a unique opportunity to view the manor through a child’s eye as friendly stewards bring it to life. Booking is essential for this, call 01296 653226.
Wild Wednesdays offer lots of hands on activities that can be ticked off the National Trust’s list of ‘50 things to do before you are 11 and a half’.
All the sessions are drop-in from 11am-3pm, ideal for children aged four to 11 and cost just £2 per child. Throughout August they include bug hunting and a natural treasure hunt.
Fascinating workshops are also on offer throughout the month, looking at science, storytelling and animal handling. Some, but not all, incur a small charge and/or require booking.
The grounds include a year round woodland playground in a shady spot, and offer many beautiful locations to stop for a rest and a picnic.