We’ve been National Trust members for years, but unless we visit properties when we’re on holiday, we tend to stick to the same old tried and tested favourites… Stowe Landscape Gardens, Waddesdon Manor, Anglesey Abbey and Wimpole Estate and Farm. They are all fantastic, but we decided to go a bit further afield and try out Cliveden Gardens, in between Beaconsfield and Slough.
Unusually for the National Trust, you can’t visit the house, unless you are rich, as it’s been turned into a posh hotel.
The gardens are well worth a visit, especially on a beautiful sunny day like we had. I wouldn’t go on a wet day though as there isn’t much cover! After getting a bit lost, due to the rather unhelpful map, as we tried to meet up with my mum, dad, sister Debbie, and niece Bonnie, we finally found them and had lunch, much to everyone’s relief.
Dad took the opportunity to fill out a comments card…
Then for a spot of hide and seek and tree-climbing.
We loved the view of the formal gardens, but got a bit scared the girls might fall through the holes!
Then, some hill rolling!
All that rolling makes you a bit hot, so we needed Mini Milks.
The grounds really are beautiful.
The Magical Book-THemed Play area at Cliveden Gardens
We finished our day out with a visit to the brilliant story book-themed play area.
They are especially taken with Ratty and Moley from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ as we’ve been enjoying the old stop animation TV movie recently.
All in all, a lovely day out, though the map could be better!
The National Trust is so great. Although it’s such a shame it’s a hotel and not a place to mooch around! But I guess they make more money that way and it would be a stunning place to stay in.
It looks so beautiful here!!! The gardens are so, so pretty. Especially the Japanese garden. I love the storybook play area at the end too. It looks so magical. You definitely can’t beat a mini milk break either. I love mini milks so much. Thank you so, so much for linking this to #whatevertheweather. xx
Thanks I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I was a bit gutted about the house being converted, but yes you’re right, they must make loads from it! And now we have two kids, looking round the houses isn’t as much fun as it used to be – either really rushed, as Ryan has them out in the garden, or stressful that they are going to break something! Becky x x
A shame about the map, but at least you found each other in the end! It really does look like a stunning garden to visit, with lots to interest the children and keep them busy. Fallen trees are favourites of my boys to climb on and the carved sculptures are beautiful, love the photo of hte girls in the boat with Ratty and Moley!
Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Thanks for stopping by, it was such a lovely day and that carved playground is really spectacular! The girls absolutely loved it xx
I really love this post! We’re fans of NT gardens too! I remember being dragged around endless houses when I was a kid and now we’re at it! We just love the space and the trees – even better for us as we live in London. We went to Llanhydrock in Cornwall this year and saved the most ENORMOUS bumble bee. We had such a lovely day.
Oooh I think we went there, amazing cream teas in a walled garden? Or is that a different one?! Anyway they are always a joy aren’t they! My parents dragged us round too, but it obviously worked as we may as well be life long members! Xx
It does look beautiful there. Cliveden is next on our list to visit, I must remember to choose a nice day to visit. Looks like you had a lovely day out.
#Whatevertheweather
Thanks yes we did, I think you’re right to aim for a dry day as the grounds are amazing. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Xx
I KEEP seeing reviews on this and must go – the gardens look amazing #whatevertheweather
It was brilliant, especially the playground! We could barely drag the kids away from it! Xx
Oh I just love the National Trust – best thing we ever bought. We been to quite a few places. This one looks gorgeous. The views and the Japanese Gardens are amazing. The girls look like they had a blast too. Great piccys. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst and see you again soon xx
Thanks Sarah, we love the NT too! See you soon xx
Looks beautiful! Love the story themed play area, Holes like that always worry me with the kids too! #bestandworst
The play area was definitely the highlight for us all, hours of entertainment! Xx
Looks like a lovely day Becky – I love an autumnal walk! Can’t wait for sunny autumn days to really set in xx #bestandworst
Thank you MMT! We had a great day xx
Looks like you managed to have a gorgeous day out despite the map dramas! It’s so nice to spend time out in the fresh air isn’t it? I too would have been a bit scared about the size of the gaps in those railings though!! Thankyou so much for sharing your day out with me on #busydoinglife it’s so lovely to have you linking up!
Yes we did have fun thank you, might go back over half term if we can squeeze it in xx
Looks like you had a great day. We visited Cliveden earlier in the year. I love the playground with all the children’s books characters! #toddlerapprovedtuesday
Thanks, yes the playground was the highlight for us, magical! X
I love Cliveden! I’ve been before and we were there today actually as they had an open day with free entry, which really reminded me I need to get a national trust membership! #busydoinglife
Ah great I’m glad you like it too! I bet it was lovely in the sun today xx
That looks like a lovely place to go if the weather is half decent. I love what National Trust properties have to offer – I always wish I visited more regularly! I have never been to Cliveden but it looks wonderful. I particularly like the idea of the book themed area and the Japanese Water Garden. Thanks for sharing #busydoinglife
Thanks Sara, the storybook play area was almost magical, we loved it! Xx
Definitely adding this to our “NT places to visit” list… we’re a bit addicted to getting stamps in our National Trust passport… loved dropping in via the #busydoinglife linky!
Thanks Luke, it’s really lovely, bet it would be great in autumn too! We always forget out passport, need to remember it next time! Xx
You all seemed to have a fabulous day out! Lovely pictures too! #busydoinglife
Thanks Cheryl, we really enjoyed it and want to go back again to see how it looks in different seasons xx
Looks an amazing place. Can’t beat hill rolling!
Yeah they really enjoyed that part! Had to practically drag then away! Xx
It does look a beautiful place to visit. One for us to fit in on the way back from somewhere I think as a bit far for a day trip.
Yes it’s really worth a visit, we often stop at National Trust places on the way home from holidays as you are always guaranteed a nice run about and great cake! Xx