By Emma Kisby, family and lifestyle blogger living in Berkshire, Mum of two, coffee addict and good at sleeping.
Hughenden Manor High Wycombe
Hughenden Manor belongs to the National Trust and sits in the heart of the Chilterns. It is a large manor that was once the home of the Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.
The manor itself is full of history, as it had a second role later on during the second world war. It was the secret location for map drawing which played an important part in the outcome of the war.
When You Arrive
Hughenden is a great place to take the family for a day out. It is surrounded by woodlands which is so much fun. As you enter the grounds, the road takes you up to a car park on the hillside. You pass St Michael and All Angels Church and keep going up until you reach the visitor kiosk.
National Trust members and children under five are free. A standard price for an adult is £11.80, a child is £5.90 and a family costs £29.50 for the whole property (prices in 2019).
Fun For The Family
As soon as you get out of the car park you enter a wooded area. It’s great for wildlife and fun for the kids too! There are logs and tree trunks that have been carved out or built for the children to climb and play on. Before you even reach the manor itself, you can spend hours here while they play and run around.
Then as you come out you enter a pretty little orchard with picnic benches. There is plenty of space to set up with a picnic if you wish. Especially if you pick a warm day for your visit.
However there is also a cafe close by if you prefer or didn’t come prepared. Also a tearoom which is open during the weekends and holidays, and a ‘Grab and Go’ coffee shop.
There are plenty of outdoor walks to do. There are four colour coded waymarked walks where you can explore the countryside and lookout for local wildlife.
Also, there is a pretty walled garden where children are able to get green fingered and help to water the plants.
Inside the manor, there are interesting things to see and do, not just for the grown ups. There are four floors to discover which are full of history and artefacts. In one of the rooms there are Victorian clothes for the children to dress up in. They tend to have little activities for the little ones to keep them occupied. For example finding ten little woollen bees which are hidden around the house to spot. Then receiving a sticker for finding them all.
Half Term Activities
As well as regular talks all year round that are held at scheduled times, there are half term activities for the children.
This May half term is a selection of ‘Bees and Blooms’ themed activities. There is a bee trail all week for families to attend then walks and talks on select days which need to be booked in advance online.
If you look further ahead, there are also a Father’s Day event which includes a BBQ and artisan stalls. Plus garden talks, woodland walks and even a watercolour workshop in June. There is a bat watch in July, ranger walks throughout the summer and a 1940’s wartime weekend in September.
Have a look online to see what’s on at Hughenden Manor.
Author Bio
Emma Kisby is a blogger living in Berkshire, Mum of two, coffee addict and good at sleeping. Check out her blog where she shares the things in her life from fashion and health to family and lifestyle. Follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
