A bold, beautiful and brand-new woodland playground inspires a nature-filled 2026 at Waddesdon Manor
In 2026, an exciting new woodland playground at Waddesdon will open – free for all the family to enjoy.
The playground has been designed specifically for the Manor and its woodland setting, offering a rich connection with nature through play with imaginative structures, swings, slides and much more.
This unique, bespoke design is made using natural wood and other materials and has been created by playground specialists TouchWood exclusively for Waddesdon. The new space will be bigger, better and bursting with areas to climb, run and play or just enjoy being outdoors, and include extended easily accessible pathways for parents to get involved too.
And with this new playground bringing more outdoor fun and experience, 2026 will see nature-inspired activities and events throughout the year.
We’ll be starting off the new year with a series of atmospheric, enchanting winter walks in January. Whether in snow, frost or low seasonal sun, enjoy winter and spring blooms – just make sure to wrap up warm as you wind your way through Waddesdon’s wintery wonderland.
Then as spring approaches, the Parkland Spring bulb tours begin in the beautiful gardens at Eythrope from February. Depending on the time you visit, you’ll see snowdrops, daffodils, cherry and apple blossoms, cyclamen or tulips.
March will see the reopening of the House for the new season with new displays including two rooms telling the story of Waddesdon and the Rothschild family. March also heralds the return of the celebrated National Trust Festival of Blossom with fresh flower displays in the Manor. And a new nature trail on Miss Alice’s Drive will open, starting at the Conservation Hub to explore the natural environment and the rich biodiversity on site.
Spring will also see the opening of a new exhibition by father and daughter light artists Bruce and Tink Munro, with the former returning to Waddesdon after a 4-year residency more than a decade ago. The inspiration for both artists comes from their relationship with the natural world and the new works will explore time and place through digital photography, light, projection and sound, including a light translation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
The popular National Trust’s Easter Adventures programme returns with a fun-filled outdoor trail jam packed with games and creative activities around the garden.
May will bring a unique interactive installation to the grounds, and the stars of the show are the trees. The Tree Listening Project arrives at Waddesdon, and with the help of headphones and advanced acoustic technology you will be immersed in the secret world of trees, listening as water travels from the roots to the leaves, and understanding the important role of trees in supporting our ecosphere.
There is also the return of Art in Nature as leading land and environmental artists come to Waddesdon to create more beautiful works, including another intervention by James Brunt. And the much-loved tours of Eythrope gardens will be giving people even more opportunity to enjoy the beauty all around us.
As summer arrives Open Farm Sunday in June gives a fascinating insight into the crucial work of farmers. Hosted on the wider Waddesdon estate, visitors will be able to learn more about farming, the countryside and wildlife, with activities for the whole family including sheep-shearing, tractor riding and environmentally friendly farming demonstrations.
During July and August, the National Trust’s Summer of Play comes to Waddesdon with extra special trails, activities and den building.
Golds, scarlets, oranges and yellow show Waddesdon in dazzling Autumn colour when September and October bring falling leaves and changing temperatures. And as the scarves come out so will the spooky as Haunted Half Term returns with a week of activities and family fun throughout the house and grounds. In 2026 Halloween will be bigger and better than ever, so watch this space.
Alongside all this, there is a regular programme of outdoor events, or simply an opportunity to enjoy the peace and beauty of the surroundings, from glorious garden walks and explorations on the estate to being mindful of mindfulness, whether gazing at the stars, witnessing the dawn chorus, pot planting, meadow walks, and a range of activities and tours spotting the animals and insects that make Waddesdon their home.
For full details of everything that Waddesdon has to offer for families, garden lovers and art fans – please visit the website.
NOTES TO EDITORS
IMAGES FOR MEDIA USE CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Render of new woodland playground.
Waddesdon Manor was built at the end of the 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the style of a French early 16th-century château. Baron Ferdinand was an inspired collector, and the house was designed to showcase his exceptional collection of English and Dutch paintings, French 18th-century furniture, Sèvres porcelain, and other decorative arts. When Ferdinand died in 1898, he left Waddesdon to his sister, Alice, who also was a great collector. Upon her death the house passed to her great-nephew, James de Rothschild, who inherited a substantial part of his father Baron Edmond’s great collection. In 1957, to ensure its future in perpetuity, Waddesdon was bequeathed to the National Trust. The Rothschild family continues to run Waddesdon through a family charitable trust, the Rothschild Foundation. Until February 2024, it was under the chairmanship of Jacob, 4th Baron Rothschild. His eldest daughter, Hannah Rothschild, is now the Chair. More here.
For more information on Waddesdon Manor and its exhibitions, visit www.waddesdon.org.uk, like @WaddesdonManor on Facebook, follow @WaddesdonManor on Twitter and @waddesdonmanor_nt on Instagram.
TouchWood Play is a leading creator of bespoke play environments that spark curiosity, creativity and connection with nature. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovative design, TouchWood Play works in partnership with heritage properties, visitor attractions and communities to transform outdoor spaces into extraordinary places to play. They are specialists in creating imaginative play spaces inspired by nature, we sensitively integrate play equipment into heritage settings, enhancing the visitor experience while preserving historic charm. www.touchwoodplay.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tracy Jones, Brera PR – [email protected] / 01702 216658 / 07887 514984 / www.brera-london.com
