1 - 23 Aug 2026
Included with Admission
Cecil's Summer of Discovery
Make your next day out a summer adventure at Burghley, with Cecil's Summer of Discovery.
From uncovering the secrets of the Gardens and getting creative outdoors to enjoying interactive storytelling and family tours of the House, Cecil's Summer of Discovery is packed with adventure, imagination and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages, with each week offering new activities, exciting ways to explore the House and Gardens, and lots of creative fun.
Sunhat on, explorer’s kit packed - a burrow-full of fun, games and hidden discoveries await!
Check out our Cecil's Summer of Discovery programme below and grab a copy of our full programme on arrival for further details. Good to know - all activities are included with admission or an Annual Pass.
Scavenger Hunts
Head out on your own adventure with Cecil's Scavenger Hunts! Track down his favourite sculptures, search for Burghley's portraits and embark on a wildlife-filled mission.
- Sculpture Scavenger Hunt | Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 August, 10am to 5pm
- Portraits from the Past trail | Monday 10 to Sunday 16 August, 10am to 5pm
- Nature Discovery Trail | Monday 17 to Sunday 23 August, 10am to 5pm
Art & Culture in the Gardens
Monday 3 - Friday 7 August
Step into the gardens and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. From hands-on creative workshops to magical storytelling, there's opportunities for all ages to discover art and culture at Burghley.
- Cecil’s Clay Creations, Big Burghley Bunting Design and Commonwealth Celebration Flags in the Garden Activity Tent | 10am to 4pm
- Storytelling at the Enchanted Oak | 12pm
There's lots of fantastic art and portraiture to explore inside the House too!
A Time Traveller's Adventure
Monday 10 - Friday 14 August
Take a journey through time and discover Burghley's historic State Rooms, Meet the Tudors and discover the wonders of a Tussie Mussie from our Wise Woman. Continue your adventure outdoors with Victorian games, enchanting storytelling and lots more!
- Victorian Playtime, Big Burghley Bunting Design and Victorian Illusions in the Garden Activity Tent | 10am to 4pm
- Storytelling at the Enchanted Oak | 12pm
In the House
- Meet the Tudors | 10am to 4pm
- Family House Tour | 2.30pm
Activities in the House require House, Gardens and Adventure Play admission or Annual Pass.
Garden & Nature Discovery Week
Monday 17 - Friday 21 August
Discover the wonders of the great outdoors with nature inspired activities for the whole family. Hunt for mini-beasts, build dens, create wildflower seed bombs, and explore the gardens with storytelling and exciting new adventures.
- Mini-beast hunt and Big Burghley Bunting Design in the Garden Activity Tent | 10am to 4pm
- Den Building | 10am to 11am
- Garden Safari | 11.15am
- Design our Garden Chandelier and create Wildflower Seed Bombs in the Garden Activity Tent | 1pm to 3pm
- Storytelling at the Enchanted Oak | 12pm
Ticket Information
Dates
1 August - 23 August
Times
10am - 5pm
Summer Savings Tickets
From Adult £9.63, Child £7.44
Additional Information
Tickets | Admission to Cecil's Summer of Discovery is included with any Admission Ticket purchased or a valid Annual Pass. If you'd like your visit to include activities in the House, as outlined above, please ensure you've booked admission for the House, Gardens and Adventure Play.
Summer Savings | Reduced admission prices on all day tickets from 25 June to 1 September as part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings Scheme. Price reduction automatically applied.
