23 - 31 May 2026
May Half Term Fun
Join us for a whole host of family fun at Burghley this May Half Term
Looking for a great family day out this May Half Term? Head to Burghley, where the gardens are blooming, the days are bright (fingers crossed!), and adventure awaits around every corner.
There's something for all ages and interests at Burghley, whether it is solving spy missions and climbing the thrilling Hidden Towers in Hide & Secrets Adventure Play, racing friends to the centre of the mirror maze and discovering spectacular sculptures in the Gardens or time travelling 500 years on a Beastly Boring Tour of the House where costumed guides bring history to life in the most fun and fascinating way.
With stunning vistas and endless space for outdoor fun, Burghley's Parkland is the perfect place to get together with family and friends. With free access and parking why not pack a picnic and bring your garden games to enjoy in Burghley's great outdoors. See if you can spot the resident herd of Fallow deer that call the Parkland home.
And for those seeking a cool ice cream, refreshing drink or a sit-down lunch we've plenty of family-friendly dining options to pick from. Find out more about everything Burghley has to offer this May Half Term below:
Adventure Play
Pick up a Spymaster’s Guide activity booklet at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play and get ready to take on special spy missions with Cecil the Mole. Scurry through tunnels, crack the secret codes, find hidden moles and follow sneaky trails through the play area.
The fun continues for secret spies at Hidden Towers with two enormous slides providing big thrills and an awesome rope bridge across a deep and craggy gorge to reach a tree-top lookout platform taking the mission to the next level. Climb, clamber, slide and explore. Imaginations will run wild.
Open daily, 10am to 5pm. Book online in advance to save up to 10%.
Beastly Boring Tours
Join this family tour with a difference. Our fantastic costumed guides bring history to life for the whole family as you explore the fascinating State Rooms of Burghley House. Includes an exciting Beastly Boring Guidebook packed with fun facts, puzzles and activities.
A great value ticket - a Beastly Boring Tour ticket includes access to the House, Gardens and Adventure Play for the rest of the day.
Available 26 - 28 and 30 May.
Craft Workshops
A chance for children to get creative in our fun and colourful craft sessions.
Included with admission tickets and free for Annual Passholders. Advance booking is recommended for these popular workshops.
Available 26 - 29 May.
Family Friendly Food
Our cafes and restaurants offer a great selection of food and drink with plenty of options for children. Stop at The Muddy Mole located in the heart of the Adventure Play action for pizzas, takeaway lunch boxes, ice creams and cool drinks; drop in to the Garden Café for a light lunch or snack, grab a smoothie at The Potting Shed or tuck in to the tasty kids' lunch menu or children's afternoon tea in the Orangery Restaurant.
Burghley Gardens
Step into Burghley’s enchanting Garden of Surprises, a hidden garden designed to spark curiosity and delight visitors of all ages. This magical garden invites families to explore together and uncover its secrets.
Bubbling fountains and winding water features lead you through playful and peaceful spaces - from Neptune’s shell grotto to the mysterious, misty moss house. Children will love navigating the mirror maze, while everyone can enjoy discovering their place at the centre of the world using the longitudinal dial. Full of wonder, beauty, and hands-on exploration, the Garden of Surprises offers a memorable experience where imagination comes to life.
Families can also enjoy the relaxing environment of the Sculpture Garden. Wander through the open-air gallery, enjoy the meandering pathways, find Teddy Bear's Picnic and take in the beautiful views across Capability Brown's great lake. The gardens welcome families, with easy access between Hide & Secrets Adventure Play and the Gardens, visit and spend the day in Burghley's great outdoors.
Ready to explore?
Take a look at our interactive map to discover everything Burghley has to offer and start planning your May Half Term day out!
