28 - 31 Jul - Aug 2025
Summer Adventures at Burghley
Dig into summer fun at Burghley!
This summer, grab your sunhat and your spy kit - Cecil the Mole has a burrow-full of fun ready for you to dig in to at Burghley. From colourful crafts and curious creatures to secret tunnels, clever clues and storytelling in the trees, Burghley is bursting with adventures for the whole family.
Explore the gardens, follow trails through Hide & Secrets Adventure Play, and take part in hands-on activities. There's even a Beastly Boring tour of the House (but don't worry - Cecil says it's anything but boring!). Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another visit, join Cecil and friends for a summer full of adventure.
Cecil's Makes & Missions
Cecil has a whole series of fun activities and workshops for you to try. From bugs and bunting to trees and clay, there's plenty to get stuck into.
Some activities are free to join - just drop in on the day. Others need to be booked in advance and have a small fee. Take a look at Cecil's What's On Guide to plan your day.
Drop-in Activities (included with Admission - no need to prebook)
Cecil's Garden Bunting | 4- 7 August
Cecil's Minibeast Mission | 11 - 14 August
Cecil's Tree Detectives | 18 - 21 August
Cecil's Storytime | 8, 15, 22 August
Cecil's Craft Workshops (£7.50 per child - booking required)
Cecil's Clay Creations | 5 & 14 August
Cecil's Dragonfly Designers | 7 & 19 August
Cecil's Slime Lab | 12 & 21 August
Hide & Secrets 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 and find hidden moles. Look out for Cecil's Summer Mole Missions with sneaky challenges for mini spies.
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.
Open daily, 10am to 5pm. Book online in advance to save 10%.
Beastly Boring Tours
Step inside Burghley House for a family tour with a twist! Join our costumed guides as they bring the stories of the State Rooms to life with fun facts, surprising tales, and plenty of imagination — perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
A great value ticket - a Beastly Boring Tour ticket includes access to the House, Gardens and Adventure Play for the rest of the day.
Various dates | £16 per ticket
Don't miss...
There’s so much happening at Burghley this summer, with a fantastic line-up of Special Event Days all included with your Admission Ticket or Annual Pass.
Living History Display | 2 & 3 August
Sounds of the 40s in the Gardens | 9 & 10 August
Jazz in the Gardens | 16 & 17 August
Feeling peckish?
There are plenty of tasty options for hungry adventurers! Pick up a kids lunch box, ice cream or cool drink from The Muddy Mole right in the middle of the Adventure Play action. Head to the Garden Café for snacks and light bites, sip a fruity smoothie from the The Potting Shed or sit down for a proper treat with the kids' menu or children's afternoon tea in the Orangery Restaurant.
The Great Outdoors
Burghley’s Parkland is the perfect place to run, roam and relax with family and friends. With free entry and parking, there’s loads of space to play garden games, spot wildlife, or simply soak up the sunshine. Keep your eyes peeled - you might even spot the resident herd of Fallow deer!
Ready to explore?
Take a look at our interactive map to discover everything Burghley has to offer and start planning your summer holiday day out!
