Colourful activities for children this summer

Our popular park trail is looking colourful this summer.

The wooden cut-outs of animals and birds on our trail were painted this year to give them a new look. Visitors can pick up free trail maps from the Manor Café (between 8.30am-4pm) on working weekdays, which will guide them on a short walk around the grounds. There’s a good chance of spotting some real wildlife too, with the Flood Resilient Garden and the woodland areas being particular popular with insects and butterflies. Note that children must be accompanied while on the park, as there is river access, and moving vehicles on the way to the café.

We are also inviting young people aged 4 to 18 to enter our 2026 ‘Art in the Park’ competition. Junior artists are asked to create their masterpieces on a postcard, available in the Café, on the theme of ‘Gardens for a changing climate’. Winners in each of the two junior categories (ages12-18, and ages 4-11) will receive a £50 prize each for themselves and £250 for their nominated school or youth group to spend on art supplies. These entrants must create their artwork on a postcard measuring 148 x 105mm, which they can send or hand in at the Manor Café. The deadline is 18 September 2026.

The Manor Café has also introduced a new children’s menu for the summer.