Waddesdon Manor has so much to offer for children.

The Woodland Playground is an adventurous trail encouraging children to test their dexterity as they swing, slide, balance and climb their way down the slope, exploring and discovering playthings both natural and man-made in the landscape. At the foot of the slope, next to the Stables, is a space dedicated to younger children.

There is an Explorer Trail which takes you around two routes in the Gardens, discovering all sorts of fascinating facts about animals, insects and plants along the way. You can either pick up a trail on-site or download it with extra information from the website before you visit (www.waddesdon.org.uk). Don't forget to collect your badge from the stables shop when you have finished the trail.

MAD adds up to Music Art Dance and Drama, our annual summer music and arts festival. Local schools and community groups work with professional performers to create events and workshops across the artistic spectrum. Come and join in, or even better, persuade your school to get involved. For further information visit www.madaboutwaddesdon.com

And don't forget that entry to Waddesdon house and grounds is FREE for children throughout the month of August!

In the Stables Courtyard is our Children's Shop full of retro toys, old-fashioned confectionery, home made fudge and whipped ice cream as well as many pocket money priced items.

Waddesdon has a beautiful Aviary, built for Baron Ferdinand in 1889, it is a spectacular cast-iron Rococo structure painted blue and decorated with real gold leaf. Today the Aviary has some 150 birds including 38 different species.

Waddesdon has a range of food outlets available. The Stables Cafe offers snacks, hot meals and afternoon teas, the Manor Restaurant offers breakfasts, an a la carte lunch menu and afternoon tea and both the coffee bar and summer house offer al fresco snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice creams.

We cater for any special diets: just inform your server of any dietary needs.

We have three shops: the Manor Gift Shop sells a range of jewellery, scarves, handbags, cards, mugs, tea towels, books and much more. The Stables shop sells retro toys and sweets and has some pocket money toys for children. There is also a wine shop at the Manor.

Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available at both the Manor and Stables.

We don't have any facilities to warm milk for parents and do not sell baby food.

By Rail: Regular train services run from London Marylebone to Aylesbury and Aylesbury Vale Parkway. For information on times and fares please visit chilternrailways.co.uk or tel: 08456 005 165 Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30. Taxis are available outside Aylesbury Station, Waddesdon is 12 miles. By Bus: Bus service from Aylesbury: Arriva The Shires no 16/17. For information about bus timetables and fares please visit www.arrivabus.co.uk or telephone 0871 200 2233. By Car: Post code for Sat Nav: HP18 0JH From London (allow 1.5 hours from central London). Take M40 to Junction 7. Turn right towards Thame. At first roundabout, take second exit towards Aylesbury. At next roundabout, take first exit towards Long Crendon. In Long Crendon turn right towards Chearsley and Waddesdon. In Chearsley, as the road swings to the right, go straight ahead into Winchendon Road towards Waddesdon. Continue until T-junction with A41. Turn left into Waddesdon village.

Buggies may be used in the grounds, and "hippy chicks" are available for parents to use inside the house when visiting with younger children. Disabled parking facilities available, drop off point in front of Manor. Wheelchairs available for both in the grounds and the house. There is a restriction of no more than 2 wheelchairs per floor inside the house at any one time due to fire regulations.

If you've had fun on your family day out to Waddesdon Manor, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.