Cliveden Gardens and Maze
Maidenhead, Berkshire
About Cliveden Gardens and Maze
Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Cliveden offers families an enchanting day out filled with adventure, history, and natural beauty. With its sprawling gardens, majestic woodlands, and historic mansion, Cliveden is the perfect destination for families seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Cliveden Gardens
Step into Cliveden’s storybook gardens and wander where kings, queens, and adventurers once walked. Discover colourful flower displays, twisting mazes, sculptures, and plenty of space for family fun.
Discover Cliveden’s beautiful Rose Garden, bursting with colour from summer through autumn. With hundreds of roses in every shade — plus new varieties like Roald Dahl and Bring Me Sunshine — it’s the perfect spot for families to wander, take in the scents, and spot buzzing bees and butterflies among the blooms.
Kids will love exploring the various themed gardens. The Water Garden, with its charming lily ponds and bridges, is a hit with young nature enthusiasts. The formal Parterre, with its vibrant flower beds, offers plenty of space for running around and playing hide and seek.
If you're looking for something truly unique, did you know they have a giant sequoia tree here? They also have a flint grotto, expansive woodlands with majestic trees, and tranquil glades. Cliveden showcases far-reaching views and offers a variety of landscapes, from formal gardens to wildflower meadows.
The 500-metre-long maze will naturally draw the kids, and it's great for older kids to challenge themselves in the woodlands. However, the National Trust requests that under-11s be accompanied.
Children's Playground
Little ones love to play in the Storybook Play Den, complete with carved wooden figures and structures to run around, climb and play make-believe. Situated in the back of the Water Garden, along with picnic tables too. Please note that the Story book Play Den closes 15 minutes before the gates close. Opening times can be found on our website.
Cliveden’s house
Step inside Cliveden house, a place of intrigue and glamour for the elite since it was built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress. Enriched with antique furniture and period features, it has stayed true to its roots while providing a luxurious setting to rest, meet and play. Tickets available March to October (please check our website early March 2026 for specific dates and more details).
Food & Drink
Head to The Conservatory Café, where you'll find a range of delicious meals, from sandwiches and soups to other tasty treats. The kids' menu ensures even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Don’t forget to try the homemade cakes and scones – they’re a real treat.
Head to the Walled Garden car park to grab a takeaway hot drink or snack from the Refreshment Kiosk Grab and Go. It's dog friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along too. Open daily from 9.30am – 3.30pm.
Accessibility
Cliveden is well-equipped to accommodate families with young children and those with mobility needs. Paths are well-maintained, with plenty of rest areas throughout the grounds. Baby changing facilities are available, and most areas are accessible with pushchairs.
Cliveden has a range of accessible crockery and cutlery available for visitors to use and access, at the entrance of the Conservatory Cafe.
Accessibility Facilities
- Accessible parking
- Ambulant toilets
- Free of charge wheelchairs
- Hearing loops
- Accessible route
- Level access to facilities (excludes the house)
- Fully accessible visitor shuttle
Why We Suggest Cliveden for Families
Cliveden offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and family-friendly fun, making it an ideal destination for a day out with the kids.
From exploring the lush gardens and woodlands to uncovering the secrets of Cliveden House, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. With engaging activities, delicious dining options, and practical amenities, Cliveden ensures a memorable experience for families of all ages.
Planning your family visit
• Accessible toilets are available at the Doll's House, next to the Storybook Play Den and in the Gas Yard.
• Baby-changing facilities in Female & Male Gas Yard, Conservatory Toilets and in both toilets at the Doll's House.
• Accessible paths map available from the Information Centre.
• Paths around the formal gardens are laid to hard standing paths with a loose gravel top. Upon leaving the level access route, the Cliveden’s site is undulating with steep slopes in places and many steps (particularly when visiting Cliveden Riverside).
• All the paths around the Cliveden Estate are buggy friendly, however, the Woodlands may require a sturdier buggy.
• Two manual wheelchairs (including off road) and two all-terrain trikes (non-powered) are available from the Information Centre. We recommend hiring in advance of your visit. Please email cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01628 605069 to book.
• Two sturdy pushchairs are available at the Information Centre. Pre-booking is available but not essential.
• For picnic areas, head to the picnic area opposite the Walled Garden (next to the service drive). There are also picnic benches / tables at the back of the Water Garden, by the river and at the Woodland lounge.
• For quiet areas, visit Blenheim Pavilion, the Rose Garden, the Round Garden and the War Memorial Garden.
• The Maze and The Storybook Play Den close half an hour before closing time.
• Discover the kids pick n mix lunch box deal in the Conservatory Café.
Plan your winter visit to the gardens
Enjoy 80 acres of year-round interest and colour, from the bedding scheme of the geometric parterre, hundreds of roses in the Rose Garden, an Oriental-inspired Water Garden, to Lord Astor’s sculpture collection and the impressive Cliveden Maze. There are spaces for everyone to enjoy, for quiet reflection or time with loved ones.
Restoration work on Cliveden’s Long Garden is now complete, with the garden reopened to visitors. The aim of this restoration was to create a more sustainable planting scheme designed by James Scott, FSGLD, MBALI, MD and Principal Designer of The Garden Company. James’s design pays homage to Norah Lindsay’s original early 20th-century designs. Situated along the north boundary of the Cliveden estate, parallel with Bourne End Road, the Long Garden has been updated to reflect both its historic roots and modern ecological considerations.
Escape to the woodlands
Wander through Cliveden’s woodlands this winter and discover golden paths beneath turning leaves. Explore tree-lined rides and viewpoints framed by the rich colours of the season. Keep a look out for some of the more unusual features added by the families who have owned the estate over the years, including a flint grotto and a giant slice of a Californian redwood tree.
Woodland Play Trail and Clive's Den
Why not while away an hour or two on the log stepping stones, balancing beams, and more? You'll find the play trail in the heart of the woodlands just beyond the entry kiosk, off Green Drive. It's a great way to get active outdoors and is designed with children over six years old in mind. Next to the play trail is Clive's Den, an extra-special natural den for make-believe of all kinds. Clive's Den is big enough for the whole family to hide in. It's a great secluded spot to put your feet up at the tree trunk picnic tables.
Woodland Lounge
Located on Green Drive in the woodlands is the Woodland Lounge (directional signage is in place) A dog friendly indoor seating area which is open daily from 10am - 2.15pm.
Things to do with family this winter
Looking to get the whole family outside this winter? Cliveden has something for everyone, whether young in body or young at heart. From scenic walks to self-led family adventures, it’s the perfect place to make special winter memories together. Discover the seasonal delights waiting for you and the kids.
Plot an outdoor exploration, get creative in nature and explore impressive gardens and majestic woodlands as part of your '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' adventure at Cliveden. We’ve picked out the best spots to get you started (visit the Cliveden family-friendly website page to find out more).
Cliveden offers accessible toilets at the Doll’s House, Storybook Play Den, and Gas Yard, with baby-changing facilities in several locations. Level paths around the formal gardens are mostly hard-standing with gravel, while the wider estate has slopes and steps; all paths are buggy-friendly, though sturdier buggies are advised for the Woodlands. Manual wheelchairs, all-terrain trikes, and pushchairs are available from the Information Centre, with pre-booking recommended for some. Picnic and quiet areas are scattered across the estate. The Maze and Storybook Play Den close 30 minutes before the estate. Kids can enjoy a pick ‘n’ mix lunch box at the Conservatory Café.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Pushchair Hire
Opening Times
Seasonal times
1 January - 14 February: 09:30 - 16:00
15 February - 26 October 09:30 - 17:30
27 October - 31 December 09:30 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (18++) : £21.00
- Child (5-17) : £10.50
- Babies and Toddlers (0-5) : Free
• National Trust members have free entry.
• Children under 5 are free
• Children 5 -17 (inclusive) pay the child rate. 18+ pay the adult rate.
• Two adult family = 2 adults and up to 3 children
• One adult family = 1 adult and up to 3 children
• Group = pre-booked party of 15 or more
• Parking on the estate is at no extra cost
Adult (18+) £21.00
Child (5-17) under 5s free £10.50
Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £52.50
Family (1 Adult and up to 3 children) £31.50
Group (Adult 18+) £19.95
Group (Child 5-17) £9.98
For Boating at Cliveden
Entry is free for National Trust members, if you are not currently a member of National Trust an entry fee is payable upon arrival. You can purchase entry tickets to the estate as part of our online booking process to speed up entry when you arrive. Visit boatingatcliveden.co.uk for more information.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
The Conservatory café has the biggest selection of food and drinks, open daily from 9.30am - 3.30pm. From light bites to hearty lunches and meals designed specifically for little ones, there's a tasty treat for everyone at Cliveden. Hot food is served from 11.30am until 2.30pm. Each month, we have a new ‘Scone of the Month’ which can be purchased from the Conservatory Café. Check our social media channels for this month’s flavour. In addition to our standard menu, we also offer children’s portions and kids’ pick n mix lunch boxes which include 5 items to fuel their adventure.
Allergen information
Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.
If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
National Trust Cliveden
Cliveden Road, Taplow
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL1 8NS
England
From M4 take exit 7 onto the A4 towards Maidenhead and follow the brown signs. After about 1.5 miles, you will turn right at traffic lights onto Berry Hill. Continuing on to become Cliveden Road, the woodland car park will be about 1.5 miles on your left and the main entrance a further 1.5 miles on your left. From M40 take exit 4 onto A404 to Marlow an exit at junction 2, following the brown signs. Bear left at the roundabout onto A4155 towards Bourne End. Follow the A4155 for about two miles through Bourne End and on towards Wooburn. At the third roundabout you’ll take the right-hand exit onto Hawkes Hill. Follow this road as it becomes Hedsor Hill, then Bourne End Road. After two miles, at the ‘Y’ junction, turn right onto Cliveden Road and the main entrance is a few hundred metres further on the right. Continue for a further 1.5 miles to reach the woodlands. The main entrance is opposite the Feathers Inn. Sat Nav: Sat Nav: For the main estate and carpark please use the entrance at Feathers Gate, SL1 8NS. For the woodland car park entrance please use SL6 0HJ.’
Tel: 01628605069
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
Taplow 2½ miles and Burnham 3 miles are both on the London Paddington to Reading mainline. Taxi office/rank at both stations. We do not advise walking from these stations along the main roads. These are country roads with no pavements and very fast traffic (60 mph). Bourne End 2 miles is on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line. There is no taxi rank. These stations are served by GWR and the Elizabeth Line.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 12:19 05/01/2026
Cliveden Gardens and Maze Reviews
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