Kingston Lacy

There's space to bring all the family, including the dog. Wide, level paths are suitable for those with buggies or wheelchair users, providing easily accessible routes throughout the property. You'll be able to take a gentle stroll to South Lawn, hike your way round the three-mile Woodland Trail or criss-cross the parkland along numerous paths. Bikes are welcome in the parkland (but please be aware the multi-use trail is used by pedestrians as well).

The heart of Kingston Lacy is an opulent family home filled with spectacular artworks. Don't be put off from seeing these treasures if you have children with you; there are special trails to suit children of different ages (ask in the entrance hall when you go in), and lots of fun things to spot. Can they find the footstools shaped like a tortoise or the bats carved into one of the beds? Friendly room stewards always have great stories to tell that will keep children enthralled; find out the connection to Corfe Castle, discover who slept in the Dining Room and marvel at the magical, golden Spanish Room. Don't forget to visit the Egyptian Room, filled with beautiful treasures that will have you practising your hieroglyphs all the way home.

Outside, there's plenty of outdoor space and opportunities to connect with nature. Come in the spring to see rare breed lambs and calves, the summer for a game of frisbee and the winter for a spot of puddle-jumping. You'll often find activities in the Kitchen Garden, where the garden team could be seed-sowing or apple picking. Check out what's on via the website (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy) - go to the Things to see and do tab, and scroll down to find all the events.

The Kitchen Garden also has a second play area, more suitable for younger children. The play equipment takes inspiration from its surroundings; you can take a ride on a wooden cow, plant wooden veg in the mini greenhouse and relax on the buddy swing, suitable for even the smallest babies. It's next to an area with picnic benches, and a cafe trailer offering hot and cold drinks, light snacks and ice creams.

For older children, there is a bird-feeder station in the Kitchen Garden - sit quietly on the benches and you'll see a wide range of birds including blue tits, finches and robins.

There are lockers and a buggy store to leave bulky items if you don't want to carry everything around all day (and please note, buggies are not allowed in the house; the buggy store is located near the hosue so it'snot far for little legs to go). Ask at reception when you arrive and our staff will direct you to the right place; it's also shown on the Welcome leaflet, which you can pick up at reception.

You'll find lots of options for children at the Stables cafe, where there's a special children's lunch box, as well as other treats. Highchairs are available, which you can usually find in a corner of the cafe but please ask our staff if you don't see one.

If it's raining, you can while away some time in the second-hand bookshop, which has a children's section and also sells jigsaws to take home. The shop has a variety of pocket-money gifts and children's books as well.

Kingston Lacy is free to enter for National Trust members. Under-5s go free, check website for admission prices for older children and adults.

With car parking, level paths that are suitable for buggies and easily accessible pit stops at the cafe or cafe trailer, you can be sure of an easy day out.