Waddesdon Manor - Terrains Admission

Nice afternoon at Waddeston Manor grounds. 20 min stroll into the grounds & house, can get a shuttle. It was the Chilli festival on the day we went, which we didn't know, found it very busy in the car park, noisy music and booming announcements & it was very crowded around the event area. We were expecting a peaceful walk in a beautiful setting. Thankfully quieter away from this area, found the walks nice, beautiful flower beds, had a very nice ice cream at The Stables. Doing some work in the gardens & house but didn't affect our experience. Extra cost for the Chilli festival event on top of our national trust membership, hence only 4/5 overall rating.

With a day looking after granddaughter we decided to visit the new play area. The walk up from the car park was just at the limit of "are we there yet". We made our way past the house to the new play area which was very well done aesthetically. It really fitted in and appeared to be very high quality. Building it on the side of the slope down towards the stables meant that it had character. The zip wire proved popular but the comment from 4 year old on the overall park was that it wasn't very big. We think she meant that it wasn't very challenging - it was certainly not physically small but play value on one's own was limited. After that we had a picnic, returned to the park for the zip wire (again), visited the aviary and made our way back down the hill to the car.

I took my 3 and 5 year old grandaughters to visit the new woodland park, which is advertised for children aged 2 - 12. I beg to differ, there is no way that this is suitable for children under 5. There are no swings suitable for little ones, and the wooden structures are all far to big. My 5 year old just managed, with a lift up, to access the slides as the steps are not designed for little legs. This left my youngest frustrated and cross. All she was able to do was balance on the wooden edges. The only thing that made the visit not a complete disaster was the sandpit located at the top of the play area. This is large and well supplied with buckets, spades and toy diggers. Contrary to other revies I found the bus easy to use, and the children enjoyed the ride. I do agree that the cost is a shame. We love Waddesdon, but will give the park a miss until the children are much older.

Amazing day with the birds of prey! Berkshire Birds of Prey had so many different owls and hawks and taught us so much about the birds. We were even able to hold and fly the birds! My son said it was the best thing he’s ever done. All included in the entry price. They’re there this weekend and next and I really hope they’ll be back for Easter and summer holidays too!

For £14 per adult the car park is down a hill and 20 minute walk. The shuttle bus is £2.50. The statues and fountains are all wrapped up, only the daffodils of any note. In other words a royal rip off. Should have been half the price, shuttle bus should be free, and if you must charge us £14 get some early spring plants out, and open the restaurant, let us in the house half price, something. I've been in other years with tulips out, it can be better, but, I won't be going back for a while.

Stunning house, beautifully furnished and full of wonderful things. We were impressed by the very knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers, well-signposted one way system around the house. The aviary was beautiful and a massive display of tulips about to break out! Definitely recommend the shuttle from the car park (£2.50 return) but can't say the same for refreshments- different items were available from different doorways in the food area but we didn’t realise so ended up all having v expensive dry burgers on nasty white buns with no chips for £9 each.

Visited the Christmas market and winter lights well worth it. Plenty of room walking around the market although got busier in the late afternoon. The winter lights were spectacular and well laid out with a one way system. Plenty of food and drink stalls plus the NT cafe was open.