Stourhead in Wiltshire invites young visitors to embark on an interactive adventure with the launch of a new children’s activity trail within its historic house. The trail comprises a spotter trail and seven interactive activity stations, offering families an engaging way to discover the secrets of the 18th-century Palladian mansion.
Designed as a hands-on treasure hunt, the colorful flip-book trail leads children through the house to uncover hidden objects and gain insights into their historical significance. Along the way, families can explore bright blue activity stations where kids can engage in activities such as reading, sniffing scented boxes, sketching, planning a Grand Tour, and trying historical party games.
Elizabeth Ogilvie, senior visitor experience officer, expressed the vision behind the initiative, stating, “Stourhead house is filled with 300 years of stories and secrets that are for everyone to discover and explore – including kids! The new children’s trail has been designed to inspire our littlest visitors to spend a moment absorbed in Stourhead’s history through the medium of creativity and play.”
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This interactive experience aligns with the National Trust’s recent 10-year strategy, People and Nature Thriving, emphasizing public engagement and equal access to heritage. The activity trail is located within Stourhead house and is included with standard admission during normal opening hours.
Stourhead, renowned as ‘a living work of art’ since the 1740s, is nestled in 2,650 acres of Wiltshire countryside, featuring an iconic landscape garden with picturesque surroundings. The house showcases a Regency library, Chippendale furniture, and an impressive art collection, offering a rich tapestry of history and culture.